From the 1st July, you may be invited to complete a Skills Check as an important step in your application or enrolment process. Read more.

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ACM40418

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

This course is the nationally-recognised industry qualification for vet nursing. Develop your career and learn the technical skills valued by the veterinary industry. 

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 14 Jul 2025 Duration: up to 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$8,835
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$9,685
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$12,520
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Develop your career and learn the technical skills valued by the veterinary industry. This course is the nationally-recognised industry qualification for vet nursing and will prepare you to start a rewarding career as a vet 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. 

This course will give you the specialised knowledge needed to work as a vet nurse and provide nursing care to animals. 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. Our passionate team of industry professionals are the best in the business, and will give you the one-on-one guidance you need to succeed in your studies.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a veterinary nurse. It will also give you the foundation knowledge needed to complete further studies in the field. 

What can I do?

  • Veterinary Nurse

Course outcome:

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Bridging and Upgrade programs available

Our Bridging program option is designed for students who want to progress to the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing but have not completed certain required units from previous study. It provides the opportunity to complete these units before advancing to the Certificate IV.

Similarly, the Upgrade to Certificate IV option is available to students who have already completed the Certificate III in Animal Studies (Vet Nursing stream) and wish to upgrade to the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Please refer to the Important Information section below for further information.

Greencross Vets Partnership

TAFE Queensland has partnered with Greencross Vets to deliver the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing to students at various veterinary clinics across Queensland. This course is delivered on-site at selected Greencross Vet clinics throughout Queensland and New South Wales, allowing you to experience hands-on training in real-world facilities. To find out more about the partnership and application process, click here.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 4 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 240 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

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
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Grovely
On campus with some online
14 Jul 2025
2 years
Upgrade Program: Part time up to 2 days per week
  • Concession: $8,835

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $9,685

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $12,520

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Grovely

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    40%
  • On Campus Time
    60%
START DATE

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

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

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

2 years
Workload

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

Upgrade Program: Part time up to 2 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $8,835

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $9,685

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $12,520

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

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

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

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

No
ASSESSMENT

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

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Grovely
On campus with some online
14 Jul 2025
up to 1 year
Upgrade Program: Full time up to 3 days per week
  • Concession: $8,835

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $9,685

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $12,520

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Grovely

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    40%
  • On Campus Time
    60%
START DATE

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

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

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

up to 1 year
Workload

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

Upgrade Program: Full time up to 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $8,835

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $9,685

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $12,520

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

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

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

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

No
ASSESSMENT

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

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Loganlea
On campus with some online
14 Jul 2025
2 years
Upgrade Program: Part time up to 2 days per week
  • Concession: $8,835

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $9,685

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $12,520

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Loganlea

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    40%
  • On Campus Time
    60%
START DATE

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

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

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

2 years
Workload

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

Upgrade Program: Part time up to 2 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $8,835

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $9,685

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $12,520

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

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

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

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

No
ASSESSMENT

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

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Loganlea
On campus with some online
14 Jul 2025
up to 1 year
Upgrade Program: Full time up to 3 days per week
  • Concession: $8,835

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $9,685

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $12,520

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Loganlea

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    40%
  • On Campus Time
    60%
START DATE

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

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

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

up to 1 year
Workload

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

Upgrade Program: Full time up to 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $8,835

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $9,685

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $12,520

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

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

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

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

No
ASSESSMENT

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

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Ashmore
On Campus
14 Jul 2025
1 year
Upgrade Program: Full time 2 days per week
  • Concession: $8,835

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $9,685

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $12,520

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Ashmore

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

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

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

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

1 year
Workload

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

Upgrade Program: Full time 2 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $8,835

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $9,685

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $12,520

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

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

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

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

No
ASSESSMENT

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

On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Ashmore
On Campus
07 Oct 2025
1 year
Upgrade Program: Full time 2 days per week
Monday, Wednesday
  • Concession: $8,835

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $9,685

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $12,520

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Ashmore

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

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

07 Oct 2025
DURATION

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

1 year
Workload

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

Upgrade Program: Full time 2 days per week
Monday, Wednesday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $8,835

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $9,685

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $12,520

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

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

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

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

No
ASSESSMENT

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

On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

Download Brochure

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418)

Ask a question

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

COURSE CODE: 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

Entry requirements

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology. 

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 4 in Digital Technology.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.


Entry into this qualification is open to individuals who:

  • 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

Evidence must be provided to confirm completion of a Certificate II in Animal Studies, a Certificate III in Animal Studies, or other equivalent study/experience prior to determining eligibility into Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Some additional training may be required if the recommended pathway from Certificate III in Animal Studies to Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is not followed.
Dependant on previous units completed, you may require additional units, the Upgrade Program or Bridging Programs to satisfy the pre-requisite units for this course. Additional units may extend the duration of your course and incur additional cost.

Resources required

You will be required to wear:

  • long, hard wearing pants (no leggings)
  • closed in, comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for most of the day; and
  • minimal jewellery (stud earrings, no necklaces, no acrylic or false nails, facial jewellery must be removed or taped over).

You must have a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations, but it is strongly recommended that students have a personal computing device to enable them to participate in online activities and complete assessment tasks in their personal study time.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks at time of enrolment or during orientation. The purchase of these resources will incur additional costs. You may also be required to purchase uniform items including appropriate enclosed footwear and TAFE Queensland branded items. Details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation. The purchase of TAFE Queensland branded uniform items may incur additional costs.

You must have the required Animal Studies shirt prior to attending Vocational Placement or you will be unable to participate.

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.

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

Please note: Vaccination and serology evidence requirements may alter during your studies in accordance with changes to industry requirements and/or Australian Immunisation Guidelines. 

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.

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

Upgrade to Certificate IV Program
This option is available to students who have successfully completed the Certificate III in Animal Care Services and Bridging Program units (if required) and wish to upgrade to the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Completion of 240 hours of Vocational Placement is required as part of this qualification.

 

Bridging Program
This option is available to students who have successfully completed the Certificate II in Animal Studies and wish to continue their studies in Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Additional units are required to cover essential learning not previously covered in the Certificate II in Animal Studies.

Students may also choose to complete the Certificate III in Animal Care Services prior to commencing the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. This pathway option will see students completing units under the Certificate III program before they commence studies in the Certificate IV program.

 

Partnership with Greencross Vets
TAFE Queensland has partnered with Greencross Vets to allow you to experience hands on training at various veterinary clinics across Queensland

Students will be provided with a fully interactive learning experience, with a mix of virtual classes, online learning and clinical practice experience to be completed at the various allocated Greencross Vet clinics.

This is a 12 month course delivered 4 days per week as follows:

  • 1 day per week in a TAFE Queensland virtual classroom (virtual class is online, the teacher will be delivering face-to-face at Ashmore campus and streaming).
  • 1 day per week flexible study to suit your schedule 
  • 2 days per week in an allocated Greencross Vet clinic

For further information, visit this website

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. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, 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