Veterinary nurses in New Zealand are represented by the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA). Veterinary nurses are professionals in their own right, and as such, not deemed a paraprofessional. Veterinary nursing assistants are paraprofessionals, working alongside veterinary nurses in animal health and welfare. [1]
Qualifications for veterinary nursing in New Zealand underwent a review in 2014/15.[ citation needed ]
The new qualification being taught from 2016 are:
The Certificate represents one year of formal training, while the Diploma represents an additional one year with the Certificate (or its equivalent) as a prerequisite. Other available entry-level certificates include the Certificate in Animal Care [4] and the Certificate in Rural Animal Technology. [5]
Pre-2016; Veterinary nurses currently hold either of the pre-2016 qualifications:
Veterinary nurses in New Zealand are not currently required to be registered with the government but voluntary registration was initiated in 2016. [6]
Veterinary nursing in New Zealand is represented by the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA).
In 2009, Massey University started a new degree - the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology. It is a three year degree graduating its first class in 2011. [7] It is intended to prepare graduates for roles such as: [8]