Orientation & Preparation Course
The two-day Orientation and Preparation Course (OPC) is delivered by the University of Canterbury for IQN candidates.
University of Canterbury
The two-day Orientation and Preparation Course (OPC) is delivered by the University of Canterbury for IQN candidates. The University is less than 4 kilometres away from the Nurse Maude Simulation & Assessment Centre.
The course will be held at the following locations on site:
- Ōtākaro 146 Lecture Theatre, Dovedale Campus
- Wheki 451, Dovedale Campus
- Rehua 009, 102 and 103, Main Campus
For more information about University of Canterbury and its location
view the campus map.
If attending the OPC, you will be registered to attend the week immediately before your OSCE. OPC dates are affected by NZ Public Holidays, so please click here to view the calendar before confirming your booking.
The Orientation and Preparation Course (OPC)
This OPC is available for eligible candidates who have been invited to complete the clinical competence assessment.
Booking for the Orientation and Preparation Course (OPC) is required for the first enrolment in the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) process as it introduces candidates to nursing practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Orientation and Preparation Course develops awareness of specific characteristics of nursing practice in Aotearoa New Zealand and builds on content introduced in the preliminary online learning course. The course will provide you with the following:
Introduction
Introduce you to the specific and unique aspects of nursing practice in Aotearoa New Zealand, such as cultural safety, relational and whānau-centred care and Tikanga
Provide an Overview
Provide an overview of the Aotearoa New Zealand health system and the legal requirements when working as a nurse in Aotearoa New Zealand
Improve Communication
Enhance your skills in communicating and escalating nursing issues effectively
Clinical Equipment & Format
Provide you with an important opportunity to become familiar with the clinical equipment commonly used in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Transport Options
There is a wide range of transport options available in Ōtautahi Christchurch. There are several bus stops which are only minutes walk from the campus. If travelling between the OPC and OCSE locations, the 100 bus goes via Papanui Road with just a 3 minute walk to the Nurse Maude Simulation & Assessment Centre building.
To park in the University carpark, visitors will need to display an all day parking coupon or pay by number plate at a pay-by-plate unit.
Questions or queries?
For all questions or queries regarding your registration for OSCE and OPC, please refer to the
Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Quick Links
15 Mansfield Avenue
St Albans
Christchuch 8014
New Zealand