New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing

If you are naturally caring, patient, and compassionate, and you want to help others, the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing can launch your healthcare career in just 18 months. Enrolled Nurses play a crucial role in our healthcare sector, providing nursing care in collaboration with Registered Nurses and other registered health practitioners.

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Invercargill
Campus
Invercargill
Qualification
Diploma
Level
5
Credits
180
Duration

18 months full-time, or up to 3 years part-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

$2,485.00 (Y1), $1,870.00 (Y2) (incl. GST)


International Fees

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

Course Outline

The purpose of the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing is to prepare enrolled nurses who are accountable and responsible for their own nursing practice, ensuring the delivery of safe, ethical and person‑centred health care that is consistent with their education, demonstrated competence, and relevant legislation. Enrolled nurses graduating from this qualification reflect the knowledge, concepts and worldviews of both tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti, grounded in Kawa Whakaruruhau and the principles of cultural safety.

Enrolled nurses work in partnership with individuals, whānau and communities, and collaborate closely with registered nurses and the wider interprofessional health care team to provide equitable, informed nursing care across the lifespan. They are an essential part of the health workforce, contributing to high‑quality care in a range of settings including acute and rehabilitation services, mental health, community and primary care, medical centres and aged‑care facilities and meets the Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements for application for registration within the enrolled nurse scope of practice. For those who are compassionate, patient and motivated to support the wellbeing of others, this 18‑month programme provides a supported pathway into a rewarding and meaningful career in health care.

Through a blend of classroom theory sessions, clinical environment simulation, and clinical placements you will learn:

  • Nursing Profession
  • Applied Social Science
  • Cultural Safety/Kawa Whakaruruhau/Te Tiriti o Waitangi
  • Applied Structure and Function of the Human body
  • Clinical Skills
  • Nursing Practice
  • Acute Care
  • Mental Health and Addictions
  • Rehabilitation

On successful completion of this programme graduates will be eligible to apply to Nursing Council of New Zealand to sit the NCNZ State Exam and register as a qualified Enrolled Nurse.

Course Content

Level 4

Foundational/Beginning

At the outset of their studies, tauira are introduced to the foundations of enrolled nursing practice, including anatomy and physiology, cultural safety, communication, and the social, historical, legal, and ethical contexts of health in Aotearoa New Zealand. This knowledge underpins safe, accountable, and culturally responsive nursing practice. Tauira apply this learning through 80 hours of clinical experience in NURS4401EN 401, supporting the development of early clinical skills and professional practice, and establishing a strong foundation for ongoing nursing education and growth

EN 401 Health Sciences 1

To enable tauira to develop foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology, with a focus on understanding how homeostasis is maintained throughout the lifespan

EN 402 Nursing Practice 1

To enable tauira to build and demonstrate beginning nursing knowledge, communication skills, and professional understanding for enrolled nursing practice in Aotearoa New Zealand, focusing on culturally responsive, person- and whanau centred care

EN 403 Nursing & Professional practice 1

To enable tauira to develop the knowledge and skills required for safe, ethical and culturally responsive enrolled nursing practice 

EN 404 Foundations of Hauora and Health

To enable tauira to develop knowledge for providing holistic, whanau-centred care that is guided by principles of hauora and informed by development, social and cultural factors that shape Aotearoa, New Zealand.

 


Level 5

Developing and emerging practice

At Level 5, tauira build on foundational learning by developing deeper nursing knowledge and clinical competence. They integrate pathophysiology, pharmacology, holistic assessment, and evidence-based practice to strengthen clinical reasoning and culturally responsive care across the lifespan. Tauira also engage with the legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks governing enrolled nursing practice, including safe medication administration and professional accountability. Clinical learning experiences (EN 504–506) enable application of theory in practice, supporting person- and whānau-centred care. Together, these experiences prepare tauira to meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s Standards of Competence and transition into professional practice.

 EN 501 Health Sciences 2 & Pharmacology

To enable tauira to understand anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of body systems, alongside pharmacological principles and diverse approaches to health and well-being

EN 502 Nursing and Professional Practice 2

To enable the ability to integrate nursing knowledge, cultural responsiveness, and evidence based practice to make safe, person and whanau centred clinical decisions

EN 503 Nursing Practice 2: Mental health and Addictions

To enable tauira to develop knowledge, skills and frameworks needed to deliver culturally safe and responsive care in a mental health or addiction clinical setting

EN 504 Nursing practice 3: Acute Care

To enable tauira to develop knowledge, skills and frameworks needed to deliver culturally safe and responsive care in a acute care setting

EN 504: Nursing Practice 4: Senior Persons Health

The aim is to enable tauira to demonstrate emerging clinical reasoning and clinical practice in a senior persons health care setting.

