STUDENT LIST
Start your professional journey with AVPRC
Your professional journey begins while you are studying. Joining the AVPRC student list is a free way to get involved in voluntary regulation and connect your education with the standards and responsibilities of professional practice.
You are also joining a wider effort to make our professions visible, strengthen recognition and help shape the future of animal healthcare.
Find out how to join the student list
About AVPRC
The Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council of New Zealand (AVPRC) is an independent charitable trust providing voluntary regulation for eligible veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians, veterinary technologists and allied animal healthcare practitioners.
We support animal welfare and the public interest through professional registration, standards and accountability.
Learn about professional regulation.
Why get involved as a student?
Studying for a qualification develops your knowledge, practical skills and professional judgement. Getting involved with AVPRC helps you understand how these connect with professional standards, continuing learning and responsibility for your practice.
Joining the student list is an early step towards registration after graduation. It also supports a shared professional future in which our qualifications and contributions are recognised, and our professions help shape decisions that affect their work.
Who can join?
You can join once your enrolment is confirmed in an approved programme leading to a veterinary nursing or veterinary technology qualification.
Approved education providers must have supplied evidence that their programmes are mapped to the relevant AVPRC Graduate Day-1 Competencies.
View the approved education providers.
Joining the student list is free, and the list is not public.
Student listing is separate from professional registration. It does not confer a registered professional title or an Annual Practising Certificate (APC).
How to join
Visit our Join the register page and open “Students: join the student list”.
You will find the application link and information about the identity, residency and enrolment evidence you need to provide.
After you complete your qualification
If you are on the student list, you can apply for your first APC in the next application cycle after completing your qualification. Include verification of completion, such as your qualification certificate or an official letter from your education provider.
Once your application is approved, your record will move from the student list to the public register, and you will receive your first APC.
Your one-time registration fee is waived. The APC fee still applies.
To remain current on the public register, you will need to renew your APC each year.
Professional practice while studying
Professional practice involves learning to explain your reasoning, recognise your limits, seek help and take responsibility for your actions.
During teaching and placements:
Be clear about your student status and current experience.
Undertake activities appropriate to your competence and the supervision arrangements for your learning.
Follow the requirements that apply to each activity, including any necessary authorisation.
Ask for guidance when you are unsure, and raise concerns about animal welfare or safety.
Joining the student list does not change what you are authorised or competent to do.
Explore roles, responsibilities and accountability.
Information for education providers
Please introduce students to AVPRC early in their programme and encourage them to join once their enrolment is confirmed.
This page can be shared in orientation materials, learning platforms and placement preparation. It provides a starting point for discussions about professional identity, ethical practice, accountability and continuing development.
As students approach completion, remind them to check the next APC application cycle and obtain evidence confirming their completed qualification.
Need help?
For questions about student listing or the transition to registration, email register@avprc.org.nz.