Home » Short Courses » Advanced Bandaging and External Coaptation
This course is for veterinary nurses already working in clinical practice who want to deepen their knowledge and confidence in external coaptation. Whether you work in a general practice or a specialist referral centre, the content is directly applicable to the cases you regularly see in practice.
You will complete four chapters covering the core principles of external coaptation: from wound biology and dressing selection through to casts, splints, and ongoing bandage management. Each chapter is written and delivered by experienced veterinary nursing professionals, with a focus on real clinical application.
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
Learn about bandaging and external coaptation at your own pace, no classroom attendance needed
Access your studies anytime through our Online Learning Platform, featuring procedure demonstrations, resources and assessments
Undertake online quizzes plus practical task sign-off under veterinary supervision at work to ensure safe clinical application
Completion Time
CPD: 2-3 hours
As a general guide, students who study around 1 hour per week typically complete the course within 1 month. This includes approximately 2-3 hours of theory, plus time to complete and have your practical task signed off
You’ll have up to 12 months to complete the course, allowing flexible study around work and clinical commitments
Practical Expectations
Our micro-credentials are thoughtfully designed by experienced veterinary professionals who understand the realities of clinical practice. Our content is intentionally comprehensive – thorough 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.
WA based vet nurses looking to gain recognition as an "Advanced Veterinary Nurse - Restricted" as part of the new Veterinary Practice Board of WA framework.
Experienced veterinary nurses working in small animal general practice, emergency or specialist settings who are involved in wound management, bandaging, splinting, fracture support and ongoing patient care.
Nurses seeking continuing professional development (CPD) hours through targeted, high level training.
Advanced bandaging skills are not required, just a willingness to learn and apply the skills under veterinary supervision.

You will work through four chapters that build a thorough, evidence-informed understanding of external coaptation in veterinary nursing. All content has been developed to reflect current clinical standards and real workplace expectations.
Understand the biology of wound healing and the phases of inflammation. You will learn how these processes inform clinical decision-making in coaptation, including the timing of dressing changes and material selection.
Explore dressing selection, layering principles and correct bandaging techniques to support healing while minimising pressure injury and vascular compromise.
Learn best-practice protocols for ongoing coaptation care — including patient monitoring, complication recognition, client communication, and when to reassess or escalate management.
Understand monitoring protocols, identifying complications, maintaining hygiene and recognising when veterinary reassessment is required.
In a clinical setting, you will have the confidence to:

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.
"The trainers and assessors are experienced professionals in the industry and they pull from first-hand experience along with always being updated to the gold standards of the practice. They are continuously updating their references and teaching materials as the industry expands."
- Amariah P (Google Review)
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Our courses are developed by our AVT experienced veterinary professionals in conjunction with industry experts.
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Receive an AVT Certificate of Completion from one of Australia’s most respected veterinary nursing training organisations.
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.
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