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]
Nursing edit
Qualifications for veterinary nursing in New Zealand underwent a review in 2014/15.[citation needed]
The new qualification being taught from 2016 are:
- Certificate in Animal Technology - Veterinary Nursing Assistant[2]
- Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.[3]
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:
- National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing
- Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
Registration edit
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).
Technicians edit
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]
- Clinic supervisors (includes farm animal, equine and companion animal practice)
- Animal behaviour advisors
- Biomedical research technologists
- Biosecurity officers
- Health technologists in zoos, animal control or humane societies
- Herd health technologists
- Research animal technologists
References edit
- ^ Harvey, Laura; Ladyman, Rebecca; Farnworth, Mark (2014-11-02). "International differences in the journey toward compulsory veterinary nurse registration". The Veterinary Nurse. 5 (9): 538–542. doi:10.12968/vetn.2014.5.9.538. hdl:10652/3130. ISSN 2044-0065.
- ^ "Veterinary Nursing Assistant", unitec
- ^ "Diploma in Veterinary Nursing", Otago Polytechnic
- ^ "National Certificate in Animal Care" (PDF). Otago Polytechnic. Retrieved 26 Feb 2009.
- ^ "Certificate in Rural Animal Technology (Level 4)" (PDF). Otago Polytechnic. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 1 Jun 2011.
- ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association. Archived from the original on 31 January 2009. Retrieved 26 Feb 2009.
- ^ "Bachelor of Veterinary Technology". Massey University. Archived from the original on 25 May 2010. Retrieved 16 Sep 2009.
- ^ "Become a veterinary technician", New Zealand Veterinary Association