Certificate in Veterinary Nursing

This programme provides students with the theoretical and practical skills appropriate for entering employment in the animal health sector, or in preparation for further specialist study.  The qualification will be awarded to students who have competence in a wide range of skills appropriate to work in a veterinary clinic.

CVN101 Animal Care 1

A minimum of 15 credits is required from the following:

5176     Collect and test diagnostic samples from companion animals, and prepare the samples for dispatch

5180     Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of animals

5183     Handle and transport injured companion animals

CVN102 Animal Care 2

A minimum of 15 credits is required from the following:

5165     Describe parturition and after care of companion animals

5181     Provide emergency first aid care to companion animals

5189     Follow safe working practices and standards in the animal facility

CVN103 Animal Care 3

A minimum of 15 credits is required from the following:

5222     Recognise and interpret problems for behaviour in companion animals

7337     Monitor health and provide husbandry for dogs

21380   Demonstrate and apply knowledge relating to animal facility environmental hygiene

CVN104 Animal Care 4

A minimum of 15 credits is required from the following:

5148     Monitor health and provide husbandry for cats

5149     Monitor health and provide husbandry rodents and rabbits

5179     Conduct a preliminary clinical examination of an animal

19894   Demonstrate knowledge of zoonoses and their control

CVN105 Business 1

A minimum of 15 credits is required from the following:

327      Document business transactions

3501     Apply listening techniques

9677     Participate in a group/team which has an objective

12349   Demonstrate time management

12355   Demonstrate knowledge of stress and ways of dealing with it

CVN106 Vet Services 1

A minimum of 15 credits is required from the following:

5151     Monitor health and provide husbandry for caged birds

5191     Admit and discharge animal patients

5192     Dispense animal drugs as directed by the veterinarian

5202     Assist the veterinarian to perform post mortem procedures

21384   Demonstrate and apply knowledge of professional behaviour for veterinary nurses

CVN107 Vet Services 2

A minimum of 10 credits is required from the following:

5155     Prepare animal patients for surgery

5156     Assist with animal surgery as a circulating veterinary nurse

CVN108 Vet Services 3

A minimum of 15 credits is required from the following:

5157     Assist with animal surgery as a surgical assistant

5195     Demonstrate knowledge and skills for providing veterinary reception services

5213     Assist with artificial breeding of dogs

21379   Demonstrate knowledge of requirements relating to transport of cats and dogs

CVN109 Vet Services 4

A minimum of 30 credits is required from the following:

1296     Interview in an informal one to one situation

5158     Assist the veterinarian with animal anaesthetic and analgesic procedures

11831   Apply skills and qualities of a salesperson in a retail distribution environment

21381   Demonstrate knowledge of ethical behaviour in relation to animals

CVN110 Vet Services 5

A minimum of 15 credits is required from the following:

5160     Nurse a hospitalised animal patient

5178     Assist to take radiographs of animals and process

5200     Prepare for an intravenous drip, monitor animal while on fluid therapy

21382   Monitor health and provide husbandry for ornamental fish

The programme is designed to provide education and training for people wishing to progress to higher levels of tertiary training, or gain employment in animal related industry sectors, including veterinary practices, animal laboratories, pet shops, kennels, animal welfare agencies, or farms.

The minimum expected formal requirement for entry into this programme is a minimum of six NCEA credits at level 2 in biology or equivalent. Alternatively successful completion of the National Certificate in Animal Care. Plus submission of a brief resume, or curriculum vitae.

Applicants whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, must provide evidence of achieving an IELTS Academic English language test overall score of 6.0.

For students to be considered to have satisfactorily completed this programme, and to be eligible for award of the qualification Certificate in Veterinary Nursing, they must have: Attended and completed all off site practical work based requirements. Attended for not less than 80% of the timetabled class hours and other learning activities, or attended less than 80% of the timetabled class hours, but successfully completed all of the programme requirements. Shown competence in all scheduled modules, a total of 150 credits.

Module      Unit standard

CVN101    All unit standards

CVN102    All unit standards

CVN103    All unit standards

CVN104    All unit standards

CVN105    All unit standards

CVN106    All unit standards

CVN107    All unit standards

CVN108    All unit standards

CVN109    A minimum of 20 credits

CVN110    All unit standards

For students to be considered eligible for award of the National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing qualification they must have: Shown competence in the following scheduled modules, a total of 160 credits, and upon application to NZQA.

Module      Unit standard

CVN101    All unit standards

CVN102    All unit standards

CVN103    All unit standards

CVN104    All unit standards

CVN105    All unit standards

CVN106    All unit standards

CVN107    All unit standards

CVN108    All unit standards

CVN109    All unit standards

CVN110    US5160, 5178 and 5200