New Zealand Level 6 Diploma Veterinary Nursing students and Level 5 Rural Animal Technicians (RAT/LAVTs) require a mix of theoretical and practical work to be completed to a competent level to achieve qualification standard and be deemed industry ready. Reliance on the workplace supervisor (WPS) to carry out effective mentoring and supervision without a formalised structure and clear understanding of the remit of the VN or RAT(LAVTs) student has led to very variable experiences across the industry.

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) stipulates the number of hours of work placement required ‘to provide assimilation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills’ (NZQA 2014a), however, this does not address the quality of the placement. The document simply states ‘in a veterinary clinic setting’ (NZQA 2014a). This is problematic as variable standards of practice and student support are applied and learning is often dependent on the Veterinary Nursing student's work placement situation and own initiative.al skills. (Cope 2000).

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