New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to help meet the growing demand for nurses in New Zealand.
If you'd like to gain a formal qualification in nursing, this 18-month diploma programme will equip you with the theory and clinical nursing practice required to apply for registration as an enrolled nurse with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Your study comprises of a combination of theory, practice in simulated environments and clinical placements in different health care settings. Practise your skills in different nursing contexts such as rehabilitation, acute care and mental health while studying the fundamentals of nursing and the human body.
Your clinical practice may not all be within Christchurch and may include placements in the West Coast, Ashburton and North Canterbury. Clinical placements will require you to work shift work starting and finishing anytime from 6.30am - 11.30pm. Theory classes are timetabled between 8am - 4pm Monday to Friday.
Following completion of the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing, graduates must pass the NCNZ registration examination and meet other criteria to be issued with a practising certificate and be able to work as an enrolled nurse.
NB: This programme is available to students based in South Canterbury and the West Coast. You can learn morehere.
Please note: if you’re accepted into this programme, you’ll be required to show evidence of immunity or vaccination against certain infections and diseases.
Read FAQs aboutnursing study and careers (PDF)
Fees for 2023
NCEA Level 2 which must include 12 credits in Level 1 Mathematics
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Ara Pre Health Pathway or equivalent.
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
In addition you need to:
provide a first aid certificate (Red Cross Comprehensive or St John's Workplace) which is current at the time the programme starts.
- provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s). Your referee reports, personal statement and interview (if required) should provide evidence of appropriateness to study in the nursing profession.
- In your personal statement you should outline why you have chosen nursing as a career and describe personal qualities and relevant aspects from your life experiences which will enhance your application
- meet various Health Authority requirements in order to participate in the clinical components of the programme. Currently, MRSA clearance is required by most clinical practice areas.
- Consent to Disclosure of Information Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
- The form will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of Department. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
- you may be required to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives英语水平的结果图。
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic
- 6.5 Listening
- 6.5 Reading
- 6.5 Writing
- 6.5 Speaking
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out more职业发展机会
As a graduate of the programme (who also meets Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements) you will be competent to practise as a beginning level enrolled nurse under the direction and delegation of a Registered Nurse in a variety of health care settings such as hospitals, community aged care facilities, iwi and Māori trusts, mental health and other health care facilities.
Study pathways
Upon competing this diploma you can take your professional nursing career to the next level with our Bachelor of Nursing.
Recommended school subjects
- English
- Mathematics
New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to help meet the growing demand for nurses in New Zealand.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Diploma |
| Code | NZ2889 |
| Next Starts | March 2024 |
| Application close date | 1 November |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| International application close date | 1 November for March start |
| Credits | 180 |
| Level | 5 |
| Additional Equipment/Fees | Uniform, equipment and costs associated with placement such as travel and accommodation. Costs will vary. |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | NZ2889-STRU |
Fees for 2023
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreAdditional Entry Requirements
In addition you need to:
provide a first aid certificate (Red Cross Comprehensive or St John's Workplace) which is current at the time the programme starts.
- provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s). Your referee reports, personal statement and interview (if required) should provide evidence of appropriateness to study in the nursing profession.
- In your personal statement you should outline why you have chosen nursing as a career and describe personal qualities and relevant aspects from your life experiences which will enhance your application
- meet various Health Authority requirements in order to participate in the clinical components of the programme. Currently, MRSA clearance is required by most clinical practice areas.
- Consent to Disclosure of Information Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
- The form will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of Department. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
- you may be required to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria.
Credit Recognition
If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.
Find out moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment FormPDF, 432 KB
- International Application FormPDF, 243 KB
- Enrolled Nursing Additional RequirementsPDF, 83 KB
- Referee report 1PDF, 175 KB
- Referee report 2PDF, 182 KB
Area of Interest
Need some help picking the right course for you?
Send us an enquiryorbook a tourand experience Ara for yourself!