New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (Health pathway)

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (Health pathway)

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (Health pathway)

Do you enjoy helping others? Are you fascinated by the human body and how it functions? Are you eager to start or shift your career to the health field? If you dream of studying Social Services, Support Work, Nursing, Health, or Applied Science (Laboratory Technician) at the tertiary level but lack the necessary entry requirements, the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) might be the perfect fit for you.

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Key Details
SIT Online
Qualification:
Certificate
Level:
3
Credits:
60
Duration:

17 weeks full-time

Up to two years part-time

Intakes are 17 weeks long

Study Modes:
Distance Learning
Dates:

2027 Intake 1: 25 January to 21 May - Applications Close 11 January 2027

2027 Intake 2: 15 March to 09 July - Applications Close 01 March 2027

2027 Intake 3: 07 June to 01 October - Applications Close 24 May 2027

2027 Intake 4: 26 July to 19 November - Applications Close 12 July 2027

2027 Intake 5: 16 August to 10 December - Applications Close 02 August 2027
Fees:

Zero Fees Scheme

  • Tuition Fee: $0   Check eligibility
  • Direct Material Cost: $8.00 per credit (incl. GST)

International Fees

$100 per credit

 

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

 

     
In addition to core academic subjects such as anatomy and physiology, human biology, mathematics, and mental health, learners will also learn about professional relationships, cultural identities, teamwork and ethics.

Interested learners please note: all papers must be successfully completed to be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3).

Code 3001  Skills for Academic Study (15 credits)

This paper enables students to develop and apply a range of academic and self-management skills for tertiary study and career pathways.

On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.      Apply a range of study and self-management skills for tertiary study.

2.      Present information using a range of media appropriate to the audience.

3.      Discuss the impact of cultural identity on their learning and career goals.

Code 3003 Making Sense of Calculations (15 credits)

This paper enables students to develop confidence with using strategies for solving problems which involve numbers, measurements and data without using a calculator.

On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.     Develop strategies for carrying out simple numeric calculations including with fractions, decimals and percentages.

2.     Carry out simple metric conversions.

3.     Use proportional thinking to solve simple problems involving rates and ratios.

Code  3005 An Introduction to the Human Body (15 credits)

This paper enables students to develop the basic concepts of organisation, structure and function of the human body.

On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.      Apply discipline-specific literacies appropriately.

  1. Describe the structural organisation of the human body.
  2. Describe the structure and function of selected body systems.
  3.  Investigate the effect of exercise on selected body systems.

Code 4015 Health and Interpersonal Relationships in Aotearoa New Zealand (15 credits)

This paper enables students to understand introductory communication skills and explore contemporary issues that influence health and social service provision.

On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

  1. Describe verbal and non-verbal communication in a variety of settings.
  2. Explore the impact of self on communication and relationships in a health and social service context.
  3. Describe and discuss selected concepts related to healthcare provision in Aotearoa / New Zealand.

Identify relevant ethical and legal concepts and their implications related to health and social services.

(For more information - please contact sitonline@sit.ac.nz)

After completing the certificates in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3 & 4) Nursing, Health and Applied Science, students could pursue further study (at diploma or degree level) in health, wellbeing and science related subjects, such as:

  • Nursing
  • Massage
  • Sport and Exercise
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Social Work (starts 2027)
  • Midwifery (not available at SIT)

Entry Requirements

All applicants must:

  • be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences
  • be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level
  • be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes

International students or those for whom English is not a first language must attain an IELTS score of at least 5.0 with no band score lower than 5.0; or an equivalent score from a recognised alternative English proficiency test.

Studying online at SIT

Once you are enrolled, your course materials, assessments and due dates will be available through Blackboard, SIT's online learning environment. You will have access to your course materials from the start date of your intake.

Students are required to use their SIT email for SIT Online communications. Once you have been accepted into a programme, you will receive an Important Information Booklet with guidance to help you get familiar with Blackboard.

Staying in contact with your Facilitator

During your intake, you can contact your Facilitator by email. Facilitators aim to respond within 2 working days.

Within the first 1-2 weeks of your intake, you need to email your Facilitator to confirm that you have started your studies. If you have not contacted your Facilitator or started your course by the end of the second week, you may be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme.

This may affect your future access to the Zero Fees Scheme, and you will still be responsible for Student Direct Material Costs.

Results and transcripts

After each intake, check your results through MySIT.

Once you successfully complete your programme, you will receive an official academic transcript, which will be posted to you.

If you're new to SIT Online, we also recommend reading the FAQs for more information about studying and enrolling online.

 

Study load

Full-time study 

For StudyLink purposes, the minimum study load considered full-time depends on the length of your intake:

  • 12–15 weeks: minimum 36 credits
  • 16–19 weeks: minimum 48 credits
  • 20 weeks: minimum 60 credits

Part-time study*

If you plan to study part time, consider your work, family and other commitments when choosing your study load.

