This short course provides focused training in urinary catheterisation for veterinary nurses, with a strong emphasis on clinical decision-making, preparation and aseptic technique.
Designed to support safe and effective catheter placement in unobstructed male and female cats and dogs, the course addresses indications, equipment selection, potential complications and ongoing catheter care – so you understand not just how to place a urinary catheter, but how to do so appropriately and safely in practice.
Developed by AVT veterinarians with input from experienced clinicians, this micro-credential breaks urinary catheterisation into clear, practical steps you can apply in your workplace. For WA-based nurses, this course also contributes toward meeting the requirements for “Advanced Veterinary Nursing – Restricted” under the Veterinary Practice Board of WA framework.
Delivery & Assessments
Completion Time
Practical Expectations
Our micro-credentials are thoughtfully designed by experienced veterinary professionals who understand the realities of clinical practice. Our content is intentionally comprehensive – challenging where it needs to be – and created to develop genuine competence, not just surface knowledge.
That’s why each course integrates theory with practical application, including short workplace assessments signed off by your supervising veterinarian.
No prior urinary catheter placement experience is required, just a willingness to learn and apply the skills under veterinary supervision.
The five core chapters focus on developing safe, practical urinary catheter placement skills in small animal practice. With a strong emphasis on clinical decision-making, aseptic technique and patient monitoring, this course builds the precision and judgement required for today’s veterinary nursing teams.
This chapter explores the definitions and benefits of catheterisation, when catheterisation is appropriate. You’ll consider clinical indications alongside patient factors that influence safe decision-making.
Strengthen your understanding of the lower urinary tract, ensuring your practical skills are supported by accurate anatomical knowledge and physiological insight relevant to catheter placement, including key anatomical differences between male and female patients and species variations in dogs and cats.
This chapter examines catheter types, sizing, material selection and associated equipment. You’ll also consider preparation, sterile setup and commonly used sedation protocols to support safe insertion.
Step-by-step guidance on aseptic urinary catheter insertion in unobstructed male and female cats and dogs, with attention to positioning, technique, minimising trauma and reducing the risk of complications.
Learn best practice for ongoing catheter management, monitoring urine output, identifying early signs of complications and maintaining patient comfort during hospitalisation.
In a clinical setting, you will have the confidence to:
Apply correct aseptic urinary catheter placement techniques in unobstructed male and female cats and dogs
Select appropriate catheter types and sizes based on patient assessment
Prepare and maintain a sterile field to minimise infection risk
Monitor urine output accurately and maintain catheter patency
Identify early signs of complications such as trauma, blockage or infection
Communicate clinical observations clearly and promptly to the veterinary team
Limited time only: $147
Introductory launch price (save $78)
*Published price: $225, limited time only $147 micro-credential fee, inclusions are subject to change. If you decide to withdraw from study for any reason, refunds are not issued. Please see our policies page for full details.
Your enrolment and payment is processed
You will receive login details and access to course materials
An AVT micro-credential is a short online course that allows you to develop specialised skills that are in high demand by animal care and veterinary employers and organisations. We have created our micro-credentials to be short, manageable, and affordable so you can easily fit them into your schedule and budget.
Key features of an AVT micro-credential include:
Qualification requirements
To apply, you’ll need to provide evidence of your Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent qualification).
Current employment
These micro-credentials are designed for qualified veterinary nurses working in clinical practice. You’ll be asked to provide details about your current role and workplace as part of your application.
Workplace access
You’ll need access to a veterinary clinic where you can complete the practical components of the course.
Practical assessment and sign-off
Each micro-credential includes a workplace-based practical component. A veterinarian at your clinic will be required to supervise and sign off on your practical tasks to ensure they are completed safely and to industry standard.
To get the most out of your studies, you’ll need a reliable device that you feel confident using. Throughout your course, you’ll be accessing online learning platforms, submitting assessments, downloading resources and working with standard software, so having the right setup will make everything smoother.
We strongly recommend using a laptop, rather than a tablet, as this will give you the best experience when completing assessments and accessing course materials.
While both Windows and Mac devices can be used, we suggest Microsoft Windows as the preferred operating system, as it offers the smoothest compatibility with the software and platforms used throughout your course.
Recommended device specifications
Required software
Additional capabilities
Yes – absolutely. If your clinic is covering the cost of your course, we can issue a tax invoice directly in the practice’s name so they can process the payment through their regular accounts system. Just let us know at the time of enrolment so we can adjust your payment details.
Some conditions may apply for funded qualifications.
Because we specialise in animal care, behaviour and veterinary training - everything you will learn is based on real industry needs and demands!
91% of AVT graduates are satisfied with their training experience, and 83% were employed after training (NCVER, 2025).
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.
Study Online
About Equine Vet Nursing
