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Kā Mahi Tapuhi

Nursing

Nursing is a career that offers challenges and rewards to a wide variety of people.

Whether you are interested in fast paced, rapidly changing environments (such as emergency departments or intensive care units), rehabilitation (where people are recovering from serious illnesses), or the health promotion environment (working proactively with individuals and their communities), there is something for everyone in nursing.

The nature of the health workforce in New Zealand is shifting. As the population increases, the profile of people needing healthcare is changing – there will be a greater proportion of over 65s, higher incidence of chronic illnesses, and an increase in patients from a range of ethnic backgrounds. More health services will be delivered in the community rather than in hospital or institutional care.

If you’d like to gain a formal qualification in nursing, we offer these options:

Diploma in Enrolled Nursing

This 18-month diploma programme will enable you to apply for registration as an enrolled nurse with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

Learn more about our Diploma in Enrolled Nursing

Bachelor of Nursing

This three-year degree programme will enable you to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

Learn more about our Bachelor of Nursing

If you have a Level 5 or higher qualification in nursing or a health-related field and you’d like to extend your knowledge or specialise in a particular area, we offer these graduate options:

Graduate Certificate in Nursing

This part-time programme enables you to use your existing knowledge and experience as a Registered nurse to develop your career in an area of expertise.  Most courses are delivered either as a three or five-day block course, although online options are also available.

Learn more about our Graduate Certificate in Nursing

Graduate Diploma in Nursing

If you’re an overseas educated Registered nurse, this programme is designed to equip you with the confidence and skills to plan and co-ordinate complex patient care. You can choose to complete the full time one year programme, or selected courses within it.

Learn more about our Graduate Diploma in Nursing

If you have a degree in nursing or a health-related area and you’d like to extend your knowledge and skills for advanced practice in the health sector, we offer the following postgraduate options:

Postgraduate Certificate in Health Practice

You’ll graduate from this six month online programme with the confidence and skills to plan and co-ordinate multiple, complex patient care demands in your chosen specialisation.  

Learn more about our Postgraduate Certificate in Health Practice

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Practice

This one-year online diploma is an interdisciplinary programme for qualified health professionals and health service managers. It will equip you with advanced practice knowledge and critical analysis skills.

Learn more about our Postgraduate Diploma in Health Practice

Master of Health Science

If you’re a health practitioner or health manager, this programme will build on your specialist knowledge, enabling you to progress to management positions or enter into health teaching in your area of practice. Master of Health Science (240 credits)

Learn more about our Master of Health Science

Master of Nursing

With this qualification you can become a Nurse Practitioner and apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand for the Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice.

Learn more about our Master of Nursing

Master of Health Practice

With this qualification you’ll demonstrate mastery of your area of specialist practice or knowledge and demonstrate capacity for leadership. Master of Health Practice (180 credits).

Learn more about our Master of Health Practice

If your nursing qualification has lapsed, or you gained it overseas and wish to practice in New Zealand, we offer these re-registration options:

Enrolled Nurse Competency Assessment Programme

After completion of the theory and clinical components of this full time nine-week programme and having successfully met the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s competencies for registration, you can apply to the Council for a current practising certificate.

Learn more about our Enrolled Nurse Competency Assessment Programme 

Registered Nurse Competency Assessment Programme

If you’re an internationally qualified registered nurse or a New Zealand registered nurse returning to practice after five years or more, you can obtain a current practising certificate through our Competency Assessment programme.

Learn more about our Registered Nurse Competency Assessment Programme

Programmes