Bachelor of Nursing – BN

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

This is a ‘selected entry’ qualification. This means as well as applying you will need to provide additional material as part of your application. 

To enter the Bachelor of Nursing you will hold a current First Aid Certificate from an approved provider.

You will be selected into the qualification on the basis of a process which includes providing:

• a personal supporting statement of about 300 words explaining why you wish to enter the nursing qualification and profession, including why you feel you would make a good nurse. List any personal characteristics you have that demonstrate your suitability. 
• a curriculum vitae of approximately three pages, which should include your academic and work history 
• provide details of two character referees – these must not be family or friends
• if you are applying straight after completing secondary school (or a course at a private training establishment) you will supply a confidential report from your school or institution
• complete the vetting service request and consent form for a New Zealand Police check – a criminal record check under the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004
• provide a current police certificate from any overseas countries you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
• complete the Health and Disability Declaration.
• An interview may be required.

To become a registered nurse, you will also have requirements during and at the end of your study.

Once you have been accepted into the Bachelor of Nursing

Once you are successful at gaining a place in the Bachelor of Nursing, you will also need to complete further tasks. These are to meet the requirements set down by the Nursing Council of New Zealand  for registration as a nurse in New Zealand (in terms of your good character and fitness to be a nurse). You will need to:

• fill out a VCA 2014 Questionnaire – Vulnerable Children Act 2014 (VCA 2014)

• hold a current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate (NZQA unit standards 6402, 6401 and 6400) for example Red Cross Comprehensive First Aid or St John First Aid Level 2 

• meet the immunisations standards of practice for healthcare professionals in New Zealand, in order to be eligible for Clinical Placement (a compulsory part of the qualification). This includes, Hepatitis B, Varicella (Chicken pox), Measles, Pertussis (Whooping cough) and Tuberculosis (TB). Further details will be sent to you after you apply.

• be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, in order to meet the requirement for clinical placements. We require all nursing students to be vaccinated prior to the commencement of study.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must also supply a copy of your results in an Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. IELTS is the only test accepted. You must have achieved at least 6.5 across all bands with no band less than 6.5 within the preceding two years. 

Registration as a Nurse

At the end of your study

A similar procedure will be repeated by the Nursing Council of New Zealand at the end of your study upon your application to sit the State Final Exam to become a registered nurse.

Campus

Nursing is available on Auckland, Manawatū and Wellington campuses. As places are limited we encourage you to apply early. Should a campus reach its maximum number of places you will be waitlisted and contacted regarding other options.

Application closing date

Applications close on 31 January of the year of study. Late applications that are complete may be considered if places allow.

About referees

Referees need to be able to provide informed responses on your personal suitability for the qualification. A referee should be someone who has known you for one year or more in the capacity of employer,  educator, work colleague or person of community standing, ie kaumatua, Minister or similar. Your referee should not be a friend, flatmate, relative or someone who has known you for less than year. The information your referee supplies is confidential to those involved in the selection process. 

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

Transfers

If you are a nursing student from another institution wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Nursing at Massey, please contact us prior to making any application. You will need to provide an academic transcript from your current provider along with a reference from the Head of School/qualification, number of clinical hours completed, and the course outlines (prescription and learning outcomes). Applications for transfer need to be submitted no later than 1 October for the following academic year.

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

• review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
• contact us through the Get advice button on this page.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Becoming a registered nurse

In order to become a registered nurse, there are requirements from the Nursing Council of New Zealand that you will need to meet, in terms of your good character and fitness to become a registered nurse. There are requirements both before you start your study and when you successfully complete this qualification.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete this qualification.  If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

The Bachelor of Nursing is normally completed in three years of full-time study. If you are granted any extensions during your studies, the maximum time to complete this qualification is five years.  

• Look for information under ‘Completion Requirements’ in the regulations for this qualification
• Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.