New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) (Companion Animal Healthcare)

New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) (Companion Animal Healthcare)

New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) (Companion Animal Healthcare)

Experience the reward of working with animals on this one year New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting Level 4 programme, including practical hands-on training and experience in industry. You will gain a range of knowledge and skills required to assist vet doctors and nursing professionals in clinical veterinary practice. You will learn about animal communication and behaviour, husbandry and hygiene, handling and restraint, infection control, interpersonal relationships and clinical effectiveness.

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Key Details
Invercargill
Qualification:
Certificate
Level:
4
Credits:
120
Duration:

One year full-time

Study Modes:
On Campus
Dates:

2025 Semester 1: 17 February to 21 November
Fees:

This programme is eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme.

  • NO tuition fees
  • Direct material costs are $2,489.00 (GST inclusive)

International Fees can be found here.

This new programme recognises the role of an animal healthcare assistant as distinct from a veterinary nurse or a veterinary technician. All those roles form an important part of the veterinary healthcare team and it’s been designed to create a solid training pathway for those wanting a career as an Animal Healthcare Assistant.

The role of an Animal Healthcare Assistant is to support Veterinary Nurses, Veterinarians in veterinary practices.

You will graduate with the technical knowledge and skills you need to perform this job under broad supervision and will gain effective teamwork and communication skills.

ANML4101 Companion Animal Professionalism and Infection Control

 The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to work in a professional, safe, and effective manner in an animal health care environment

ANML4102 Companion Animal Anatomy and Physiology

 The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to animal nutrition, and basic anatomy and physiology to support companion animal patient care.  

ANML4103 Introduction to Companion Animal Husbandry and Behaviour

 The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide safe and appropriate husbandry and handling to support companion animal health and welfare.

ANML4104 Companion Animal Practicum 1

 The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide day to day care of companion animals as part of an interprofessional team.

ANML4105 Companion Animal Health and Hygiene

 The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to assist in the provision of companion animal healthcare.

ANML4106 Companion Animal Clinical Assistance

 The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide clinical assistance in all aspects of the animal healthcare environment.

ANML4107 Companion Animal Preparation for Practice

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for effective clinical practice and first aid.

ANML4108 Companion Animal Practicum 2

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to assist with healthcare and clinical procedures in companion animals as part of an interprofessional team.

Career and Study Outcomes

Upon completing this programme, you can assist veterinarians and nurses in a companion animal practice or continue your studies with the two-year New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing Level 6. In addition, graduates will be eligible to apply for registration on the New Zealand Register of Animal Healthcare Assistants.

Entry requirements:

  • 40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits - TO BE CONFIRMED or
  • the equivalent tertiary study or - meet the education providers requirements for the equivalent numeracy and literacy standards.

This programme is made up of 2 Semesters over 1 year.
On campus delivery with access to online course resources related to animal health education, allow for an efficient integrated approach to learning and assessment.
Clinical activities in our simulated zoo rooms and local industry, help ensure theory knowledge is supported by practical skills. 

The programme requires 240 hours of placement. This is equivalent to around one day per week. 80 hours of this must be in a veterinary clinic setting, the other 160 hours can be completed at other animal facilities. You will need to get experience with cats and dogs, and either rabbits or birds.
The teaching team will provide more details on all work placement requirements at the start of course. 

On successful completion of the programme, you can study our two- year New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing to widen your career opportunities.

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