Programme Structure
The Nursing Competence Assessment Programme is delivered over a period of eight weeks of full-time learning.
- Part 1 is delivered in a classroom setting over the first three weeks, with theoretical components and practical activities.
- Part 2 is delivered on clinical placement over five weeks, with fully supervised practicum in a clinical setting.
The main topics covered throughout the programme include:
- Communication for nursing practice in New Zealand
- Reflective practice for professional learning
- Skills for client management
- Pharmacology
- Biculturalism in New Zealand
- Culturally safe practice
- Leadership in nursing
- Ethics, legislation and regulations
Part One: Group Learning
Part One is delivered over the first three weeks and includes the following topics:
- Communication for nursing practice in New Zealand
- Reflective practice for professional learning
- Skills for client management
- Pharmacology
- Biculturalism in New Zealand
- Culturally safe practice
- Leadership in nursing
- Ethics, legislation and regulations
Part Two: Individual Clinical Placement
Part Two is delivered over five weeks. Students will complete a minimum of 200 hours work experience in clinical practice.
Clinical placements are in resthome facilities and arranged by the Training Manager. Placements are organised on a 40-hour week, including weekends but excluding nightshift.
Students will work alongside a designated preceptor who is a Registered Nurse. All preceptors have a minimum of three years New Zealand work experience and have completed preceptor training.
Clinical placement providers are located in Bell Block and New Plymouth.
Public transport is limited between Bell Block and New Plymouth as per the bus links listed below. This may be a concern for you when you are required to attend workplace training. For your convenience we suggest that you bring your own vehicle as you will also want to explore what New Plymouth has to offer during your free time. Students sharing the same work placements may be able to agree to car share. There is free car parking available onsite at the learning centre.
Clinical placement transport will be arranged and provided for students without a vehicle.
Location and distance to Clinical Placements
Facility placement distances by car:
New Plymouth
Molly Ryan Life Care, 269 Mangorei Rd, Merrilands, New Plymouth – 7.3 km from Avatar Institute of Learning – off peak travel time is 9 mins, on peak travel time is 13 mins.
Radius Thornleigh Park, 25 Heta Rd, Highland Park, New Plymouth – 9.1 km from Avatar Institute of Learning – off peak travel time 12 mins, on peak travel time 16 mins.
Riverside Lifecare, 361 Mangorei Rd, Merrilands, New Plymouth – 8.2 km from Avatar Institute of Learning – off peak travel time is 10 mins, on peak travel time is 14 mins.
Radius Heatherlea, 139 Vivian Street, New Plymouth, 8 km from Avatar Institute of Learning – off peak travel time 13 mins, on peak travel time is 20 mins.
Telford Lifecare, 15 Telford Street, Merrilands, New Plymouth, 7.7 km from Avatar Institute of Learning – off peak travel time 13 mins, on peak travel time is 18 mins.
Tainui Village, 96 Clawton Street, Westown, New Plymouth, 8 km from Avatar Institute of Learning – off peak travel time 13 mins, on peak travel time is 20 mins.
Bell Block
Sunhaven , 48a Sunnyvale Street, Bell Block, New Plymouth – 2 km from Avatar Institute of Learning – off peak travel time 2 mins, on peak travel time 8 mins.
Stratford and Hawera
Elizabeth R Lifecare, 30/33 Elizabeth Grove, Stratford – 42 km from Avatar Institute of Learning – off peak travel time 35 mins.
Agecare Central Ltd/Maryann Home and Hospital, 59 Brecon Road, Stratford, 41 km from Avatar Institute of Learning – off peak travel time 33 mins.
Annie Brydon Lifecare, 71 Glover Road, Hawera, 70 km from Avatar Institute of Learning – off peak travel time 58 mins.
Transport for your free time:
Bus Timetable – Bell Block, New Plymouth
Bus Timetable – New Plymouth – Merrilands (three workplace training establishments based in this area)
Taxi Services
New Plymouth Taxis 06 757 3000
call a cab 02102770140
Energy City Cabs 06 757 5580
Uber is also available in Taranaki Region
Eligibility For Enrolment
To be accepted onto the programme, applicants must:
- have written notification from the Nursing Council of New Zealand of the requirement to complete a Nursing Competence Assessment Programme; and
- meet English language requirements laid down in the NCNZ’S registration policy for overseas nurses prior to entry to the Nursing Competence Assessment Programme:
a) the International Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 7.0 in reading, speaking and listening and 6.5 in writing; or
b) the Occupational English Test (OET) minimum score of 350 in reading, speaking and listening and 300 in writing; and
- be able to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively for the purpose of practicing in the New Zealand setting; and
- provide current evidence of a Police clearance from the country where the applicant holds current registration; and
- provide evidence of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and any other vaccinations as per mandatory requirements from the Ministry of Health. Employment opportunities in healthcare will not be available for those unvaccinated.
Important: We do not have any contractual agreement with Immigration New Zealand, nor any immigration advisors. We request that the CAP nurse apply directly with Avatar by emailing the Training Manager, Louise Cummings: training@avatarinstitute.co.nz
Intakes: 2024 – 2025
We have small, supportive intakes:
- 25th November-17th January 2025 – Full
- 27th January-21st March 2025 – Full
- 31st March-23rd May
Programme Fees and Associated Costs
Tuition fee is $10,250 for the 8-week programme.
The following costs will be incurred once enrolment has been confirmed. The costs are approximate and will depend on the options you choose:
- Work uniform (Navy blue or black pants, all-black or all-navy blue shoes with closed toe. Scrub top is supplied by Avatar) $150.00 (approx)
- MRSA test $65.00 (approx)
- Indemnity insurance $48.00 (approx)
- Shared accommodation per week per person $185.00 (approx)
- Travel costs will be dependent on your individual travel needs $250.00 (approx.)
- Food (recommended weekly allowance) $80.00 (approx.)
- Medical, death, repatriation, and expatriation insurance $155.00 (approx)
