New Zealand first: Our Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing degree

We’re delighted to announce that from Semester 2 we will be offering a Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing degree, the first tertiary institution in New Zealand to do so. Congratulations to the team behind this degree who have spent two years developing this programme; Evironmental and Animal Sciences Lecturers Lauren Prior, Robyn Gear, Laura Harvey, Kristina Naden, and Graham Jones, and Head of School, Dan Blanchon.

The Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVN) prepares students for a range of roles within the animal health industry and builds upon the skills embedded within our New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) and New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – NZDVN (Level 6) programmes. The final year includes Level 7 compulsory courses, with a primary focus on research skills and critical thinking, and a range of electives in animal behaviour and welfare, conservation, biosecurity, business and communication, as well as a work-based internship course.

The team behind the new Bachelor in Veterinary Nursing (from the left): Lauren Prior, Robyn Gear, Laura Harvey, Kristina Naden, Dan Blanchon and Graham Jones

Extensive consultation was carried out with key industry partners and potential employers including SPCA, Veterinary Specialist Group and VetCare Unitec, as well as sector groups and associations, and a range of Māori stakeholders, in devising the course, which aims to deliver a holistic view of animal health within the broader concept of environmental and societal well-being.

Students will be able to complete the BVN over a total period of three years’ full-time study, adding an additional year of full-time study to the existing NZDVN.

In New Zealand, veterinary nurses perform a range of duties, including assisting in surgical procedures, performing diagnostic tests, administering medications, running support services and performing clinic administrative duties. The BVN will present graduates with a wider range of employment opportunities, including clinical and non-clinical roles, such as nutrition and pharmaceutical reps and managing breeding programmes.

“Veterinary Nursing is a profession that is gaining increased strength and recognition for the role it plays in holistic animal health,” said Dan Blanchon. “There is an increased need for robust, evidence-based programmes of study that provide veterinary nurses with the skills and knowledge they need to carry out the responsibilities associated with the role.”

“Unitec offers the broadest range of animal welfare and behaviour programmes in the country and the introduction of the BVN has been well supported by industry, graduates and industry associations.”

The course is supported by the Kate Edgar Educational Charitable Trust Veterinary Nursing Scholarship, which is offered to female students wanting to study veterinary nursing (either Diploma or Bachelor) at Unitec.

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Launch of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing

Today, 23 May 2019, the new degree will be launched at a special event for Diploma and Certificate graduates and industry partners.

Our School of Environmental and Animal Health will be exhibiting at the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association conference in Auckland from 14-15 June 2019.