Kristie takes the next step from vet nursing to teaching

Kristie is already immersed in the industry she loves, working as a veterinary nurse at Toowoomba Family Vets, while living in nearby Helidon in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley.

However, her ambitions extend beyond clinical work. She wants to step into the classroom and help future veterinary nurses begin their own careers.

To take the next step towards this goal, Kristie undertook the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122), a nationally recognised qualification that equips students with the specialised skills and knowledge to design, develop, deliver and assess vocational training.

She completed her studies through Fee‑Free TAFE, giving her the confidence to move forward in her career with job‑ready, industry‑relevant skills that employers are looking for.

One of the standout aspects of Kristie’s course was the opportunity to create engaging educational resources.

“I really enjoyed creating presentations. Being able to be creative, add videos and photos, and make it engaging for visual learners,” explained Kristie.

While presenting in front of others could feel nerve‑wracking, Kristie found that the process helped build her confidence.

“Even though the delivery was a bit daunting, the whole process of creating and presenting something was really rewarding,” she said.

These hands-on experiences not only strengthened her skills but also gave her a practical taste of what it’s like to teach, reinforcing her passion for becoming an educator.

“I’d love to work with adult students at TAFE Queensland or other training organisations and teach veterinary nursing,” she said.

Her dedication and outstanding academic performance have already been recognised. As a testament to her commitment and capability, Kristie was awarded the 2025 Academic Excellence Award in the Faculty of Education.

Her journey highlights how TAFE Queensland courses can support career progression, not just entry into an industry, but also advancement into leadership and teaching roles.

Kristie’s education journey has been diverse and spans several years. She completed a Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) with TAFE Queensland in 2012, before going on to complete a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2023 through another registered training organisation.

Returning to study at TAFE Queensland in 2025 to complete her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) brought new challenges, including falling pregnant during her course, but also greater independence and purpose.

“This was really my first time back as an adult and an independent learner,” she said.

Kristie also experienced both classroom-based and self-directed study modes, giving her a well-rounded perspective on flexible learning options.

A key part of Kristie’s success was the consistent support from her teachers.

“My teachers were really responsive. I could email them and they’d get back to me quickly,” she said.

Even during her self-directed study phase, Kristie never felt alone. One memorable moment included a teacher going above and beyond to assist with a major assessment.

“One of my teachers even participated in one of my videos, which took hours of her time — it was really lovely support.”

For anyone considering the course, Kristie emphasises the importance of choosing the right study mode and staying connected with your teachers.

“Figure out what mode of study works best for you, especially if you’re working. And if you’re falling behind, reach out — your teachers want you to succeed,” she advised.

After successfully completing her course, Kristie took the next step in her journey and secured a short teaching contract with TAFE Queensland as a vet nursing educator. This experience allowed her to put her newly developed skills into practice and further solidify her passion for teaching.

Looking to the future, Kristie is eager to continue building her career in education and hopes to pursue more opportunities with TAFE Queensland.

Kristie Wallis was presented with her 2025 Academic Excellence Award in the Faculty of Education by the Faculty Director of Education, Anne Smith.