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Study Modes
- Online
Duration
- 1-2 years Online
Cost
- Full fee $1,995
- VET program $1,495
Intakes
Our nationally recognised Certificate II in Animal Studies is a pre-vocational qualification aimed as an entry point in the animal care and management industry. Graduates can start their career in the animal care industry or move on to a higher level qualification.
Easy to understand theory
The Certificate II in Animal Studies combines simple, easy to understand theory with a practical placement in the animal care industry. The course is comprised of relevant topics covering the main fundamental principles of working in the animal care industry. The theory component is delivered via our interactive online learning portal, making learning both flexible and fun.
Putting theory into practice
To gain the valuable practical skills required to successfully complete this course, students are required to spend 150 hours in an animal care facility of their choice and approved by AVT. This will enable them to put into practice the theory components of the course and develop the hands-on skills that are essential for a career in the animal industry. Suitable facilities might include kennels, catteries, doggy day care centres, animal welfare shelters, pet shops (with animals), wildlife rehabilitation centres or zoos.
Your nationally recognised qualification
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) is fully registered by the Australian Government training registration authority ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) and the qualification offered is the nationally recognised Certificate II in Animal Studies. We are supported and endorsed by the Australian Veterinary Association. Our registration authority can be viewed on the training.gov.au website, which is the Australian Government’s website for details of registered courses and training providers – View our details here We strongly recommend you search the training.gov.au website for any training organisation you maybe considering.
Study Modes
Certificate II in Animal Studies is offered via our online study modes:-
Ideal for students who:
- are seeking a self-paced course
- want to study from home or at high school
- are seeking an introduction into the animal care industry
Online
Supported online learning
- Duration – One year at your own pace
- Delivery Method - online access to learning centre with full support of our educators via phone, email or skype
- Attendance - on-campus is not required. Perth based practical workshops are offered throughout the year
- Workplace practical training guide - a comprehensive package to assist you in securing a work placement in your local area
- Assessment methods - range from online assignments and tests, oral testing via telephone or skype, case studies, video submissions of practical tasks
- Course commencement - at any time of year to suit student
The Certificate II in Animal Studies is a self-paced course, allowing students to study at a pace that suits them, up to one year duration.
For school students studying as part of a VET program, students will require 1 day per week (over the course of an academic year) to complete both their theoretical studies and practical training.
Enrol NowWhat subject units will I study?
ACM20110 Certificate II in Animal Studies is comprised of 11 topics covering the principles of working in the animal care industry. Students must also select one species specific unit which will correspond with a species they are working with as part of their practical placement. Examples of the species specific units include “Provide basic care of birds” or “Provide basic care of dogs”. All units including the full range of species specific units are detailed below:-
ACMGAS202A Participate in workplace communications
This unit of competency covers the process of effectively participating in workplace communications in an animal care and management environment.
ACMGAS203A Complete animal care hygiene routines
This unit of competency covers the responsibilities and procedures required to provide daily care of animals, including the cleaning of animal housing and grooming or cleaning of animals under supervision.
ACMGAS205A Assist in healthcare of animals
This unit of competency covers the process of providing assistance to experienced staff in the capture, restraint and assessment of animals and the preparation, application and documentation of treatments.
ACMGAS204A Feed & water animals
This unit of competency covers the process of preparing, presenting and distributing food and water for animals under supervision and according to workplace diet requirements.
ACMGAS201A Work in the animal care industry
This unit of competency covers the terminology, culture and working conditions of an animal care workplace when working on an individual basis and with others.
ACMSUS201A Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
This unit of competency covers the process required to measure current resource use effectively and to carry out improvements, including those that will reduce the negative environment impacts of work practices.
ACMOHS201A Participate in occupational health & safety processes
This unit of competency covers the process required for an entry level employee to participate in occupational health and safety (OHS) processes in the workplace, in order to ensure their own health and safety at work, as well as that of others in the workplace who may be affected by their actions.
