Vet Nursing & Animal Care

Love animals? Ready to turn that passion into a career? With our Vet Nursing and Animal Care programmes, you’ll gain the skills and experience to keep Aotearoa New Zealand’s furry friends healthy and happy.

With nearly five million pets across the country and 65% of households treating them as family, the demand for caring, skilled professionals has never been higher.

At UCOL, you’ll learn from experienced lecturers, work with real animals, and practice at animal care centres to master everything from health and behaviour to industry regulations. Our graduates are approved to work in BESTPractice™ accredited veterinary clinics, giving you a head start in the industry.

Choose from certificates, diplomas, or even our Academy programme for secondary school students, and start building a career that truly makes a difference.

Explore our programmes below and talk to our team today.

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Vet Nursing & Animal Care

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Vet Nursing & Animal Care

UCOL gives learners fantastic learning support and real-life experience of working with animals. Graduates are approved to work at BESTPractice™ accredited veterinary clinics.

New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal Veterinary Nursing)

Level 6

UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

2 years, full-time

09 Feb 2026 – 04 Dec 2026

20 Jul 2026 – 02 July 2027

Ready to take your love for animals to a professional level? Become a qualified Veterinary Nurse and make a genuine difference in the lives of pets and their owners.