Competency Assessment Programme - Registered Nurse
Obtain a current practicing certificate to work as an registered nurse in New Zealand.
This intensive programme comprises of three weeks of theory and includes study in ethics, regulations in New Zealand, quality assurance, cultural safety and preparation for clinical practice and a practical clinical component which runs for six weeks.
Please note: New Zealand nurses require a letter from Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) confirming scope and eligibility for a Competency Assessment Programme
Internationally qualified nurses please note: this programme will accept internationally qualified nurses who currently hold an approved registration in a country other than New Zealand. Internationally qualified nurses require a current visa or other evidence of right to study in New Zealand, with the appropriate letter to allow entry to the clinical workplace.
Applications are accepted subject to the availability of suitable clinical placement.
Funding for this course is available from Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand to approved domestic and international applicants. Find out more here.
| Intake starts | Applications close |
|---|---|
| October | Received until course is full |
| December | Received until course is full |
Applicants must be a New Zealand Registered Nurse or an internationally qualified nurse with the appropriate documentation (see Additional Requirements) and have at least one year of employment as a registered nurse.
Consent to Disclosure of Information
- Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on their placement.
- The form will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of School.
- Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
New Zealand applicants will be New Zealand registered nurses. Internationally qualified nurses must:
- hold an approved registration in a country other than New Zealand.
- have a letter from the Nursing Council approving their qualification and documenting the English theorectical and practical requirements that they must meet in order to gain registration in New Zealand.
- have a current visa or other evidence of right to study in New Zealand with the appropriate letter to allow entry to the clinical workplace.
- if from a non English speaking background meet the English requirements below.
In order to participate in the clinical components of the programme, you must meet various Health Authority requirements.
What if English is not my first Language?
For OET you must achieve a minumum score of 350 for reading, listening, and speaking; and a minimum score of 300 for writing.
The IELTS requirement is a minimum score of
- 7 Listening
- 7 Reading
- 6.5 Writing
- 7 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 moreCareer opportunities
After completion of the theory and clinical components and having successfully met the Nursing Council of New Zealand's competencies for registration, you may apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand for a current practicing certificate.
Study pathways
Specialise in an area of your choice with our Graduate Certificate in Nursing Practice.
Recommended school subjects
For registered nurses only
Competency Assessment Programme - Registered Nurse
Obtain a current practicing certificate to work as an registered nurse in New Zealand.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Other |
| Code | G21134 |
| Application close date | PLEASE REFER TO THE TABLE BELOW. |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| Credits | 35 |
| Level | 7 |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | G21134-STRU |
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MoreAdditional Entry Requirements
Consent to Disclosure of Information
- Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on their placement.
- The form will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of School.
- Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
New Zealand applicants will be New Zealand registered nurses. Internationally qualified nurses must:
- hold an approved registration in a country other than New Zealand.
- have a letter from the Nursing Council approving their qualification and documenting the English theorectical and practical requirements that they must meet in order to gain registration in New Zealand.
- have a current visa or other evidence of right to study in New Zealand with the appropriate letter to allow entry to the clinical workplace.
- if from a non English speaking background meet the English requirements below.
In order to participate in the clinical components of the programme, you must meet various Health Authority requirements.
See overview for moreCredit 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 Form PDF, 432 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 243 KB
- CAP Registered Nurses Additional Requirements PDF, 132 KB
- Referee report 1 PDF, 175 KB
- Referee report 2 PDF, 182 KB
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