New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing

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 more here.

Read FAQs about nursing study and careers (PDF)

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.

Upon competing this diploma you can take your professional nursing career to the next level with our Bachelor of Nursing.

Gain the skills and knowledge needed to help meet the growing demand for nurses in New Zealand.