As a guide, we recommend:

  • Working 37+ hours per week: up to 30 credits per intake
  • Working 20–37 hours per week: up to 45 credits per intake
  • Working fewer than 20 hours per week: up to 60 credits per intake

These are guidelines only. The right study load will depend on your individual circumstances.

*Your eligibility and maximum duration you have to complete your qualification part-time is subject to change, enquire to confirm.

How much study time should I allow?

As a guide, one credit is approximately 10 hours of study.

Use the Study Load Calculator to help work out a manageable study load based on your commitments.

Important enrolment information

  • All papers selected for an intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is approved. 
  • Online enrolment is completed year by year, and you can apply for multiple intakes in one enrolment.
  • You are responsible for enrolling for further study. Enrolment does not automatically roll over to the next year.

Cross credits and previous study

If you have completed relevant previous study or have applicable prior learning, you may be eligible for cross credit, credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.

See the SIT information on cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning for eligibility and application details.

If you have completed relevant previous study or have applicable prior learning, you may be eligible for cross credit, credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.

Check our current information on cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning for eligibility and application details.

Workforce Restrictions for Children's Workforce

If you have a criminal conviction, and you are studying (or considering studying) toward a qualification that will lead to a job in the state funded sector (including teaching or providing youth services) working directly with children, you need to check whether your conviction could prevent you from working in some roles in your chosen field.

This is because new legislation, the (Vulnerable) Children's Act 2014, will prevent state sector agencies and government-funded service providers from hiring people with convictions for specified offences to work with children in some roles. The restrictions came into effect on 1 July 2015.

You can read the list of the specified offences online here.

You can get more information about the Children's Act here.

This information has been supplied by the Children’s Action Plan Directorate and the Tertiary Education Commission.

Before you apply

Please read the Information on this page before starting your application. 
Your application will be assessed based on the information and supporting documents you provide.

Missing information or documents may delay your application.

Application checklist (once you click “Enrol”)

Before submitting your application, check that:

  • You have read the Programme Information on this page.
  • You meet the programme admission requirements.
  • You meet any entry requirements for the individual paper(s) you want to study.
  • You have selected your preferred intake(s), avoiding overlapping intakes.
  • You know how you intend to pay for your study.
  • If your organisation or employer is paying, you have an approved purchase order ready to attach. If they do not pay your fees, these will become your responsibility.
  • If applying for cross credit, you have completed the required cross credit form.
  • You have access to a computer, internet connection and software for creating electronic documents, such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice.

For Level 3 programmes: You will be required by the Tertiary Education Commission to complete at least one literacy and one numeracy assessment as part of your studies.

New students

You will also need to:

  • Provide an active NSN in the name you are enrolling under. If you do not know your NSN, contact NZQA on 0800 697 296.
  • If you do not have an active NSN, provide verified identification in the name you are enrolling under.
  • If you are a New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident, provide proof of residency.
  • Provide supporting academic documentation, such as your NZQA Record of Achievement, academic transcripts or certificates. These documents do not need to be verified.
  • If you do not have academic documentation, provide a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience.
  • Attach any other supporting documents required for the programme.

Zero Fees Scheme | What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

Under the Zero Fees Scheme, SIT does not charge tuition fees. You will still need to pay the applicable Student Direct Material Cost and a non-refundable administration fee.

The Student Direct Material Cost provides access to Blackboard®, SIT's online learning environment, and student support services throughout your study.

Who qualifies?

The Zero Fees Scheme is available to:

  • New Zealand citizens completing the full qualification.
  • Australian citizens, New Zealand Residents and Permanent Residents who will be living in New Zealand for the duration of their enrolment.

If you are not eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme, call 0800 748 257 to discuss your options.

Submit your application

Complete the online application and attach all required supporting documentation.

Before submitting, check that the information you have provided is complete and accurate. Missing information or documentation may delay the processing of your application.

Any additional documentation can be emailed to sitonline@sit.ac.nz.

What happens next?

  1. Application received
    You will receive an automatic email confirming that SIT has received your application. Processing may take up to three weeks. We will contact you sooner if we require additional documentation.
  2. Offer and invoice
    If your application is accepted, you will receive a conditional offer of acceptance, an invoice and payment instructions.
  3. Enrolment confirmed
    Once payment has been received, or you have selected an approved payment method such as Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order, you will receive an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet.
  4. Get ready to study
    Closer to the start of your intake, you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter with the information, tools and guidance you need to begin your studies.

To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3), 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 Employment Pathways (Level 3)
  • The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) 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.

Graduates will be prepared for further study in the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) - Nursing, Health and Applied Science pathway.

After completing both certificates, students could pursue further study (at diploma or degree level) in health and science related subjects, such as Nursing, Massage, Sport and Exercise, and Midwifery.

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. 

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