Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)* He Tohu Pōkairua Nēhi

*Subject to approval from NZQA and the Nursing Council of New Zealand

Welcome to our enrolled nursing programme page. This is where you can find the information you need to learn about your exciting and rewarding career as an enrolled nurse in New Zealand.

Please note - this programme is still pending approval and is not currently open for enrolments.

Two young women checking an IV drip during their enrolled nurse course nz

What is an enrolled nurse?

Nursing is a partnership between family/whānau, health consumers and community. As an enrolled nurse, your role is to provide nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings, including acute care, facilitating and support with rehabilitation, and mental health. You’ll work under the direction of a registered nurse or other registered health practitioner and together you’ll make sure your patients receive quality care.

Why become an enrolled nurse?

Enrolled nurses are crucial carers in our community. The role goes beyond just caring for others. It involves building a strong and trusted partnership within your community, advocating for patients, rehabilitating them, teaching them, and offering support to those around you.

Should I become an enrolled nurse or a registered nurse?

Becoming an enrolled nurse can be a great choice if you’re looking for a shorter way to a healthcare career. The qualification typically takes 18 months rather than 3 years, and student loans are less.

This manageable timeframe makes it easier to balance personal life, children, and work outside of study.

Enrolled nurses have less overarching responsibility than registered nurses, but still have the opportunity to work in all areas of healthcare. And despite the shorter study time, enrolled nurses are well-paid, earning between $60,000 and $75,000.

A bit about our enrolled nursing qualification

Our qualification is being designed to give you the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this role and set you up for a fulfilling career ahead.

We cater to students from diverse backgrounds, whether you're a recent high school graduate, a mature student seeking a career change, or looking to enhance your existing skills. Everyone is welcome.

Our experienced tutors will guide you through the programme content, which includes:

Learning how the human body works and illness presentations.
The principles and practice of nursing including care planning, evaluating and evidence-based decision making.
Knowing the legal and ethical issues that nurses face, such as confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries.

Learning practical skills like nursing cares, wound management, taking vital signs.
Caring for health consumers in areas from acute presentations, mental health and addictions, along with longer term to end of life care.

Understanding medications and how to safety administer them.

Learning how to establish and maintain a healthy relationship with patients through therapeutic communication, ensuring cultural safety, adhering to professional standards
Learning to build trust with patients and help them achieve their health goals.

Clinical Placements – putting it into practice

You’ll gain real nursing experience through 900 hours of clinical placements with a range of leading health providers. During your placement you will be assessed against the Nursing Council Competencies for Enrolled Nursing.

200 of those hours will take place in our Clinical Simulation Suite with our experienced tutors so that you are confident in your skills before your clinical placements.

Clinical placements will then show you the realities of being an enrolled nurse and will allow you to:
- develop and apply your knowledge and skills
- develop attitudes and insights related to being an enrolled nurse
- review your own knowledge and skills as you develop
- gain experience within specific areas of nursing.

We have agreements with a number of placement providers to ensure that all of our students have access to quality assured placements.

What happens when I graduate?

When you complete our qualification, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand as an enrolled nurse. This will mean you can work in a range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health centres.

The skills that you acquire are also transferable for employment internationally but how they are applied in practice will be different internationally.

Check out our Career Pathway page for more information

Applicants must have completed a minimum of NCEA level 2
If an applicant does not have NCEA level 2 they must provide evidence of successful completion of study at NZQA level 4 or above within the past five years.
Applicants without formal qualifications will be required to demonstrate that they have acquired the skills required for tertiary study and an ability to study at the appropriate level through, for example, a portfolio detailing their study, work, and/or life experience.
International applicants must provide proof of achieving an educational standard equivalent to or higher than NCEA Level 2, taught in English.
Applicants whose first language is not English or come from a country where English is not the language of instruction, must provide evidence of achieving English language skills equivalent to Academic IELTS 6.5 (with all band score 6.5 or higher).

Student loans

If you meet certain conditions you can get a student loan and allowances. Find out if you meet the conditions by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit www.studylink.govt.nz

Programme costs

The cost can be different depending on the subject and duration of the programme. Our programme costs are currently being reviewed.

We encourage you to explore our programme and contact us with any queries you may have. Let's take the first step towards a fulfilling and rewarding career in healthcare together!

Frequently Asked Questions

To become an enrolled nurse in NZ, you will need to complete an approved nursing programme like the Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5), and pass the registration exam set by the Nursing Council.

A Diploma in Enrolled Nursing is designed for those looking for a career as an Enrolled Nurse. A nursing degree is the pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse in NZ.

Nursing courses in NZ vary; tuition can range from $7,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on the institution and whether you are an NZ domestic or international student.

Yes, many institutions in New Zealand offer part-time nursing programmes to accommodate people who prefer a flexible schedule or have other commitments such as paid work, or families.

Enrolled nurses complete diploma-level training and work under registered nurses' supervision. Registered nurses hold a degree and have broader responsibilities in patient care.

Care for a career at the Healthcare Academy of New Zealand

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