Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing

EIT

Subject area

Veterinary Studies not elsewhere classified

Qualification

Check out Fees Free to see whether you are eligible for a year of fees-free study or two years industry training. Contact your provider to confirm your study options meet the criteria.

Entry requirements

22.2.1 The academic entry requirement for the BVN is either * University Entrance, as defined by the NZQA; or * evidence regarded as sufficient by the Head of School of the capability to undertake and complete the programme of study; or * at the discretion of the Head of School, where the applicant is over 20 years of age and demonstrates the capability to undertake and complete the programme of study. 22.2.2 All applicants are required to submit a Curriculum Vitae indicating referees who can verify that the applicant has completed * a minimum of three days observing in a veterinary clinic; and * a minimum of 10 days of animal handling experience with organisations/businesses such as the SPCA, kennels, catteries, pet shops and farms*. *An applicant without such animal handling experience will be required to complete the EIT animal handling bridging course. 22.2.3 All applicants will be required to attend an information session and interview prior to admission to the programme, the purpose of which is to * share information and communicate expectations regarding the programme; * ascertain whether previous experience working with animals equates to the 10 days at appropriate organisations/businesses in 22.2.2; and * confirm the applicant's suitability for the practical aspects of the programme. 22.2.4 All applicants must provide a copy of their criminal record (criminal conviction history) obtained from the Ministry of Justice. [Note: A prior conviction may not necessarily exclude an applicant from admission. Any concerns arising from the criminal record check will be referred to the Programme Coordinator and/or (Assistant) Head of School for consideration regarding the applicant's admission.] 22.2.5 All applicants must have evidence of a level of literacy and numeracy sufficient to (i) be able to study at this level, and (ii) interpret and apply health and safety requirements. 22.2.6 All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. For international students, ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following: * successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (subject to the conditions in EIT's Database for English Language Proficiency (DELP)) * completion of a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3 with any endorsement) * IELTS Academic score of 6, with no band score lower than 5.5, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment * accepted international equivalents to the above IELTS scores, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment (see equivalency tables in the DELP)

About the course

What can I expect out of this qualification?

The BVN aims to equip students with skills and knowledge required to work safely and effectively with a wide variety of animals in a range of local and global contexts, from veterinary clinics to large scale emergencies. Graduates of the BVN will place animal welfare at the forefront of every veterinary nursing task and procedure, basing their practice on contemporary evidence and extensive theoretical knowledge and skills in veterinary medical nursing, anaesthesia, surgical assistance, animal rehabilitation options, animal behaviour and training methodologies. Furthermore, BVN graduates will integrate extensive knowledge and understanding of the professional, cultural, ethical and moral responsibilities of a veterinary nurse and be able to think and reflect critically to continuously improve animal well-being, their own practice and the industry as a whole. Graduates will be prepared to proactively engage in inquiry to support evidence-based practice in advising clients on the management of individual animal care, and will possess strategies to deal with emotionally and otherwise stressful situations.