Intermediate Applied Health Sciences (Level 4)
Intermediate Applied Health Sciences (Level 4)

Intermediate Applied Health Sciences (Level 4)

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) - Intermediate Applied Health Sciences
Do you enjoy helping others? Are you interested in learning more about the human body and how it functions? Are you keen on starting or shifting your career to the health field? If you dream of studying Nursing, Health and Wellness, or Applied Science (Laboratory Technician) at tertiary level, but do not have the necessary entry requirements, the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Intermediate Applied Health Sciences) (Level 4) may be right for you.

 

2024 Programme Update: Transition to Version 2

2024 will be the last year SIT2LRN will offer the current version (version 1) of this programme. All ākonga studying part-time should endeavour to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation before 31 December 2024 or risk completed (version 1) credits not being able to be recognised under version 2 of the qualification. Version 2 of this qualification, New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways, will be offered from intake 1 in 2025.
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Key Details
SIT2LRN Distance Learning
Qualification:
Certificate
Level:
4
Credits:
60
Duration:

Intakes 17 weeks long full-time

Up to two years part-time

Study Modes:
Distance Learning
Dates:

2024 Intake 1: 29 January to 24 May - Applications Close 15 January 2024

2024 Intake 2: 18 March to 12 July - Applications Close 4 March 2024

2024 Intake 3: 24 June to 18 October - Applications Close 10 June 2024

2024 Intake 4: 5 August to 29 November - Applications Close 22 July 2024
Fees:

 Fees Free*

First year of tertiary study

Tuition Fee: $0    Check eligibility


SIT Zero Fees Scheme**

Studying in southern regions (Southland, Queenstown or Clutha) or continuing study from 2023

  • Tuition Fee: $0   Check eligibility
  • Direct material Cost: $7.00 per credit (incl GST)

(e.g. $700 for 100 credit course)

 

Full Fees

New in 2024 and studying outside of the southern regions (Southland, Queenstown or Clutha)

Tuition Fee: TBC

 

International Fees

$12500

 

Unsure which one is for me? Check Fees Eligibility Check my options

 

Some Course Details May Change

As part of our move into Te Pūkenga we're aligning our courses nationally. This is ongoing, and means that some course details including fees, and entry requirements may change. In the meantime please go ahead and apply as normal, we will keep you advised of any changes, and we are always available to answer any questions you might have.

The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Intermediate Applied Health Sciences) (Level 4) delves deeper into a wide range of subjects that will provide you with the knowledge and academic skills directly relevant to higher study and further training in the applied health science sector.

Students will learn about the human system structure and function, chemistry in the human body, human metabolism, applied measurement and analysis, health promotion in differing cultural settings, as well as applied health sciences careers.
This course provides a base for learners to progress to more advanced studies or employment in applied health sciences.

 

2024 Programme Update: Transition to Version 2

2024 will be the last year SIT2LRN will offer the current version (version 1) of this programme. All ākonga studying part-time should endeavour to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation before 31 December 2024 or risk completed (version 1) credits not being able to be recognised under version 2 of the qualification. Version 2 of this qualification, New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways, will be offered from intake 1 in 2025.

Interested learners please note: all papers are compulsory and must be completed in the order listed below.

AHS200 Applied measurement and data analysis (5 credits)

This paper provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake relevant measurements, calculations, and data analyses in an applied health context.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Complete arithmetic operations with fractions and decimal numbers.
  2. Calculate the quantity of tablets required to administer a prescribed dosage.
  3. Calculate the quantity of liquids required to administer a prescribed dosage.
  4. Collect, present and interpret data.
  5. Understand and use the concept of probability in an applied health context.

AHS201 Chemistry in the human body (7 credits)

This paper provides students with the knowledge of chemical compounds, reactions and processes important to human function and activities in applied health contexts.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the organisation of matter, forms of energy, chemical bonds, and chemical reactions of atoms
  2. Describe the structure and characteristic of atoms of each of the major chemical elements and trace elements found in the human body.
  3. Describe organic compounds (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) and their role in the human body.
  4. Describe inorganic compounds, in relation to the properties of water and its importance to the human body, and the role of these compounds.

