Otago Polytechnic is a public tertiary education institute in New Zealand known for industry-relevant, practice-focused study programmes. It supports international students with flexible delivery formats, personalised academic support, and pathways that link to further study or careers. Its veterinary nursing suite is part of a broader animal health and care offering that prepares learners for work with animals in clinical and rural environments.

 

Why Study the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (Third Year)?

The Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (third year) is a degree-level qualification (Level 7 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework) that builds upon earlier veterinary nursing studies, deepening your knowledge, skills and professional capacity in veterinary care. It is especially suited to students who have completed:

• The New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6), or equivalent; and
• Want to progress to degree-level expertise enabling advanced clinical practice, welfare leadership and broader career opportunities.

 

Subjects / Topics & Programme Structure

During the third year you will study courses that extend your clinical and professional capabilities, including:

Core Subjects (examples):

• Integrated Medical Nursing – Advanced medical veterinary care.

• Advanced Anaesthesia and Surgery – Support complex surgical and anaesthesia procedures.

• Applied Animal Welfare, Behaviour and Training – Welfare evaluation & behaviour principles.

• Wildlife and Conservation – Veterinary nursing in wildlife and conservation work.

• Emergency Care and Response – Handling clinical and field emergencies.

• Reflective Practice and Inquiry (A & B) – Research and reflective skills for evidence-based practice.

Practicum / Work Placement

• Work experience requirement: 160 hours of placement in veterinary practice.

• You must complete placements in at least two different clinics (unless employed), helping you apply theory to real clinical tasks and build professional confidence.

• You are responsible for organising placements, with guidance and support from programme staff.

 

Disciplines / Specialisations

This third year is focused on advanced companion and clinical veterinary nursing practice. It does not have multiple majors, but you can build strong expertise in areas such as:

• Surgical nursing
• Emergency and critical care
• Animal welfare and conservation
• Reflective, evidence-based professional practice
• Leadership and research approaches in clinical settings.

 

Highlights

• Provides degree-level qualification for veterinary nursing, elevating you beyond diploma-level technical skills.
• Flexible online delivery with practical veterinary placements — ideal for learners needing location flexibility.
• Prepares you for advanced roles including clinical care, welfare assessment, research reflection and leadership.
• Collaboratively delivered with dedicated teaching support from both Otago Polytechnic and EIT staff.

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

• Veterinary Nurse
• Veterinary Nurse Educator
• Animal Care or Welfare Educator
• Specialist Clinic or Emergency Care Roles
• Conservation and Wildlife Care Practitioner
• Roles with government or animal organisations (e.g., Department of Conservation, MPI)
• Commercial or Medical Representative in animal health sectors.

 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

If you study this programme from overseas via online delivery, you may not require a New Zealand student visa as long as you do not travel to NZ.

 

However, if you attend any face-to-face teaching, weekly tutorials at EIT’s campus, or clinical placements in New Zealand, you generally need a New Zealand student visa. Visa requirements include:

• Offer of place from EIT

• Proof of sufficient funds (tuition + living costs)

• Health and travel insurance

• Good character and health documentation

 

Latest Updates & Important Notes

• Otago Polytechnic is seeking approval to offer the full third year of this Bachelor at OP itself from 2026, allowing students to complete the entire programme at one institution. However, until approval is finalised, students apply through EIT.
• Work placement is a structured part of the qualification and essential for completion; you must plan early and arrange placements with clinic support.
• English proficiency and academic equivalence are confirmed by EIT admissions — secure documentation well ahead of deadlines.