Ag Challenge vet nurse graduate in new role

Aucklander Liz Carter (with her dog Rocky) graduated from the Ag Challenge Vet Nursing course to find immediate work in the animal world.

Liz Carter brings a tasty menu to the table as she helps deliver a fresh new course on the Ag Challenge curriculum.

The 26-year-old is a graduate of the Ag Challenge Vet Nursing course delivered on-site at Wanganui Veterinary Services and this has proven invaluable in her new role as assistant Animal Care tutor, a 22-week Level 3 course focusing on companion animals.

Like many attracted to the animal world, Liz is not from a rural background, and in fact, was a city slicker from Auckland who spent a few years as an au pair in the United States.

"I've always had a hankering for the outdoors though, and who doesn't like animals?" she asked.

While the Animal care Technology course focuses on companion animals in its debut year, the scope will widen to include large animals at a future date.

The feedback Ag Challenge had this year suggested companion animals would be a popular choice. In future it may well include horses and lifestyle animals.

"I also did a year dairy farming in the Waikato and loved it. That swayed me toward the Vet Nursing course in Wanganui. Small animals are at the heart of the Vet Nursing course. It took a year and once I graduated this new role came up at Ag Challenge.

"What I learned on the Vet Nursing course is invaluable in this new job as assistant in Animal Care Technology. Graduating from this would prepare people for a wide variety of jobs, including working in pet stores and kennels. It would also be an ideal lead up to completing Vet Nursing - that would be my preference," Liz said.

Students will learn about recognition of abnormal behaviour and signs of ill health, handling and carrying out specialist health maintenance tasks, feed and nutrition, animal ethics and welfare codes.

While much of the course initially focuses on theory, hands-on practical applications will be included.

"We are still feeling our way with this new course, but it covers all the bases. I really enjoy it because we are working with animals."

This qualification is targeted at new or potential entrants into the animal care sector for example:

+ Secondary School Tertiary Partnerships, Gateway, and Star. Specific unit standards of the programme will also be offered annually as part of mix of provision.

+ YR13 secondary school students (as part of Dual Pathways) wanting to pursue a career in Vet Nursing/ Rural Animal Technician and related industries and may be used as a stepping stone to be considered for university and higher level tertiary studies in animal studies.

+ Graduates progressing from the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industries (Level 2).

+ Equine and life style block owners and those people who wish to begin their career as a rural animal technician or as a vet nurse assistant or a person who wants to set up an accredited small animal care facility (kennels, boarding, pet shop or tourism operator).