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ACM30122 / ACM40418 | CRICOS: 110617G / 0101451

Certificate III in Animal Care Services / Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Dual award | International Students

Combine entry-level knowledge with specialised skills to launch your veterinary nursing career. This course is the nationally-recognised industry qualification for vet nursing. Accelerate your career and learn the technical skills valued by the veterinary industry.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Gold Coast
WAYS TO STUDY International
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 15 Apr 2024 Duration: 21 months View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
International
$24,800

Course overview

Kick start a rewarding career working with animals with this dual qualification. Combine entry-level knowledge with specialised skills and launch your career as a veterinary nurse.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as veterinary nurses is expected to grow strongly in the future. There are likely to be around 9,000 job openings in this industry over the next five years with employers looking for qualified candidates who are caring, empathetic, and can communicate clearly. 

You'll start by developing fundamental skills in animal care including anatomy and physiology, hygiene techniques, animal identification, animal nutrition, and client communication. You'll also learn how to handle animals correctly, maintain and monitor animal health, and assist in providing treatments for animals. 

Then move on to your veterinary nursing studies where you'll learn how to support hospitalised animals through their medical procedures, prepare animals for surgery, assist in surgical nursing procedures, and monitor patients when under anaesthesia. You'll also discover how to perform clinical pathology procedures, prepare equipment and animals for x-rays, and carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures. You'll get the opportunity to put your skills into practice with work experience and vocational placement a key component of this course. 

Successful completion of this dual qualification will open up a range of career opportunities in the animal care industry. You will also be equipped with the skills required to seek work as a veterinary nurse.  

What can I do?

  • Veterinary Nurse

Course outcome:

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Industry-standard facilities

As a vet nursing student at TAFE Queensland you'll have access to our fully-equipped veterinary clinic. The clinic is complete with industry-standard equipment including a full surgery room and fully-functioning radiography room.

Strong industry partnerships

As part of your course, you get valuable experience in real workplaces. Our strong partnerships mean you will use the skills you are learning to care for animals in different settings within your community, while also getting to know potential future employers.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete units as per the list below.

 

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
To achieve this qualification you will need to complete 17 units:
Core Competencies: 7
Elective Competencies: 10

 

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
To achieve this qualification you will need to complete 21 units:
Core Competencies: 17
Elective Competencies: 4

You will also be required to undertake 240 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services

  • ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMBEH301
    Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMBEH301
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and interpret behaviour and safely handle, interact and respond to animals in a range of animal care facilities and environments. It can be applied to a range of animal species.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMGEN303
    Assess the welfare status of an animal
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMGEN303
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the welfare status of an animal using an industry recognised animal welfare assessment framework or model and tool.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Assess the welfare status of an animal

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMGEN304
    Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMGEN304
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage personal wellbeing and psychological health and safety in workplaces involving animals. It includes identifying the hazards and challenges of the work, developing a proactive self-care action plan and contributing to positive support strategies.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMGEN309
    Provide basic animal first aid
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMGEN309
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide essential first aid for animals. The first aider is not expected to deal with complex cases or incidents, but to provide an initial response where first aid is required.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide basic animal first aid

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMGEN315
    Communicate effectively with clients and team members
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMGEN315
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, a supervisor, team members and industry representatives.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Communicate effectively with clients and team members

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMINF301
    Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMINF301
    Unit description :

    This unit of competency covers the process required to comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care workplaces and relevant field locations.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMWHS301
    Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMWHS301
    Unit description :

    This unit of competency covers the process required by an employee to contribute to workplace health and safety processes where there is responsibility for own work outputs and possibly limited responsibility for the work output of others.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

  • ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET401
    Coordinate veterinary reception duties
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET401
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate and undertake patient admission and discharge. It also includes providing initial veterinary nursing care to patients (animals) and grief support to clients (animal owners).
  • UNIT NAME
  • Coordinate veterinary reception duties

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET402
    Apply imaging routines
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET402
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement and complete imaging routines, including x-rays, ultrasound and endoscopes, according to established industry sequences and practice policies and procedures.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply imaging routines

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET403
    Perform clinical pathology procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET403
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect biological samples and perform pathology procedures, including maintaining the integrity of samples and preparing consignments for diagnostic laboratories.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Perform clinical pathology procedures

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET404
    Perform practice office procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET404
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform office procedures in a veterinary practice, including maintaining veterinary supplies, controlling stock, maintaining practice accounts, generating and responding to practice correspondence.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Perform practice office procedures

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET405
    Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET405
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate surgery schedules, prepare the surgical environment and provide support for the veterinary surgeon, including before, during and after routine and non-routine surgical procedures and monitoring patients (animals) while they are under anaesthesia.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET406
    Nurse animals
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET406
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide high quality nursing care for patients (animals) treated or housed in a veterinary practice. It includes providing advice to clients (animal owners), monitoring animals and providing animal first aid as required.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Nurse animals