AHS202 Human metabolism (4 credits)

This paper provides students with the knowledge of metabolic processes, including the role of nutrients, absorptive and post absorptive states, metabolic rates and body heat maintenance relevant to applied health contexts.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the role of nutrients in human metabolism.
  2. Describe the metabolic processes of the absorptive and post absorptive states of human metabolism.
  3. Describe metabolic rate and body heat maintenance in human metabolism.

AHS203 Cells and tissues of the human body (5 credits)

This paper provides students with the knowledge of cellular structure and function, and the fundamental tissues of the body relevant to applied health contexts.

  1. Describe cellular structure and function.
  2. Describe and discuss the purpose of each of the fundamental tissues of the human body. 

AHS204 Health promotion in differing cultural settings (15 credits)

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Discuss importance of promoting health initiatives (initiatives may include, but are not limited to healthy nutrition, mammograms, mental health, exercise, smoking cessation, prostrate exams.
  2. Explain how cultural background may influence provision and uptake of health initiative information.
  3. Develop promotional information for at least two different health initiatives suitable for dissemination in te ao Māori, and two other different cultural settings.
  4. Establish criteria for reviewing promotional material to determine whether or not it successfully conveys it health information in a manner which supports cultural diversity and encourages uptake.

AHS205 Applied health sciences careers (5 credits)

This paper provides students with the knowledge and skills to develop a study/career plan in the applied health sciences field.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Discuss applied health science careers and level of study/experience required for career entry.
  2. Review career information against own interests and goals.
  3. Develop a plan for continued study/career entry to achieve own long-term goals.

AHS206 Human cardiovascular system (3 credits)

This paper provides students with the knowledge to describe basic composition and function of blood; and normal structure and function of the heart and blood vessels.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the basic composition and function of blood.
  2. Describe normal structure and function of the heart and blood vessels.

AHS207 Human respiratory system (3 credits)

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Describe normal structure and function of the respiratory system.
  2. Describe the factors influencing human respiratory function.

AHS208 Human musculoskeletal system (2 credits)

This paper provides students with the knowledge to describe the normal structure and function of the bones and joints of the human skeleton and the normal structure and function of the human muscular system.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Describe normal structure and function of the bones of the human skeleton.
  2. Describe the normal structure and function of the joints of the human skeleton.
  3. Describe the normal structure and function of the human muscular system.

AHS209 Human digestive system (2 credits)

This paper provides students with the knowledge to describe the normal structure and function of the human digestive system, including the process of digestion and the absorption and metabolism of the products of digestion.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Describe normal structure and function of the human digestive system.
  2. Describe the process of digestion.
  3. Describe the absorption and metabolism of the products of digestion.

AHS210 Human integumentary system (1 credit)

This paper provides students with the knowledge to describe the normal structure and function of the human integumentary system (skin, hair and nails).

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Describe normal structure and function of the skin.
  2. Describe the normal structure and function of hair and nails.

AHS211 Human urinary system (2 credits)

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Describe normal structure and function of the urinary system>.
  2. Describe the formation, composition, storage and excretion of urine.

AHS212 Human reproductive system (2 credits)

This paper provides students with the knowledge to describe the normal structure and function of the human female and male reproductive systems.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Describe normal structure and function of the female reproductive system.
  2. Describe normal structure and function of the male reproductive system.

AHS213 Human special senses (4 credits)

This paper provides students with the knowledge to describe the ear and functional process of hearing and balance; the eye and normal functional process of sight; the nose and the functional process of smell; the tongue and functional process of taste; and the role of nerve receptors in the skin and the functional process of touch.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the ear and functional process of hearing and balance.
  2. Describe the eye and normal functional process of sight.
  3. Describe the nose and tongue and functional processes of smell and taste.
  4. Describe the skin nerve receptors and the functional process of touch.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

  • Locate, select and analyse relevant information from a variety of sources and apply to context-relevant tasks and problems
  • Work independently and collaboratively on context-relevant academic tasks and problems
  • Construct a reasoned and researched argument, communicated using a range of appropriate media
  • Develop and critique a study and career plan that identifies specific long-term career goals

Applicants should demonstrate a likelihood of success in the programme of study. Likelihood of success may be demonstrated through a variety of means, including: relevant work experience (e.g. CV), letter of intent, achievement of NCEA standards in human biology, or an interview

School Leavers
Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age, and have attained NCEA Level 3.

