Why choose this course?
Turn your love for animals into a rewarding career as a veterinary nurse or animal welfare worker with this qualification.
Learn the skills to work effectively in a veterinary practice, providing care to a wide variety of animals, assisting with surgery preparation and procedures, performing pathology and imaging procedures, providing post surgery care and advice, and workplace safety and health.
Throughout this course, you’ll benefit from access to an on-campus veterinary clinic, complete with surgery facilities. This clinic is open to staff, students and the public. The clinic provides an opportunity for you to participate in practical training and exposure to a range of animals with various medical and surgical conditions. This practical training will allow you to develop your skills and knowledge in a safe and supported environment and prepare you for industry placements.
Career opportunities
- Animal Carer
- Animal Welfare Worker
- Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Surgical Assistant
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An IELTS score (academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.
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Completion of ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is required for entry into this course.
Please refer to the Non-Tuition Fees section of your Letter of Offer for any additional requirements where a cost may be incurred.
Your study options
Semester 1, 2025
- Tuition fee: $14,630
- Resources fee: $1,268
- Materials fee: $306
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.
Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.
Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.
2 semesters
To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 21 units. These 21 are comprised of 17 core units and 4 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.
Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.
- ACMGAS307 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
- ACMGAS308 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMVET202 Carry out daily practice routines
- ACMVET401 Coordinate veterinary reception duties
- ACMVET402 Apply imaging routines
- ACMVET403 Perform clinical pathology procedures
- ACMVET404 Perform practice office procedures
- ACMVET405 Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines
- ACMVET406 Nurse animals
- ACMVET407 Carry out medical nursing routines
- ACMVET408 Provide nutritional advice and support for animals
- ACMVET409 Provide specific animal care advice
- ACMVET410 Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
- ACMVET413 Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia
- ACMVET416 Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
- ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
- ACMSPE302 Provide basic care of birds
- ACMSPE305 Provide basic care of domestic cats
The methods of assessment used in this course include practical activities, such as assisting veterinary personnel in the surgical and clinical setting at the South Metropolitan TAFE veterinary clinic and out in industry, follow up questions based on activities in the assessments, direct observation, and formal testing of knowledge. Evidence gathering methods such as direct observation of practical activities, research projects, case studies, verbal presentations, knowledge-based assessment and third-party reports through the work placement logbook are also used for assessment.
These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.
The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.
Learning resources may include access to support materials, learning resources, training and assessment resources, Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, resource notes, worksheets, Lecturer developed revision tasks and physical equipment and facilities all located on campus.
Facilities and equipment may include access to a fully operational veterinary clinic, with surgery facilities that is open to staff, students and the public, exposure to a range of animals with various medical and surgical conditions, animal caging facilities, feeding utensils, animal health care facilities, wet areas for animal demonstrations and fully equipped classrooms.
Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.
Semester 1, 2025
- Tuition fee: $14,630
- Resources fee: $730
- Materials fee: $110
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.
Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.
Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.
2 semesters
To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 21 units. These 21 are comprised of 17 core units and 4 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.
Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.
- ACMGAS307 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
- ACMGAS308 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMVET202 Carry out daily practice routines
- ACMVET401 Coordinate veterinary reception duties
- ACMVET402 Apply imaging routines
- ACMVET403 Perform clinical pathology procedures
- ACMVET404 Perform practice office procedures
- ACMVET405 Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines
- ACMVET406 Nurse animals
- ACMVET407 Carry out medical nursing routines
- ACMVET408 Provide nutritional advice and support for animals
- ACMVET409 Provide specific animal care advice
- ACMVET410 Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
- ACMVET413 Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia
- ACMVET416 Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
- ACMSPE310 Provide basic care of mammals
- BSBPEF301 Organise personal work priorities
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
The methods of assessment used in this course include:
Written questioning assessments to demonstrate the student’s knowledge.Projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, for example identifying commonly kept reptiles and animal husbandry techniques associated with keeping reptiles, rabbits and rodents, dogs and cats.Practical demonstration and observation of skills including animal husbandry techniques and handling methods. Students are required to attend scheduled animal roster sessions to care for the resident animals – practical demonstrations will take place in this simulated workplace environment.Presentations to help demonstrate knowledge and practical skills, for example, animal first aid skills, commercial product knowledge, services and information on diets and feeding.These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times
The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.
Learning resources may include access to support materials, learning resources, training and assessment resources, Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, revision tasks and worksheets, videos, documents, and links to websites specific to the area of training.
Facilities and equipment may include access to an on-campus fully operational animal care facility, a simulated work environment and exposure to a range of animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, reptiles, sheep and birds and fully equipped classrooms.
Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.
Semester 2, 2025
- Tuition fee: $14,630
- Resources fee: $1,268
- Materials fee: $306
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.
Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.
Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.
You are required to undertake approximately 240 hours of work placement during this course. This work placement is for one day per week at a private veterinary clinic for the duration of the course. You are required to arrange this placement with assistance from college staff who have a list of approved practices to approach. You will also attend the on-campus clinic/surgery one day per week throughout your studies.
You will be supervised during any off campus placements and this supervision and support is fully documented. A college lecturer will conduct workplace visits to provide ongoing support and coaching and will observe and assess your performance.
2 semesters
To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 21 units. These 21 are comprised of 17 core units and 4 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.
Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.
