Qualifications Overview

Courses and study for working with animals

Qualifications in Animal Care (Animal Studies), Behaviour & Training and Veterinary Nursing

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your knowledge, AVT courses are well recognised and trusted by employers.

Your qualification will be nationally recognised in Australia and provides a pathway for a higher-level education or a career in your course of study. 

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Certificate II

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Certificate III

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Animal Behaviour & Training

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Vet Nursing

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ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

(previously ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies)

Online

qual overview avt acm20121 animal care online v2
Online

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Online)

  • Payment plans available

  • Online

  • Work placement

  • 1 year

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Animal Attendant

Develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to begin your career in the animal care industry, with the flexibility of online study. 

You’ll gain a strong foundation through online learning and hands-on experience via a self-organised workplace-based training placement.

Face-to-Face

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Health & Welfare

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health & Welfare)

  • Jobs and Skills WA Funded

  • On-site

  • Shenton Park & Ascot WA

  • 14 weeks

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Animal Attendant

Gain hands-on experience in shelter and rescue environments and at the same time develop your skills in animal care and welfare.

You’ll enjoy a combination of practical training at the Dogs’ Refuge Home and the Cat Haven, along with classroom-based learning, to build a strong foundation in animal health, behaviour and welfare.

On-Campus

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Vet Nurse Pathway

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Vet Nurse Pathway)

  • Jobs and Skills WA Funded

  • On-campus

  • Ascot WA

  • 14 weeks

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Apply for Vet Nursing

You’ll focus on developing skills and knowledge to prepare to apply for our Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or work as an Animal Attendant in a veterinary clinic.

You’ll enjoy a combination of hands-on practical training at our Ascot based Campus with real animals and classroom activities.

Face-to-Face

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Exhibited Animals

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Exhibited Animals)

  • Jobs and Skills WA Funded

  • On-site

  • Landsdale Farm WA

  • 14 weeks

  • Work as an Animal Carer in a range of environments

You’ll explore the world of animal care in a working farm environment at Landsdale Farm. 

If you aspire to work in animal care facilities such as zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, aquaria, tourism farms, farm stays or other environments where animals are cared for or exhibited, this is the course for you. 

Face-to-Face

qual overview avt acm20121 animal care vetdss v2
VETDSS

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (VETDSS)

  • Jobs and Skills WA Funded

  • On-site

  • Landsdale Farm, WA

  • 1 school semester

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Animal Attendant

If you’re a high school-aged student passionate about animals, this course is the perfect way to start your journey in the animal care industry.

Gain hands-on experience working with companion and farm animals at Landsdale Farm while completing your studies, making this the perfect starting point for a career in animal care. 

On-Site

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Vet Nurse Internship

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Internship: Vet Nurse Program)

  • Payment plans available

  • Vet clinic

  • Australia wide

  • 6-12 months

  • Work as a Veterinary Assistant or Vet Nurse

This unique internship program with our industry partner, Greencross Vets, blends flexible online study.

You’ll learn fundamental skills such as handling and restraining animals, assisting with patient care, monitoring animal health, and supporting veterinary professionals in a clinical environment.

Jobs and Skills WA Funding Available

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care*

The following courses are eligible for applicants who qualify for the Jobs and Skills WA – Participation Program. Please visit each course page for detailed fees, funding and eligibility guidelines.

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services

(previously ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies)

Online

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Online

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Online)

  • Payment plans available

  • Online

  • Work placement

  • 2 years

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Animal Attendant

Build on your existing animal care skills and knowledge with the flexibility of online study, to prepare you for a rewarding career. 

You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience through workplace-based training, developing expertise in animal health, behaviour, nutrition and enrichment across a range of animal care settings.

Face-to-Face

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RSPCA Program

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA Program)

  • Jobs and Skills WA Funded

  • On-site

  • RSPCA Malaga WA

  • 6 months

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Animal Attendant

Through hands-on training at the RSPCA WA, you will gain skills in animal handling, behaviour assessment, enrichment and rehabilitation. 

Learn from industry professionals, work alongside the RSPCA behavioural team, and develop the expertise needed to make a meaningful impact in animal welfare.

Jobs and Skills WA Funding Available
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA)*

Our ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services – RSPCA Program is eligible for applicants who qualify for the Jobs and Skills WA Participation Program. See full details including eligibility guidelines here >>

ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training

Blended

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Behaviour and Training

ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training

  • Payment plans available

  • Blended learning

  • Workshops in Perth

  • 1 year

  • Work as an Animal or Dog Trainer

  • 20 CPD points

Develop the skills to understand, influence, and train animal behaviour using modern, force-free, and scientifically backed methods. This course is designed by our own IMDT certified trainers with input from internationally recognised experts in animal training.

We combine flexible online learning with virtual training sessions and hands-on practical workshops based in Perth WA, providing you with the perfect balance of theory and real-world experience. 

On-Site

qual overview avt acm20121 animal care health welfare
Health & Welfare

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health & Welfare)

  • Jobs & Skills WA Funded

  • On-site

  • Shenton Park WA

  • 14 weeks

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Animal Attendant

You will explore the world of animal care in a working farm environment. 

This is the course for you if you aspire to work in animal care facilities such as zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, aquaria, tourism farms, farm stays or other environments where animals are cared for or exhibited.

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing**

On-Campus, Blended and Online

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Veterinary Nursing

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

  • Jobs and Skills WA Funded^

  • On-campus, blended, online

  • Anywhere in Australia

  • 1.5 - 2 years

  • Become a qualified Vet Nurse

Become a qualified veterinary nurse and gain essential skills in patient care, surgical assistance, anaesthesia monitoring, radiography, and emergency nursing. You’ll gain both hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge to succeed as a veterinary nurse.

Choose from three flexible study modes to suit your needs:

  • On-campus in Perth
  • Blended Learning with online study and on-campus workshops for WA students
  • Online, allowing you to study from anywhere in Australia. 

On-Site

qual overview avt acm20121 animal care health welfare
Health & Welfare

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health & Welfare)

  • Jobs & Skills WA Funded

  • On-site

  • Shenton Park WA

  • 14 weeks

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Animal Attendant

You will explore the world of animal care in a working farm environment. 

This is the course for you if you aspire to work in animal care facilities such as zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, aquaria, tourism farms, farm stays or other environments where animals are cared for or exhibited.

Lower Fees, Local Skills
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing**

The ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is part of the Lower fees, local skills initiative where you’ll only pay half the course fees. Fees are capped at $1,200 per year; or $400 if you’re aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession, plus resource fees and other fees that may apply to your course. See full details including terms and eligibility guidelines here >>

Vet Nuring course - government subsidised lower fees local skills
High school trainees - courses vet in schools with animals

Qualifications for high school leavers
and graduates

Depending on your level of experience with animals, the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care and the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services are great qualifications for students to start. 

To learn more about your options, visit our High School Graduates page. 

What Students Are Saying

Why choose AVT?

100% Focused on Animal Care

Because we specialise in animal care, behaviour and veterinary training - everything you will learn is based on real industry needs and demands!

AVT graduates make a difference in animal care

Real Outcomes You Can Trust

91% of AVT graduates are satisfied with their training experience, and 83% were employed after training (NCVER, 2025).

Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

Support Students Recommend

Students consistently tell us how supported they feel. Our trainers are here to guide you and answer your questions and help you stay on track.

*Funded places are subject to eligibility and availability.
The Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Additional fees may apply such as resource fees and other fees.

^Our part-time on-campus and blended learning study modes of the
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing are eligible for Jobs and Skills WA funding.
There is currently no funding or concessions available for the online study mode. 

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