New Zealand’s First Independent Nurse Training School Approved; First Students In July 2025

New nursing qualification set to deliver more high-quality graduates to the workforce

Healthcare Academy of New Zealand (Healthcare Academy), part of UP Education, has received approval for its new Diploma of Enrolled Nursing (Level 5) qualification.

It is the first time an independent education provider in New Zealand has gained accreditation for a nursing training programme – a milestone that will support more enrolled nurses entering the healthcare workforce, strengthening the sector.

The new 18-month-long programme will be delivered at the Healthcare Academy’s purpose-built Central Auckland campus, with the first student intake from July this year.

It will be the first enrolled nurse training programme based on the 2024 revised Nursing Council Education Standards, which increases the scope of responsibility for enrolled nurses in the healthcare sector.

The qualification was subject to a robust assessment by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) as part of its quality assurance programme, which ensures nursing programmes are delivered safely and effectively. It has also been endorsed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Healthcare Academy chief executive, Ana Maria Rivera, says the accreditation validates the quality of the qualification and highlights the important part enrolled nurses can play in alleviating pressures in our healthcare workforce.

“Healthcare Academy is committed to playing its part in transforming Aotearoa’s health sector into a more equitable, cohesive and people-centred system by providing access to healthcare training for all learners.

“Recent changes to the nursing scope of practice mean enrolled nurses have more responsibilities now than ever before. They help fill critical shortages across the health sector, including in hospitals setting, primary healthcare, mental health and addiction, rehabilitation, and aged care.”

Healthcare Academy’s Diploma in Enrolled Nursing takes 18-months to complete – half the time of a Bachelor’s Degree – allowing for faster training of skilled frontline workers who can work across a wide range of healthcare services.

As part of the qualification, students will have the opportunity to complete clinical placements in partnership with private healthcare providers, such as Evolution I ABI Rehabilitation and Allevia (formerly MercyAscot) Hospitals and Turuki Health Care, growing the overall number of placements in the sector.

Placements with private healthcare providers helps to ensure students are receiving suitable clinical placements and experience without impacting on the already existing public education programmes.

The programme is also the first of its kind to be developed based on Te Ao Māori and Pacific health principles, supporting steps by the sector to improve health equity in New Zealand.

“Across UP Education’s national operations, more than half of our students identify as Māori or Pacifica. The content and development of this programme is part of our focused strategy to encourage and equip more Māori and Pacific Peoples to pursue careers in healthcare, addressing the diverse cultural needs of communities across New Zealand,” says Rivera.

There is immediate capacity for 50 students at Healthcare Academy’s Auckland campus, however this can be scaled as demand increases. There are also plans to expand the programme to other parts of New Zealand and to broaden the range of qualifications offered to meet specific skills shortages.

“We’re committed to fostering interest in younger generations, supporting career transitions, and providing upskilling programmes to meet the evolving needs of our population. This will create the foundation for a dynamic, skilled, and diverse workforce that will shape the future of care and wellbeing in New Zealand," says Rivera.

Notes:

About Healthcare Academy of New Zealand
Healthcare Academy is part of UP Education, Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest independent tertiary education group.

It is committed to supporting the transformation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s health sector, offering the Diploma in Enrolled Nursing to support frontline healthcare workers.

This programme offering will be expanded in the future to meet skills shortages in the healthcare sector with a focus on nursing, allied health, health sciences, mental health and addiction, and community health.

Healthcare Academy is committed to connecting the next generation of aspiring healthcare professionals by providing a supportive, relevant, and seamless journey from class to clinic; from career to community.

About UP Education
UP Education is one of the largest private education providers in Australasia, delivering quality education to thousands of learners across New Zealand and Australia. With a strong focus on student outcomes, UP Education offers a wide range of higher education and vocational training programs through its network of colleges, institutes, and industry partnerships.

Across its portfolio, UP Education is committed to empowering learners with the skills, support, and confidence to thrive in a changing world. Through strong relationships with industry, government, and community, UP Education ensures that its graduates are work-ready and equipped for future success.

Whether through pathway programs that lead to university or practical, hands-on training aligned with workforce needs, UP Education exists to unlock potential and transform lives through education.

For more information, visit

www.up.education

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