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.
ACM30117 / ACM40418 Certificate III in Animal Studies / Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Subsidised | $650 - $1,225 |
Concession | $650 - $1,225 |
Full fee | $4,755 - $10,635 |
International | $21,500 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
ACMGAS202Participate in workplace communicationsUnit code: ACMGAS202 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the process of effectively participating in workplace communications in an animal care and management environment. |
Participate in workplace communications | |
ACMGAS203Complete animal care hygiene routinesUnit code: ACMGAS203 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the responsibilities and procedures required to provide daily care of animals, including the cleaning of animal housing and grooming or cleaning of animals under supervision. |
Complete animal care hygiene routines | |
ACMGAS301Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeingUnit code: ACMGAS301 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the process of following animal health management practices to monitor animal health via daily observations of behaviour and condition. |
Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing | |
ACMGAS303Plan for and provide nutritional requirements for animalsUnit code: ACMGAS303 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the process of calculating rations based on animal species needs and availability of feedstuffs. |
Plan for and provide nutritional requirements for animals | |
ACMINF301Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care workUnit 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. |
Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work | |
ACMSUS201Participate in environmentally sustainable work practicesUnit code: ACMSUS201 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the process required to measure current resource use effectively and to carry out improvements, including those that will reduce the negative environment impacts of work practices. |
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | |
ACMWHS301Contribute to workplace health and safety processesUnit 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. |
Contribute to workplace health and safety processes | |
ACMGAS307Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care workUnit code: ACMGAS307 |
Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work | |
ACMGAS308Communicate effectively with clients and team membersUnit code: ACMGAS308 |
Communicate effectively with clients and team members | |
ACMVET202Carry out daily clinic routinesUnit code: ACMVET202 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the process of treating patients (animals) on a daily basis, maintaining clinic hygiene and assisting with inventory and clinic security. |
Carry out daily clinic routines | |
ACMVET401Coordinate veterinary reception dutiesUnit code: ACMVET401 |
Coordinate veterinary reception duties | |
ACMVET402Apply imaging routinesUnit code: ACMVET402 |
Apply imaging routines | |
ACMVET403Perform clinical pathology proceduresUnit code: ACMVET403 |
Perform clinical pathology procedures | |
ACMVET404Perform practice office proceduresUnit code: ACMVET404 |
Perform practice office procedures | |
ACMVET405Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routinesUnit code: ACMVET405 |
Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines | |
ACMVET406Nurse animalsUnit code: ACMVET406 |
Nurse animals | |
ACMVET407Carry out medical nursing routinesUnit code: ACMVET407 |
Carry out medical nursing routines | |
ACMVET408Provide nutritional advice and support for animalsUnit code: ACMVET408 |
Provide nutritional advice and support for animals | |
ACMVET409Provide specific animal care adviceUnit code: ACMVET409 |
Provide specific animal care advice | |
ACMVET410Carry out veterinary dental nursing proceduresUnit code: ACMVET410 |
Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures | |
ACMVET413Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesiaUnit code: ACMVET413 |
Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia | |
ACMVET416Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisonsUnit code: ACMVET416 |
Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons |
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
ACMGAS301Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeingUnit code: ACMGAS301 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the process of following animal health management practices to monitor animal health via daily observations of behaviour and condition. |
Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing | |
ACMGAS303Plan for and provide nutritional requirements for animalsUnit code: ACMGAS303 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the process of calculating rations based on animal species needs and availability of feedstuffs. |
Plan for and provide nutritional requirements for animals | |
ACMSPE304Provide basic care of domestic dogsUnit code: ACMSPE304 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the process of identifying dogs and their behavioural and physical needs, providing daily care requirements, assisting with behavioural requirements and basic preventative health measures. |
Provide basic care of domestic dogs | |
ACMSPE305Provide basic care of domestic catsUnit code: ACMSPE305 |
Provide basic care of domestic cats |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
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
Campus | START DATES
![]() When your course is scheduled to begin |
Duration | WORKLOAD
![]() How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements. |
STUDY MODE
![]() Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more |
COST
![]() The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loganlea | 24 January 2022 | 9 months | ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies - Veterinary Nursing stream: Full time up to 3 days per week | Mixed mode | Full fee: $4,755 Subsidised: $650 Concession: $650 |
Loganlea | 24 January 2022 | 1 year | Upgrade to ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing after successful completion of Certificate III: Full time up to 3 days per week | Mixed mode | Full fee: $10,635 Subsidised: $1,225 Concession: $1,225 |
Grovely | 24 January 2022 | 9 months | ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies - Veterinary Nursing stream: Full time up to 3 days per week | Mixed mode | Full fee: $4,755 Subsidised: $650 Concession: $650 |
Grovely | 24 January 2022 | 1 year | Upgrade to ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing after successful completion of Certificate III: Full time up to 3 days per week | Mixed mode | Full fee: $10,635 Subsidised: $1,225 Concession: $1,225 |
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.
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.
Campus | START DATES
![]() When your course is scheduled to begin |
Duration | WORKLOAD
![]() How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements. |
STUDY MODE
![]() Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more |
COST
![]() The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ashmore | 25 January 2021 | 21 months | Full time | Mixed mode | International: $21,500 |
Ashmore | 19 April 2021 | 1.5 years | Full time | Mixed mode | International: $21,500 |
Southport | 12 July 2021 | 1.5 years | Full time | Mixed mode | International: $21,500 |
Southport | 05 October 2021 | 1.5 years | Full time | Mixed mode | International: $21,500 |
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.
The advertised course cost and duration will be broken down as per the following:
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 pathwaysNo 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.
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
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.
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Greater Brisbane Only
Certificate III in Animal Studies – Vet Nursing stream stage:
Due to the high volume of applicants wishing to undertake this program, TAFE Queensland, Brisbane Region uses a selection criteria and ranking for entry into the program.
Applicants will be required to undertake a Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) Maths and English assessment to determine 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 those with a lower score. TAFE Queensland will accept candidates into the program based on this ranking. 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.
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing stage:
Applicants will be required to complete the Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) maths and English assessments to determine current level of literacy and numeracy. Applicants who receive an Exit Level 3 Working at Level 4 score (or higher) on the bksb will receive more ranking points than students with a lower score. If a previous bksb attempt resulted in an Exit Level 3 Working at Level 4 score (or higher), applicants are not required to retest. Applicants must also complete a knowledge test based on topics covered in the Certificate III in Animal Studies with test results contributing points toward the total ranking score. Additional points will be awarded for work experience undertaken in a vet clinic.
International Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to International Students:
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.
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.
Certificate III in Animal Studies
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.
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 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 up to the value of $500.00, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.
You will also be required to purchase uniform items including comfortable closed in shoes preferably black and TAFE Queensland branded items. These details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation. The purchase of TAFE Queensland branded uniform items may incur additional costs $80.00.
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:
Greater Brisbane:
Total combined duration will be 21 months for ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies - Veterinary Nursing stream, followed by the upgrade to ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (completion of 12 units). The total cost for this study pathway will be:
Full fee: $14,930
Subsidised: $1,815
Concession: $1,815
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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