- ACMGAS307 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
- ACMGAS308 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMVET202 Carry out daily practice routines
- ACMVET401 Coordinate veterinary reception duties
- ACMVET402 Apply imaging routines
- ACMVET403 Perform clinical pathology procedures
- ACMVET404 Perform practice office procedures
- ACMVET405 Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines
- ACMVET406 Nurse animals
- ACMVET407 Carry out medical nursing routines
- ACMVET408 Provide nutritional advice and support for animals
- ACMVET409 Provide specific animal care advice
- ACMVET410 Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
- ACMVET413 Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia
- ACMVET416 Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
- ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
- ACMSPE302 Provide basic care of birds
- ACMSPE305 Provide basic care of domestic cats
The methods of assessment used in this course include practical activities, such as assisting veterinary personnel in the surgical and clinical setting at the South Metropolitan TAFE veterinary clinic and out in industry, follow up questions based on activities in the assessments, direct observation, and formal testing of knowledge. Evidence gathering methods such as direct observation of practical activities, research projects, case studies, verbal presentations, knowledge-based assessment and third-party reports through the work placement logbook are also used for assessment.
These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.
The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.
Learning resources may include access to support materials, learning resources, training and assessment resources, Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, resource notes, worksheets, Lecturer developed revision tasks and physical equipment and facilities all located on campus.
Facilities and equipment may include access to a fully operational veterinary clinic, with surgery facilities that is open to staff, students and the public, exposure to a range of animals with various medical and surgical conditions, animal caging facilities, feeding utensils, animal health care facilities, wet areas for animal demonstrations and fully equipped classrooms.
Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.
Semester 1, 2026
- Tuition fee: $14,630
- Resources fee: $1,268
- Materials fee: $306
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.
Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.
Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.
You are required to undertake approximately 240 hours of work placement during this course. This work placement is for one day per week at a private veterinary clinic for the duration of the course. You are required to arrange this placement with assistance from college staff who have a list of approved practices to approach. You will also attend the on-campus clinic/surgery one day per week throughout your studies.
You will be supervised during any off campus placements and this supervision and support is fully documented. A college lecturer will conduct workplace visits to provide ongoing support and coaching and will observe and assess your performance.
2 semesters
To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 21 units. These 21 are comprised of 17 core units and 4 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.
Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.
- ACMGAS307 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
- ACMGAS308 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMVET202 Carry out daily practice routines
- ACMVET401 Coordinate veterinary reception duties
- ACMVET402 Apply imaging routines
- ACMVET403 Perform clinical pathology procedures
- ACMVET404 Perform practice office procedures
- ACMVET405 Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines
- ACMVET406 Nurse animals
- ACMVET407 Carry out medical nursing routines
- ACMVET408 Provide nutritional advice and support for animals
- ACMVET409 Provide specific animal care advice
- ACMVET410 Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
- ACMVET413 Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia
- ACMVET416 Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
- ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
- ACMSPE302 Provide basic care of birds
- ACMSPE305 Provide basic care of domestic cats
The methods of assessment used in this course include practical activities, such as assisting veterinary personnel in the surgical and clinical setting at the South Metropolitan TAFE veterinary clinic and out in industry, follow up questions based on activities in the assessments, direct observation, and formal testing of knowledge. Evidence gathering methods such as direct observation of practical activities, research projects, case studies, verbal presentations, knowledge-based assessment and third-party reports through the work placement logbook are also used for assessment.
These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.
The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.
Learning resources may include access to support materials, learning resources, training and assessment resources, Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, resource notes, worksheets, Lecturer developed revision tasks and physical equipment and facilities all located on campus.
Facilities and equipment may include access to a fully operational veterinary clinic, with surgery facilities that is open to staff, students and the public, exposure to a range of animals with various medical and surgical conditions, animal caging facilities, feeding utensils, animal health care facilities, wet areas for animal demonstrations and fully equipped classrooms.
Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.
Semester 1, 2026
- Tuition fee: $14,630
- Resources fee: $730
- Materials fee: $110
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.
Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.
Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.
2 semesters
To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 21 units. These 21 are comprised of 17 core units and 4 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.
Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.
- ACMGAS307 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
- ACMGAS308 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMVET202 Carry out daily practice routines
- ACMVET401 Coordinate veterinary reception duties
- ACMVET402 Apply imaging routines
- ACMVET403 Perform clinical pathology procedures
- ACMVET404 Perform practice office procedures
- ACMVET405 Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines
- ACMVET406 Nurse animals
- ACMVET407 Carry out medical nursing routines
- ACMVET408 Provide nutritional advice and support for animals
- ACMVET409 Provide specific animal care advice
- ACMVET410 Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
- ACMVET413 Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia
- ACMVET416 Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
- ACMSPE310 Provide basic care of mammals
- BSBPEF301 Organise personal work priorities
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
The methods of assessment used in this course include:
Written questioning assessments to demonstrate the student’s knowledge.Projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, for example identifying commonly kept reptiles and animal husbandry techniques associated with keeping reptiles, rabbits and rodents, dogs and cats.Practical demonstration and observation of skills including animal husbandry techniques and handling methods. Students are required to attend scheduled animal roster sessions to care for the resident animals – practical demonstrations will take place in this simulated workplace environment.Presentations to help demonstrate knowledge and practical skills, for example, animal first aid skills, commercial product knowledge, services and information on diets and feeding.These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times
The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.
Learning resources may include access to support materials, learning resources, training and assessment resources, Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, revision tasks and worksheets, videos, documents, and links to websites specific to the area of training.
Facilities and equipment may include access to an on-campus fully operational animal care facility, a simulated work environment and exposure to a range of animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, reptiles, sheep and birds and fully equipped classrooms.
Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.
There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).
For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.
How to apply
Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:
- find a course;
- check entry requirements;
- submit an application;
- accept your offer and pay;
- apply for your student visa; and
- receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.
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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.