Mature Applicants
Applicants over the age of 20 years at time of enrolment will be considered where they can demonstrate the ability to succeed in a programme. Examples of demonstration of ability to succeed are the provision of evidence of successful completion of a programme of study at Level 3 or above in a related discipline and/or employment in the related sector for one or more years. They may be admitted subject to programme regulations approved by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the Programme Manager as appropriate.  Personal commitment and a belief in one’s own ability to succeed are important personal traits and will always be taken into consideration during the selection process.

English Language Requirements

Applicants, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved one of the following

NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, or

an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A- level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English; or

Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA),or Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL);or

Successful completion of all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand,,Australia,Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States one of the countries listed in Rule 18.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters' Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States or

Successful completion of one of the following internationally recognised proficiency tests listed below to the level required of the programme of study and with all scores achieved in a single test during the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment


IELTS test - General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 530 (with an essay score of 4.5 TWE)
TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 46 (with a writing score of 14)
Cambridge English Examination - B2 First or B2First for schools with a score of 162. No less than 154 in each skill.
OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests
NZCEL - a) Expiring Level b) Current: a) Level 3 (Academic) b) Level 3 (Applied)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band score lower than 36
Language Cert - B2 Communicator International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS
Trinity ISE - ISE II with no less than pass in any band

* New versions of some NZCEL qualifications, and in some cases new qualifications, were published on 13 June 2017. These are intended to replace pre-existing versions and qualifications, which have been given expiring status until discontinued on 31 December 2019. (a) denotes expiring (b) denotes current

Full-time study

Full time study is completing all fourteen papers (60 credits) in one 17 week intake. This requires around 35 hours of study per week for the duration of the intake.

Full time acceptance in to the programme is at the Programme Manager’s discretion and is not guaranteed.

Part-time study

The number of papers you select to study per intake should depend on work, family, and other commitments. 

All work for a paper must be completed during the intake in which you are enrolled in it. If you do not complete the paper within the intake, you must re-enrol in the paper in a later intake.

 The example study plans beside are guides only; you are free to select fewer, or more, papers per intake, as time allows. Use the ‘Study Load Calculator’ table on the following page to calculate approximately how many hours per week you will require for your chosen study plan.

 

Light study load (2 years to complete

Average study load (1 – 1.5 years to complete

Full time study load

First enrolment

AHS200 (5 credits)

AHS201 (7 credits)

12 credits

AHS200 (5 credits)

AHS201 (7 credits)

AHS202 (4 credits)

AHS203 (5 credits)

21 credits

AHS200 (5 credits)

AHS201 (7 credits)

AHS202 (4 credits)

AHS203 (5 credits)

AHS204 (15 credits)

AHS205 (5 credits)

AHS206 (3 credits)

AHS207 (3 credits)

AHS208 (2 credits)

AHS209 (2 credits)

AHS210 (1 credit)

AHS211 (2 credits)

AHS212 (2 credits)

AHS213 (4 credits)

60 credits

Second enrolment

AHS202 (4 credits)

AHS203 (5 credits)

9 credits

AHS204 (15 credits)

AHS205 (5 credits)

20 credits

 

Third enrolment

AHS204 (15 credits)

15 credits

AHS206 (3 credits)

AHS207 (3 credits)

AHS208 (2 credits)

AHS209 (2 credits)

AHS210 (1 credit)

AHS211 (2 credits)

AHS212 (2 credits)

AHS213 (4 credits)

19 credits

  

Fourth enrolment

AHS205 (5 credits)

AHS206 (3 credits)

8 credits

    

Fifth enrolment

AHS207 (3 credits

AHS208 (2 credits)

AHS209 (2 credits)

AHS210 (1 credit)

AHS211 (2 credits)

10 credits

    

Sixth enrolment

AHS212 (2 credits)

AHS213 (4 credits)

6 credits

    

Additional information

  • As a guideline, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours study within an intake period. Click HERE to download a Study Load Calculator (spreadsheet).
  • All papers selected within a particular intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is requested (conditions apply; see FAQs).
  • Online enrolments are on a year by year basis and students are welcome to apply for multiple intakes in one enrolment.  Further enrolment is the responsibility of individual students.  There is no automatic enrolment rollover. 

