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.
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.
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
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 | |
| Greater Brisbane - Veterinary Nursing stream | ||
| VPC080 |
Vocational placement | Veterinary Nursing stream |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Brisbane - Grooming stream | ||
| ACMSPE305 |
Provide basic care of domestic cats | |
| ACMSPE304 |
Provide basic care of domestic dogs | |
| ACMCAS307 |
Provide companion animal hydro-bathing services | |
| ACMCAS306 |
Provide grooming services for companion animal comfort | |
| ACMGAS206 |
Provide basic first aid for animals | |
| Gold Coast | ||
| ACMGAS308 |
Communicate effectively with clients and team members | |
| ACMGAS307 |
Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work | |
| ACMSPE304 |
Provide basic care of domestic dogs | |
| ACMSPE305 |
Provide basic care of domestic cats | |
| ACMVET202 |
Carry out daily clinic routines | |
| 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 | |
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.
Choosing to study a TAFE at School course is a great way to get a vocational qualification while you’re still in high school. You also gain valuable credits towards your QCE, an apprenticeship, a diploma or university.
TAFE at School gives you a taste of what higher education is all about, makes you work-ready, and helps you build practical skills in an adult-learning environment. Successful completion of a TAFE at School qualification gives you direct entry into any of our diploma courses. Learn more
What you need to know about TAFE at School
Eligibility
You must be a year 10, 11 or 12 student, and enrolled at a participating high school. Speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor for more information.
Course placements are subject to availability.
Outcome
ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies
QCE points: 8
Information is current at time of publishing, to confirm the QCE points for your course please visit the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) website.
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.
Important Information
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, Grooming, 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.
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
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