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET407
    Carry out medical nursing routines
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET407
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement medical nursing routines, including the preparation and handling of patients (animals) and equipment for specific routines.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Carry out medical nursing routines

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET408
    Provide nutritional advice and support for animals
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET408
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to provide advice to animal owners about the nutritional requirements of specific animals, and support nutritional needs of hospitalised patients across a range of medical and surgical conditions.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide nutritional advice and support for animals

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET409
    Provide specific animal care advice
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET409
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide advice to clients (animal owners) about animal health, behaviour, disease and reproduction.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide specific animal care advice

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET410
    Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET410
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform dental prophylaxis and assist with simple extractions. Dental prophylaxis involves oral examinations of the conscious and anaesthetised patient, sub- and supra-gingival tooth scaling and polishing, and the subsequent development of a homecare plan, as well as assisting in the performance of simple dental extractions.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET413
    Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET413
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and monitor anaesthesia and analgesics in animals for surgical and medical procedures.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET416
    Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET416
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons in a veterinary practice.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons

Ways to study
  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Ashmore
On campus with some online
15 Apr 2024
21 months
Full time 2 days per week
  • International: $24,800
demo

Ashmore

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

15 Apr 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

21 months

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 2 days per week

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $24,800
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Ashmore
On campus with some online
30 Sep 2024
21 months
Full time 2 days per week
  • International: $24,800
demo

Ashmore

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

30 Sep 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

21 months

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 2 days per week

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $24,800
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Ashmore
On campus with some online
28 Jan 2025
21 months
Full time 2 days per week
  • International: $24,800
demo

Ashmore

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

21 months

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 2 days per week

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $24,800
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

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Certificate III in Animal Care Services / Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM30122 / ACM40418)

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Certificate III in Animal Care Services / Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

COURSE CODE: ACM30122 / ACM40418
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more
International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays. 
Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for the Certificate III in Animal Studies however, to enter into the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, you must:

  • hold a Certificate II in Animal Studies; or
  • hold a relevant Certificate III or higher level qualification in an animal science discipline; or
  • can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline to any of the above qualifications.
Selection criteria

International students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

  • English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or ISLPR 3 on all skills or other - View a list of all English Language test accepted by TAFE Queensland International; and
  • Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.


Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.


Students must be successful in completing Certificate III to progress to Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing as it is a pre-requisite requirement in the package.

Resources required

You will be required to:

  • wear black protective waterproof work shoes and long, black, work pants/trousers for practical days and placement. It is the students’ responsibility to organise the purchase of these items.
  • have access to reliable internet connection. TAFE Queensland recommends to bring your own device to undertake the studies.

Students are encouraged to undertake work experience at Animal Welfare League Queensland, Shelter Road, Coombabah in order to enrich their studies. Students are expected to organise their own transport to and from the work experience facility.

Upon Commencement of Certificate IV studies:

  • You must successfully complete 240 hours of vocational placement throughout the duration of the program. This is a mandatory industry requirement for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
  • You must attend vocational placement dates and times as negotiated between all parties. Our Vocational Placement Team will work in collaboration with facilities to coordinate your vocational placement assessment requirements. If you have made prior placement arrangements with a clinic or are currently working in the industry, please contact us to discuss this further.

You are responsible for:

  • Making yourself available for an allocated placement
  • Organising your own transport to and from study and vocational placement
  • Organising leave with your employer (if applicable)
  • Planning financially for your unpaid vocational placement

Placement

Certificate III in Animal Care Services

Stage 1 - 80 hours Work Experience (optional)

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Stage 2 – 120 hours Vocational Placement

Stage 3 – 120 hours Vocational Placement

If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.

Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You may be expected to travel up to one hour to attend your vocational placement facility and will be responsible for all costs associated with attending that facility. Due to limitations on placement availability, TAFE Queensland cannot guarantee proximity to your location.

You are required to complete 240 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

Please note: prior to placement you may need to complete a Criminal History Check (yellow card); this will be confirmed by your course educator.

If your police check identifies that you have a criminal history, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, 

which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Vocational Placement Coordinator for further information.

You will be responsible for any costs associated with meeting these placement requirements.

Important information

Those students who have a medical contraindication may be unable to complete the vocational placement component of their course. This means you may not be able to meet all of the requirements of your course and may not be able to graduate or receive your qualification.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Working in certain jobs increases your exposure to some vaccine-preventable diseases. The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends the following vaccinations in line with the Queensland Government’s Occupational immunisations for veterinary students:

  • Rabies
  • Q-fever
  • Influenza
  • Tetanus vaccine
International important information

The advertised course cost and duration will be broken down as per the following:

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more