Entering the mental health workforce

Prior qualifications aren’t always needed to work in roles that don’t require professional registration, such as support worker roles. This can be a first step into further study, as you can often work and gain qualifications on the job. For example, a widely recognised qualification for support workers is the Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing; entry requirements typically include some secondary school qualifications (such as NCEA Level 1 credits) and regulatory checks (such as police checks and referees). For people who don’t meet these requirements, there are alternative pathways available including foundational and bridging programmes, apprenticeships supported by employers, and discretionary acceptance based on individual circumstances.

For most registered health professional roles, you will need a bachelor’s degree. You can enter a bachelor’s programme through different pathways including:

• University Entrance – for secondary school leavers who meet specific academic requirements. More information on UE requirements is provided on the NZQA website
• foundation and preparation courses – offered by some education providers for people who do not yet meet entry requirements
• discretionary entrance – based on factors like academic background and recommendations from a school advisor or principal. Each education provider’s discretionary entrance criteria can vary
• special admission – for people aged over 20 years who may or may not have prior school qualifications. Special admissions can be based on factors like previous education, training and work experience, English language proficiency, and other skills such as computer, research, and academic reading and writing skills.

Education providers can help you explore the right pathway for you.