ACMGAS206A Provide basic first aid for animals
This unit of competency covers the process of providing essential first aid for animals by recognising and responding to an emergency using basic first aid measures. The first aider is not expected to deal with complex casualties or incidents, but to provide an initial response where first aid is required.
ACMGAS208A Source information for animal care needs
This unit of competency covers the processes required to gather information on medications and services for animals and relate these to individual animal requirements and audience needs.
ACMGAS209A Provide information on companion animals, products and services
This unit of competency covers the process of providing basic information to customers on companion animal training, grooming and/or breeding establishments, and on products and services in a range of companion animal settings.
BSBINM201 Process and maintain workplace information
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to collect, process and store, and maintain workplace information and systems. It also includes the maintenance of filing and records systems.
ACMSPE302A Provide basic care of birds
This unit of competency covers the process of identifying birds and their behavioural and physical needs, providing daily care requirements, assisting with behavioural requirements and basic preventative health measures.
ACMSPE303A Provide basic care of common native mammals
This unit of competency covers the process of identifying common native mammals, their behavioural and physical needs, providing daily care requirements, assisting with behaviour requirements and basic preventative health measures.
ACMSPE304A Provide basic care of dogs
This unit of competency covers the process of identifying dogs and their behavioural and physical needs, providing daily care requirements, assisting with behavioural requirements and basic preventative health measures.
ACMSPE305A Provide basic care of domestic cats
This unit of competency covers the process of identifying domestic cats and their behavioural and physical needs, providing daily care requirements, assisting with behavioural requirements and basic preventative health measures.
ACMSPE311A Provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles
This unit of competency covers the process of identifying reptiles and their behavioural and physical needs, providing daily care requirements for non-venomous reptiles as well as assisting with behavioural requirements and preventative health measures.
ACMSPE312A Provide basic care of rodents and rabbits
This unit of competency covers the process of identifying rodents and rabbits and their behavioural and physical needs, providing daily care requirements, assisting with behavioural requirements and basic preventative health measures.
AHCHBR203A Provide daily care for horses
This unit covers the process of providing daily care for horses and defines the standard required to: complete stable routines efficiently; complete daily horse maintenance; select horses for a range of purposes; catch and tie up horses; groom or rug horses as required by the organisation; clean and maintain equipment; work safely around horses.
Course Fees and Requirements
What are the course fees and what do they include?
Our fees are fully inclusive and reflect the quality of the continuous tuition and support you receive throughout the program.
| Certificate II in Animal Studies | Online | VET in schools |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year | 1 year |
| Delivery | Online | Online |
| Learning guides | Downloadable | Downloadable |
| Textbooks | ||
| Enrolment | ||
| Dedicated student support | ||
| One-on-one mentoring via phone, email, skype | ||
| Assessments and Certification | ||
| Workplace practical insurance cover | ||
| AVT practical kit including uniform, name badge and Workbook | ||
| Flexible payment plan options | ||
| Course fee | $1,995 | $1,495 |
Flexible payment plans are available.
Outcomes
On successful completion you will be awarded the nationally recognised qualification, ACM20110 Certificate II in Animal Studies. You will receive a statement indicating completion of the individual units of study. You will also be invited to attend our graduation ceremony held in Perth in December every year where you will be formally presented with a certificate. At this ceremony, top achieving students are also recognised and receive both commendations and prizes.
Job Outcomes
Students who have completed the Certificate II in Animal Studies go on to careers as a:-
- Animal care attendant
- Welfare shelter attendant
- Kennel hand
- Cattery attendant
- Pet shop attendant
- Assistant dog groomer
- Stable hand
- Vet assistant
For more information on careers working with animals read our article Top 6 Animal Care Careers >>
Skills Outcomes
Some of the skills you will be able to apply once qualified include:-
- Follow and implement animal feeding plans
- Carry out animal care hygiene routines
- Assist with the assessing the health of animals
- Administer basic animal first aid techniques
- Safety and correctly handle and restrain animals
- Identify and interpret animal behaviour
- Accurately complete animal care records
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about this qualification? Check out our frequently asked questions below, for the answers to your question. If you are unable to find an answer, feel free to contact us via our contact us page.
