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

Embark on a rewarding journey with the one-year New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4). This programme offers practical, hands-on training and industry experience. You'll acquire essential knowledge and skills to support veterinarians and veterinary nurses in clinical settings. The curriculum covers animal communication and behaviour, husbandry and hygiene, handling and restraint, infection control, interpersonal relationships, and clinical effectiveness.

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Invercargill
Campus
Invercargill
Qualification
Certificate
Level
4
Credits
120
Duration

One year full-time

Dates
TBC
Fees
This programme qualifies for SIT Zero Fees. Terms and Conditions apply. Click here for more information.
Tuition Fees

Zero tuition fees

Direct Material Costs

$2,841.00 ((incl. GST)

International Fees

Check if this course is available to international students in our International section.

Course Outline

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.

Course Content

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 Opportunities

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 List of Animal Healthcare Assistants.

Application Criteria

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.
Qualification Pathways

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

Additional Information

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. 

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