New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals)

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL | Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL | Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL | Te Pūkenga in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme is taught in a blended learning format. You will be in class one full day and one half day each week. In addition, there will be lecturer-supported online tasks and learning activities to make a full-time study load. These online tasks can be done at home, or at UCOL | Te Pūkenga using UCOL | Te Pūkenga computers.

This programme consists of 70 Credits including 27 NCEA credits. The courses include:

Animal Care Fundamentals (15 Credits)
Learn introductory concepts of health, safety, hygiene, professional behaviour, companion animal characteristics, ethics, welfare, and behaviour before commencing experiential learning in animal-related facilities. The learning outcomes are:

Anatomy and Physiology (10 Credits)
The course aims to introduce and expand foundation knowledge of companion animal anatomy, cells, body tissues and systems. The learning outcomes are:

Animal Care Facilities (15 Credits)
The course aims to introduce regulatory requirements relevant to the animal care sector, including codes of practice, admission to and discharge from animal facilities, and regulations covering behaviour, handling and restraint, basic training, and transportation. The learning outcomes are::

Animal Husbandry and Health (30 Credits)
The course aims to enable learners to undertake day-to-day care of companion animals according to support optimal health and welfare and respond appropriately to normal and abnormal health and behaviour. The learning outcomes are:

NCEA Level 1

OR

Equivalent academic achievement

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean

All applicants are required to:

• Declare any previous criminal convictions prior to admission being confirmed. Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment; the decision is at the discretion of the Academic Leader; and
• Authorise UCOL | Te Pūkenga to obtain a background check from the New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency; and
• Complete a health declaration form including tetanus status.

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL | Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL | Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

To optimise chances of student success, 100% attendance is strongly recommended. 

All students must be physically able to handle cats, dogs, rabbits and companion birds.

This programme is taught in a blended learning format. You will be onsite in class two full days and a virtual class an additional day each week. In addition, there will be lecturer-supported online tasks, learning activities and real time online tutorials to make a full-time study load. These online tasks can be done at home, or at UCOL | Te Pūkenga using UCOL | Te Pūkenga computers.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL | Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).