Programme
March
Nurses are in high demand nationwide. To help meet this need, the scope of practice for Enrolled Nurses is being expanded, enabling them to work across almost all areas of healthcare that require nursing support.
If you’re considering a nursing career, the diploma is an ideal option. The programme takes just 18 months and can be studied at our Manawa campus in Christchurch or remotely across Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, and the West Coast through a blended delivery model. The diploma combines theory with hands-on practice in simulated environments and clinical placements. You’ll develop your skills across a variety of nursing contexts—including rehabilitation, acute care, and mental health—while learning the fundamentals of nursing and human anatomy.
Certain occupations require registration by law in New Zealand and certain programmes lead to registration. For this programme, the registration pathway or body is: Nursing Council of New Zealand.
As a graduate of this programme, meeting the requirements of the Nursing Council of New Zealand, students will be qualified to practise as an entry-level Enrolled Nurse.
Graduates will work under the guidance and delegation of a Registered Nurse in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, community aged care facilities, iwi and Māori trusts, mental health services, and other healthcare environments.
Study pathways:
Upon competing this diploma you can take your professional nursing career to the next level with our Bachelor of Nursing.
Academic requirements:
-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.
English requirements:
Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic
6.5 Listening
6.5 Reading
6.5 Writing
6.5 Speaking
This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Post-study work rights
