The purpose of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing is to produce highly-skilled graduates who place veterinary nursing in a scientific, evidence-based framework and who have an holistic view of animal health within the broader context of environmental and human/societal well-being.
This qualification will prepare individuals for a range of roles within the animal health industry and builds upon the skills embedded within the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) and New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) while at the same time placing them in a position to pursue further postgraduate study.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to critically evaluate current practice and contribute to the existing body of knowledge around animal health and welfare.
Graduates will be able to:
- contribute to the improvement of animal health and welfare as a highly-capable member of the veterinary nursing profession;
- enhance professional development through the progression of evidence-based veterinary nursing;
- communicate and collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders;
- recognise the place of tikanga Māori, Te Reo Māori, and the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi in veterinary nursing practice;
- model appropriate social, ethical, cultural, and professional behaviour within the animal health industry;
- apply a range of facts, principles, and theories of anatomy, physiology, animal behaviour, and animal health and welfare to their practice and/or research;
- apply critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in their veterinary nursing practice; and
- conduct research in animal health and/or welfare.

Graduates of this degree may choose to undertake postgraduate studies in the fields of animal health, behaviour, and/or welfare.

42 credits at NCEA Level 3 with 14 credits at NCEA Level 1 or higher in Maths and English or equivalent. Special and discretionary admission accepted. Three days' work-experience in a vet clinic and a letter of support, a social skills reference, a criminal conviction declaration and medical clearance.
Entry requirements:
General Admission
Candidates must have:
a. A minimum of 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, with 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of two science-related subjects, with a further 14 credits at Level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework;
AND
b. A minimum of 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in mathematics or Pangarau on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework;
AND
c. A minimum of 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (a minimum of 4 in reading and 4 in writing);
OR
d. At least three 'C' passes in the New Zealand University Bursaries Examinations in science- or health science-related subjects;
OR
e. Successful completion of an appropriate qualification at Level 3 or above in a science- or health science-related field where appropriate or equivalent.
Special Admission
Applicants must have:
a. attained the age of 20 years on or before the first day of the semester in which study for the degree is to start;
AND
b. provided sufficient evidence of aptitude or appropriate work or other life experience that would indicate a potential successful outcome in the qualification.
8
Discretionary Admission
Applicants must have:
a. a minimum of 68 credits at NCEA Level 2 in their best four subjects;
OR
b. a maximum total of 12 in New Zealand Sixth Form Certificate in their best four subjects;
OR
c. equivalent.
English language Entry Requirements
Applicants must have achieved a minimum standard of English as demonstrated by a minimum of 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English (4 of these credits must be in reading and 4 must be in writing).
International applicants must also meet the English language entry requirements identified in Unitec's Admission Requirements Policy.
Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the requirements for general, special, or discretionary admission, applicants must:
a. have completed at least three days' work-experience in a veterinary clinic before applying for this programme;
AND
b. provide:
i. a letter of recommendation from the clinic at which they completed their work experience;
ii. a reference from an employer where the prospective student has worked with the public; and
iii. a reference from a teacher (or similar) attesting to the applicant's social skills.
AND
c. sign a consent form that allows Unitec to complete a search of a Ministry of Justice convictions database
i. In the event this search uncovers any un-declared convictions, the relevant application will be referred to the Admissions Committee.
AND
d. provide a completed medical declaration indicating there is no evidence of a medical condition that will affect their ability to practice safely as a veterinary nurse;
OR
e. have completed the Level 5 New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology or equivalent
OR
f. have completed the Level 6 New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or equivalent.
Applicants whose veterinary nursing qualifications include credits at Level 4 may be admitted to the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing following successful completion of additional courses from the NZCAT or NZDVN schedule as required.