Credit Transfers

Some NZQA unit standards meet the requirements for their corresponding paper in this programme. If you have previously completed a unit standard with a similar title and/ or content to one of the papers listed above, please contact SIT2LRN administration to see if that unit can be credit transferred into the programme to replace its corresponding paper.

All SIT2LRN courses require you to have a computer and internet access. Students are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT2LRN communications. All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system. Once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive an Important Information Booklet that includes information that you can use to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment. From the intake start date you will have access to the online course materials to work through.

Facilitator Assistance:  During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to Facilitators, who endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours (week days only).  All students are required, within the first two weeks of an intake, to send an email to their Facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study.  Students who have not emailed their facilitator or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the 2nd week of an intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme.  Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fees Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.

Progress reports are sent out 6-8 weeks after the end of each intake.

We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website for further study and enrolment information.

Please use the following checklist to ensure that all relevant information and documentation has been included. Remember, your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide us with.  Processing of your application will be delayed if we need to come back to you for missing information.

  • I have read all sections of the Programme Information on this page
  • I have read the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions section
  • I have met all admission criteria for the programme (found under Application Criteria)
  • I have met all the criteria for individual papers (found under Course Content).
  • I have selected the paper(s) I wish to study
  • I have selected intake(s) (I have selected alternate intakes rather than overlapping intakes)
  • I know my intended payment method
  • If my organisation/company is paying for my studies, I have a completed and approved purchase order to attach to my online application.  I am aware that should my organisation or company not pay my fees, these will become my responsibility.
  • I have completed and attached a cross credit form (if applying for a cross credit)
  • New students – I have provided an active NSN in the name I am enrolling in or I have verified ID and will attach it to my online application.
  • New students – I will attach academic documentation (NZQA record of achievement/academic transcripts/certificates).  These do not need to be verified. (If you do not have any academic documentation to support your application, please attach a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience).
  • I have computer access,  an Internet connection and access to software to create electronic documents e.g. Microsoft Word or Open Office

What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

The Zero Fees Scheme means we do not charge tuition fees. However, there is a Student Direct Material Cost that you need to pay. The administration fee is for processing your application and the Student Direct Material Cost gives you secure access to Blackboard® our online learning environment and to student support services throughout your study with us.

Who qualifies for the Zero Fees Scheme?

  • A New Zealand citizen completing the full qualification or 
  • An Australian citizen/New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident who will be residing in New Zealand for the duration of your enrolment.

Instructions to help you with your application:

  1. Read the Programme Information on this page and the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions and find out if you meet the application criteria for both the programme and the unit/s you wish to study.
  2. Check your eligibility for Zero Fees. If you are not eligible to study under this scheme, please call
    0800 748 257 for further options.
  3. Complete your online enrolment checking that:

If you are a new student …

  • Provide an active NSN number in the name you are enrolling in (contact NZQA on 0800 697 296 to get your NSN number if you do not know it);
  • If you do not have an active NSN, then attach a copy of your verified ID in the name you are enrolling in.
  • If you are a Resident or Permanent resident of NZ, please provide a copy of proof of residency;
  • Attach all academic documentation to support your application including copies of any certificates of courses you have undertaken / NZQA record of achievement / transcripts / CV;

Attach supporting documents as required and outlined on the previous page.

  1. Please check that you have included all the required information and supporting documents.  Your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide.  Missing information will delay the processing of your application.
  2. Please scan and email all additional documentation to sit2lrn@sit.ac.nz.

What happens next?

  • You will receive an automatic email confirmation when we receive your online application. Processing may take up to three weeks. However, we will get in touch with you sooner if we require further documentation.
  • Once your application has been accepted you will be sent a conditional offer of acceptance with an invoice and instructions on how to make payment.
  • Once we have received your payment (or if you have opted to pay by Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order) you will be sent an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet. Closer to the start of the intake you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter which will give you all the necessary information, tools and guidance to start your study with us.

To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4), and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:

  • A minimum of 60 credits in accordance with the programme schedule for the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4)
  • The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) full-time over six months or part-time over two years.

Please Note: Students failing to engage in study as per programme requirements may forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.

Assessments for this programme include online tests and written, short answer assessments. There are no external exams for this programme.

For more information on required and recommended textbooks for this course please refer to the textbook list here. 

Please note that textbooks need to be ordered at least 3-4 weeks prior to the commencement of your study

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