Orientation & Preparation Course

The two-day Orientation and Preparation Course (OPC) is delivered by the University of Canterbury for IQN candidates.

University of Canterbury

Before confirming your OPC & OSCE booking:

Click here to view the Orientation Preparation Course date guide. Please be aware some dates are affected by NZ Public Holidays.

On confirmation of your booking, you will be registered to attend the OPC before your OSCE.

View OPC Date Guide

Orientation and Preparation Course overview:

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 OPC takes place from 8.30am - 3pm on both days.

Wear tidy casual clothing.

The course will be held at the following locations on site (see maps below):

For more information about University of Canterbury and its location view the campus map.

There is no accommodation at the University of Canterbury (for accommodation options see the 'travel & accommodation' page).

If you need to contact someone on the day specifically about the OPC, please phone 0228529825.

NOTE: this phone will only be answered on the day of the OPC.

The 'Download Campus Map' has the specific course locations marked.

Interactive Campus Map

Download Campus Map

The Orientation and Preparation Course (OPC)

This Orientation and Preparation Course (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 (OPC) 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:

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.