The aim of the Graduate Diploma in Nursing in New Zealand with the embedded NZQA/NCNZ approved Short Course in Competency Assessment for Registered Nurses (CAP) Level 7 programme, is to provide a pathway for internationally educated, degree qualified registered nurses (IQNs) who wish to gain registration with Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ).

The programme prepares students to meet the NCNZ requirements for registration as a Registered Nurse. Successful completion of the programme: permits students to apply for registration under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA), and results in the award of the UCOL Graduate Diploma in Nursing in New Zealand Level 7, and the embedded NZQA/NCNZ approved Short Course in Competency Assessment for Registered Nurses (CAP) Level 7.

On completion of the programme the graduate will: Be prepared for safe nursing practice in Aotearoa/New Zealand health care settings, Demonstrate intellectual independence, critical thinking, risk assessment skills, therapeutic communication and analytical clinical reasoning;
Utilise and critique current evidence as a basis for best practice in nursing, Be competent in respect of the NCNZ Competencies for registered nurses (NCNZ, 2012b), Demonstrate their ability to communicate in and comprehend English sufficient to protect public safety (HPCA, 2003, sections 16 and 19(5)(b)), Be equipped with the skills required for lifelong learning, including entry into and participation in postgraduate study.

Graduates can continue with further study in nursing or a health related field at higher levels; for example postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma or masters degree.

Academic Requirements:Applicants must have successfully completed a nursing programme that is, in the Nursing Council's opinion, equivalent to a three year bachelor degree programme in nursing and at level 7 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. A certified copy of the qualification gained and a certified copy of the full transcript should be supplied.
Professional Requirements: Applicants must supply evidence of current registration with an overseas regulatory authority in the form of a certified copy of the registration certificate. Applicants must supply an original letter from employer(s) verifying two years post-registration nursing practice as a registered nurse of at least 2, 500 hours within the five years immediately preceding the date of application.
English Language Requirements: In accordance with NCNZ (2012a) and the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act [HPCA] (2003) requirements, international students whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the general medium of instruction is not English, will be required to provide a certified copy of the English Language Assessment (IELTS or OET) certificate. The English Language Assessment must be less than two years old at the time of application. The minimum requirements are: An IELTS score (Academic) of 7.0 in each band; OR OET A or B grade in all bands. The score/grade does not need to be achieved in a single sitting, but the score/grade must be achieved within 12 months of first sitting the test.
Applicants must supply an original letter from employer(s) verifying two years post-registration nursing practice as a registered nurse of at least 2, 500 hours within the five years immediately preceding the date of application.
English Language Requirements: In accordance with NCNZ (2012a) and the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act [HPCA] (2003) requirements, international students whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the general medium of instruction is not English, will be required to provide a certified copy of the English Language Assessment (IELTS or OET) certificate.
The English Language Assessment must be less than two years old at the time of application. The minimum requirements are: An IELTS score (Academic) of 7.0 in each band; OR OET A or B grade in all bands. The score/grade does not need to be achieved in a single sitting, but the score/grade must be achieved within 12 months of first sitting the test.
Additional Documentation Required: A curriculum vitae including a detailed record of post-registration nursing experience, including dates employed, name of employer(s), position(s) held and areas of practice, including actual nursing duties;Two original, signed and dated professional references;One original, signed and dated character reference; A certified copy of the current passport details page with a clear photograph; A certified copy of a change of name or marriage certificate if the name does not match all documents; A declaration of any previous criminal convictions;Any evidence of a disciplinary process from any country of residence; An original police certificate (less than 6 months old when received by UCOL) from the country of most recent residence, as evidence that the applicant does not have convictions that are punishable by 3 months imprisonment or more. Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment; the decision is at the discretion of the Academic Leader; Evidence of an appropriate visa to study at UCOL;A completed health declaration form (on form supplied by UCOL)
Application Process:The NCNZ provides a Guide to Registration as a Nurse in Aotearoa New Zealand on their website: www.nursingcouncil.org.nz. The applicant must download and complete the Nursing Council of New Zealand Application Form from the NCNZ website, International Nurse Registration page. This includes a statutory declaration of competence and fitness to register.
The completed application form, statutory declaration and supporting documentation is to be sent directly to UCOL. Where necessary all documents should be translated into English, and the translation certified.