 


Level 6

Integrate and consolidate practice

Tauira will consolidate their nursing theory and practice through clinical nursing experiences to provide competent safe clinical practice independently. There is 240 clinical hours attached to EN 601 – totalling across the NZ Diploma of Enrolled Nursing 740 clinical hours, therefore meeting Nursing Council of New Zealand’s Education Standards 

EN 601 Transition to Enrolled Nurse Practice

The aim is to offer tauira to integrate and consolidate nursing theory and practice to prepare them for beginning practice as a registered enrolled nurse

Career Opportunities

Enrolled nurses work as a vital part of the health care team in a range of acute health care settings, such as hospitals, community services, and medical centres, or in aged care settings. Enrolled Nurses can have a variety of roles from general nursing through to specialised roles working in collaboration with Registered Nurses (who retain further responsibility for critical thinking and clinical decision making). 

Application Criteria

Academic Requirements 

 

NCEA Level 2 which must include:

 

- 10 credits in Level 1 Mathematics/or Numeracy

- 12 credits in Level 2 Science rich subjects

 

Or

 

- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Education Pathways (Level 3); or a recognised equivalent (Bridging or Pre-Health).

Tauira are required to demonstrate they can communicate effectively to meet the theory and clinical learning experience requirements to complete the DEN; and to demonstrate they can communicate in and comprehend English sufficiently to protect the health and safety of the public (sections16 a and b, HPCA Act, 2003).

 

 

If English or te reo Māori is not the applicant’s first language, applicants must provide evidence they have the necessary English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA table for English Proficiency Outcomes. Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact SIT for an assessment.

 

  • IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.5 in any subtest and must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test) 

 

OR

 

  • OET C+ minimum across all bands in one sitting 

 

Note: 

The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have met New Zealand University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language proficiency.

 

PTE is not accepted by Nursing Council of New Zealand for English language proficiency.

 

The Head of Nursing can request at any point an ILETS or equivalent English language test be undertaken by a tauira where English is a second language and where tauira are experiencing communication difficulties in theory and/or clinical learning experience courses during the DEN programme. This additional testing will be at the cost of tauira. Tauira must achieve a minimum as set out above. Failure to demonstrate English language proficiency at this level will result in tauira being withdrawn from the programme. (HPCA ACT 2003)

Specific Admission criteria

All applicants must:

  • Provide a completed medical declaration and/or evidence of a current health certificate indicating ability to practice safely from a registered health practitioner
  • Submit a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form with their application, which will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service if the applicant is accepted into the programme. This is returned in confidence to the Nursing Head of School .  Information on the New Zealand Vetting Service is available from their website
  • Provide two testimonials and/or character references attesting to the candidate’s suitability for working in Health Care
  • Be prepared to attend a group interview
  • Provide a confidential report from the institution where a candidate is applying to transfer to another institution
Qualification Pathways

This qualification does not lead to the Bachelor of Nursing, but if you choose to progress to the Bachelor of Nursing programme recognition of prior learning can be offered for a some of the Bachelor of Nursing Programme. For further clarification around this please contact the Head of School Karyn Madden on Karyn.madden@sit.ac.nz

Additional Information

GRADUATE OUTCOMES

On successful completion of the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing programme, graduates will be eligible to sit the NCNZ registration examination for Enrolled Nurses. Once this examination is passed, graduates may work as a beginning level Enrolled Nurse and deliver nursing care in a variety of health care settings under the direction and delegation of a registered nurse.

Graduates will work within the scope of practice of an Enrolled Nurse and be able to:

  • Safely apply knowledge and skills to deliver patient/client care across a range of health care settings
  • Competently assess health status and perform appropriate interventions in a manner that supports best health outcomes for clients
  • Establish, maintain and conclude therapeutic, interpersonal relationships
  • Work collaboratively and communicate in oral, written and electronic mediums relevant to the interdisciplinary health care team
  • Apply professional judgement, accountability and responsibility in ensuring that nursing practice and conduct meets professional, ethical and legal requirements and standards
  • Practise in a manner that is culturally safe and promotes health, autonomy, self determination and quality of life
  • Be responsible for own ongoing professional development to maintain competence 

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a criminal conviction – do I need to declare it?
Yes. All criminal convictions must be declared to the Head of School of Nursing before the course commences. Some criminal convictions may prohibit you from continuing your training.

I don’t have sciences or maths – does that matter?
Yes. Nursing is heavily based in the sciences and it is recommended that you have undertaken some studies in both.

Is there a list of recommended text books?
Yes. This is sent out with your acceptance letter.

Do I need a current first aid certificate?
YES you do. You must have a current basic life support certificate. This is required before you start (if possible).

Do I require any diagnostic testing?
Yes. In order to protect both yourself and other patients. You will be sent a laboratory form with your acceptance letter.

Do I need to have had the covid vaccine and booster?
Yes as part of the health profession this vaccine is mandated.

     
Are you a domestic or international student?

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