At a glance
Kick start your career with animals with this entry-level course that will give you the skills to work as an animal attendant or trainer.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Animal Health Officer
- Animal Control and Regulation Officer
- Animal Technician
- Animal Trainer
- Kennel or Shelter Attendant
COURSE OUTCOME
ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies
Course overview
Start your career working with animals with this entry-level course. This qualification will give you the skills you need to work as an animal attendant or trainer. It is also the perfect foundation course for people looking to move into specialised streams in the field.
According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as animal attendants and trainers is expected to grow strongly in the future. There are likely to be around 12,000 job openings in this growing occupation over the next five years.
This course will give you broad skills in basic care and the capture, handling and transportation of companion animals, as well as specialised skills in either behavioural sciences, veterinary nursing, or wildlife care. 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 an animal trainer or health officer, or trainee veterinary nurse. It will also give you the knowledge required to complete further studies in the field.
TAFE Queensland has partnered with Dreamworld to give students the unique opportunity to gain hands-on, industry experience while you study. Students will work with the Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation (DWF) and gain experience with the vet clinic, prepping animals’ meals, cleaning dingoes and enclosures, and koala husbandry and quarantine procedures.
Got a taste for something bigger? Use this course to pathway to higher qualifications in captive animals, companion animal services, or veterinary nursing.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units from the list below.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| ACMGAS202 |
Participate in workplace communications | |
| ACMGAS203 |
Complete animal care hygiene routines | |
| ACMGAS301 |
Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing | |
| ACMGAS303 |
Plan for and provide nutritional requirements for animals | |
| ACMINF301 |
Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work | |
| ACMSUS201 |
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | |
| ACMWHS301 |
Contribute to workplace health and safety processes | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Brisbane - Behaviour stream | ||
| ACMCAS304 |
Capture, handle and transport companion animals | |
| ACMCAS307 |
Provide companion animal hydro-bathing services | |
| ACMGAS302 |
Provide enrichment for animals | |
| ACMGAS306 |
Assist with conditioning animals | |
| ACMSPE304 |
Provide basic care of domestic dogs | |
| Greater Brisbane - Wildlife stream | ||
| ACMGAS302 |
Provide enrichment for animals | |
| ACMSPE302 |
Provide basic care of birds | |
| ACMCAN305 |
Assist with capturing, restraining and moving animals | |
| ACMGAS305 |
Rescue animals and apply basic first aid | |
| ACMSPE303 |
Provide basic care of common native mammals | |
| Greater Brisbane - Veterinary Nursing stream | ||
| ACMGAS308 |
Communicate effectively with clients and team members | |
| ACMSPE305 |
Provide basic care of domestic cats | |
| ACMSPE304 |
Provide basic care of domestic dogs | |
| ACMGAS307 |
Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work | |
| ACMVET202 |
Carry out daily clinic routines | |
| Gold Coast | ||
| ACMGAS307 |
Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work | |
| ACMGAS308 |
Communicate effectively with clients and team members | |
| ACMSPE304 |
Provide basic care of domestic dogs | |
| ACMSPE305 |
Provide basic care of domestic cats | |
| ACMVET202 |
Carry out daily clinic routines | |
| Gold Coast - Dreamworld | ||
| ACMGAS206 |
Provide basic first aid for animals | |
| ACMGAS307 |
Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work | |
| ACMSPE310A |
Provide basic care of mammals | |
| ACMVET202 |
Carry out daily clinic routines | |
| HLTAID003 |
Provide first aid | |
| Darling Downs and South West | ||
| ACMGAS207 |
Provide reception services for an animal care facility | |
| ACMSPE302 |
Provide basic care of birds | |
| ACMSPE304 |
Provide basic care of domestic dogs | |
| BSBINM301 |
Organise workplace information | |
| HLTAID003 |
Provide first aid | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
As an international student at TAFE Queensland you'll gain hands-on experience in our modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops using state-of-the-art facilities and the same tools and equipment used in industry.
The diversity of our campus locations means you can choose the study location that suits you. Get the internationally-recognised qualification you need to launch your career while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle.
No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.
What you need to know about studying as an International student
As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations.
In addition to your scheduled class hours you will be expected to complete additional study in your own time.
The course cost indicated is for students on an international student visa. If you’re visiting Australia on a non-student visa (e.g. partner visa, working holiday, employer sponsor etc.) please contact us directly for the price applicable to you.
Do you need help?
- email us your questions
- call us on +61 7 3244 5100
- find an agent to help with your application
- check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
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
Payment options
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.
Upfront payment
This is the total amount you need to pay when you enrol. This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
International Student Payment
Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Western Union Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Western Union 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
Important Information
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Selection criteria
This qualification has no formal entry requirements however TAFE Queensland requires the following:
- Year 10 or equivalent;
- Sound level of computer and literacy skills;
- valid and appropriate email account;
- be prepared to attend compulsory work experience in an animal care facility; and
- physically, emotionally and mentally "fit for practice" for the purpose of work experience.
In addition to the above, please note for the Online study option - you must be in paid employment for a minimum of 15 hours per week in a veterinary practice under the supervision of a qualified workplace supervisor (Veterinarian, Veterinary Nurse or Vet Technician).
Greater Brisbane
Due to the high volume of applicants wishing to undertake this program (Behaviour, Vet Nursing and Wildlife streams). Greater Brisbane has introduced a selection criteria ranking process which requires all applicants to undertake a Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) maths and English assessment to determine their current level of literacy and numeracy. Applicants who receive an Exit Level 2 Working at Level 3 score (or higher) on the bksb will receive a higher ranking than students with a lower score. The bksb identifies any areas you may need additional support to achieve your goals and ensure you have the right skills and support to be successful in your course.
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
- 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.
Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age. Student visa applicants under the age of 18 will be accepted where they demonstrate that they will be accompanied by a parent, legal custodian or a suitable relative who is aged 21 or over. This arrangement requires the approval of the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit Department of Home Affairs - Welfare Requirements for Student Visa Applicants under 18.
Resources required
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
You may be required to undertake pre-reading or purchase textbooks. If this applies, you will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.
You may also be required to purchase uniform items, including TAFE Queensland branded items. These details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation. The purchase of these uniform items may incur additional costs up to the value of $80.00.
You must have the required Animal Studies shirt prior to attending Work Experience (including the AWL, RSPCA), or you will unable to participate.
Need to know
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. For further information please contact TAFE Queensland.
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.
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.
How to apply
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.
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
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. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
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 