Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
The Enrolled Nurse programme is an eighteen-month course which leads to registration as an Enrolled Nurse.
This programme will prepare students to meet the Enrolled Nurse registration requirements set out by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. On completion of the programme graduates are eligible to apply and sit the national nursing exam to gain registration as an Enrolled Nurse.
This course is for those who are interested in working within the health care sector where you will gain the knowledge and skills to function as an efficient enrolled nurse who performs a wide range of nursing functions, implements and evaluates health care plans, all whilst working in partnership with individuals, whānau, and the multidisciplinary team. Your training will also ensure that you can demonstrate attributes of a safe practitioner who is reflective and works within the scope of practice. Enrolled Nurses work under the direction and delegation of Registered Nurses or other registered health practitioners in a range of settings including hospitals, various community settings and residential facilities.
How You will Learn
This programme is a blend of e-learning and classroom teaching, which enables the student to study off-campus for much of the course. All classes, with the exception of clinical placements, are delivered onsite and/or online. All students are required to attend onsite learning activities at NorthTec’s Raumanga Campus, at specified times throughout the programme. These times will be blocked to minimise time away from home and travel for regional students.
This method of learning is designed to provide the student with the greatest flexibility possible in terms of time and place. Course content that would normally be delivered by a lecturer in a classroom is now accessed online at home. There are weekly requirements for each course and the student can decide what time of day or how many hours they spend online.
E-learning,technology, and practical experience
- Our nursing education blends online learning with face-to-face learning allowing flexibility of study. The combination of e-learning and the varied range of nursing experience to be gained here in Northland is quite unique.
Clinical Experience
- Students will be required to attend clinical placements throughout the Diploma of Enrolled Nursing programme. While we do our best to place you close to home these placements may occur anywhere in the Northland region (applicants need to reside in the Northland region).
- The student will be responsible for all travel and accommodation expenses incurred when undertaking a clinical placement.
- The Nursing Council of New Zealand requires each student to complete a minimum of 900 clinical hours in a variety of clinical placements prior to completion of the programme.
Schedule
This course is split into two parts with a total of eight courses, all of which include assessments to be completed. There are regular holiday weeks spread over the 18 months, although there maybe times where students will be required to be in class or on clinical placement during some of the school holidays. Students should expect to be in class 2 days per week which will increase over time as they progress through the courses listed below.
Part One Courses
Nursing as a Profession
Applied Social Science
Applied Structure and Function of the Human Body
Clinical Skills for Enrolled Nursing
Foundations for Enrolled Nursing Practice
- 300 clinical hours required
- Monday-Friday over 8 weeks (two blocks)
- 0645-1515 or 1245-2115
Part Two Courses
EN Practice: Acute Care
- 200 clinical hours required
- 5 rostered shifts from Monday-Sunday for 5 weeks
- 0700-1530 or 1445-2315
EN Practice: Mental Health and Addictions
- 200 clinical hours required
- Monday-Friday for 5 weeks
EN Practice: Rehab and Community
- 200 clinical hours required
- Monday-Friday for 5 weeks
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
- Apply nursing knowledge and skills to safely deliver health care
- Assess health status and undertake appropriate interventions in a manner that supports best health outcomes for health consumers
- Establish, maintain and conclude therapeutic interpersonal relationships
- Work collaboratively and communicate effectively within the interdisciplinary health care team
- Apply professional judgement, accountability and responsibility in ensuring that nursing practice and conduct meets professional, ethical and legal requirements and standards
- Practice in a manner that is culturally safe and promotes health, autonomy, self- determination and quality of life for health consumers
- Apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to enrolled nursing practice
- Identify and advocate for the needs of the health consumer and work in a partnership with the health consumer and/or family/whānau or support person(s)
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
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)
Alternative Requirements
Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry. This may include Recognition of Prior Learning.
English Requirements
If English is not the applicant’s first language (Domestic or International), applicants will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives i.e IELTS with an academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.5.
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.
All applicants must also:
- Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes
- A personal statement that outlines why they have chosen nursing as a career and describe personal qualities and relevant aspects from their life experiences which will enhance the application
- Two referee reports that outline appropriateness to study in the nursing profession
- Authorise a Police Check for criminal convictions, including meeting the requirements of the Children’s Act 2014, and disclose any pending charges
- Have a level of physical and mental health commensurate with the NCNZ requirements
- Hold a current First Aid Certificate at the time the programme start
- Have an immune status commensurate with, or complete vaccinations required by NZ health workers and in line with the policies of contracted clinical workplaces prior to any clinical placement
Additional Requirements
You must also meet the following if you are accepted into the programme:
- Successful applicants need to have health screening (which will be provided at no charge). Any vaccinations required to meet the policies of the various clinical practice institutions and agencies, will be at the student’s expense.
- Have the ability to read and write unassisted (because of the requirement to independently and accurately read and write case notes and other documentation when in clinical practice). Applicants must be able to understand, interpret and speak English, at a level that is safe in clinical practice - the inability to do so would create risk or harm to others. Note that students may request, however, the use of a ‘reader/writer’ for exams in the instance of temporary disability.
Police Check Requirement
You are involved in a variety of clinical placements. Each applicant is therefore required to complete and return a NZ Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form with their application. Your completed form will be sent by NorthTec to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service and returned in confidence to the Programme Leader.
Please note that access to clinical placements is subject to police vetting clearance as specified by that agency.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
To apply for this programme, you need to follow these TWO steps.
Step 1: Complete the online application form
To begin, click the Apply Now button for the intake you wish to apply.
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
Step 2: Complete the Complete the Enrolment Form Pack
Download the Enrolled Nursing Enrolment Form Pack. Email the completed form and any required documentation to enrolments@northtec.ac.nz.
Please ensure that you send us all the required information, including:
- Documents to verify Identity and Citizenship (if not already sent)
- Additional Information Forms - Completed and Signed
- English Language testing results (if English is your second language, supply results of IELTS)
- Police Vetting Consent Form and documents to verify Subject’s Identification (if applicable)
- Report on Applicant - TWO referees must complete to support your application. An online version of this form is available.
Please note: When you complete and submit all forms you are NOT FULLY ENROLLED until:
- You have received formal written notification that your application has been successful;
- You have returned the 'offer of place' acceptance document to confirm your place on your programme of study. You will receive this 'offer of place' with your formal notification.
If you have any questions about applying to this programme, our friendly Enquiries and Enrolments team make enrolling at NorthTec easy. If you need help organising your enrolment contact us.
Selection
All applicants will be interviewed and where applicants exceed available places selection will be based on evidence of interest, motivation, academic achievement, referee’s reports and regional considerations (availability of clinical practice/work experience positions).
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Computer/Internet Requirements
Students will need a computer less than 3 years old, together with reliable broadband access.
Career opportunities
Once registered with NCNZ, graduates may be employed in a wide range of health care, hospital and community settings. These may include:
- Acute Care
- Primary Care
- Medical/Surgical
- Mental Health & Addictions
- Māori Health
- Community Health
- Aged Care
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