Can I start the Animal Studies courses at any time during the year?
Our Animal Studies courses are self-paced and offered via supported online learning. This means you can apply at any time throughout the year. To enrol simply go to the bottom of the page and complete our online enrolment form or click here.
Do I have to attend lessons?
Certificate II and III in Animal Studies are Online Course. For these courses, you do not need to attend lessons and you can carry out all of your studies from home. All the course material is available online, this can also be downloaded if you wish to print the study materials. You will also attend a practical work place where you will complete assessments and skills worksheets. All assessments are then completed and submitted online.
Do you hold an open day?
We do not hold a formal Open Day, however we often attend careers expos and events organised by schools. Throughout the year we conduct information sessions which are offered by invitation. If you are interested in attending one of these sessions please contact us
How are units assessed? Will I have to sit tests or write essays?
The units are assessed using various methods. These include multiple choice quizzes, tests, written assignments and practical assignments such as video and photographic evidence.
I am an Australian currently living overseas, is it possible to complete your Animal Studies course overseas?
Our Animal Studies courses are available online, so you can study from anywhere around Australia or overseas. As long as you have access to a reliable internet connection via a PC or electronic device and can secure a workplace for your practical training then you can complete our qualifications from any location.
If I find I am struggling to understand any of the course material, what help and support can I get?
We have a team of highly qualified lecturers who have worked in various areas of the animal industry (take a look at our ‘Meet Our Team’ page). Our lecturers are always on hand to answer any questions or provide further explanations or clarification of any of the course material. They will mentor and coach you through the course material when required. You can contact our lecturers via phone, email or Skype.
Is possible to do the VET in Schools program, even if my school doesn’t offer it?
We have students enrolled in our VET program around Australia, so it is likely your VET Co-ordinator may consider introducing our animal care program at your school.
If your school does not offer our courses as part of their VET in Schools program we advise that you speak with your careers adviser or VET co-ordinator. We encourage you to direct them to this website and contact us via our website. We can send them our VET in Schools information pack and answer any of their questions in relation to your interest in studying Animal Care.
What is the difference between the course content AVT offers and other training providers?
The only difference between registered training providers courses content might be the units contained in the course. There are many units that can be included in a course and training providers choose which ones they are going to use. You would find that the units chosen are quite similar however. Our course is broad based and gives an excellent introduction to working with animals. It is not aimed at one career or species in particular and there is opportunity to learn about many different animals. All study materials are written, reviewed and delivered by Veterinarians, Animal Scientists and Veterinary Nurses with formal training qualifications.
Can course fees be paid off in instalments or do you require up front payment?
None of our courses require up front payment, we offer flexible monthly payment plans for all students. Total course fees and payment plan structure vary with each course and individual circumstances. For more information, contact us.
Do you offer concession fees?
Concession fees are available to eligible students only through our courses which have been granted government funding. Currently this only applies to the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing for students that are residing within Western Australia. For more information on the eligibility criteria please see the Fees & Entry section (tab) on this page.
Is government assistance available?
You may be able to get financial or government assistance such as Austudy, if you study the course on a full-time basis. The full-time study duration is as follows: Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing – 12 months, Certificate III Animal Studies – 12 months, Certificate II Animal Studies – 6 months. You will need to approach Centrelink for further advice on government assistance.
Can I start the Animal Studies courses at any time during the year?
Our Animal Studies courses are self-paced and offered via supported online learning. This means you can apply at any time throughout the year. To enrol simply go to the bottom of the page and complete our online enrolment form or click here.
I am an Australian currently living overseas, is it possible to complete your Animal Studies course overseas?
Our Animal Studies courses are available online, so you can study from anywhere around Australia or overseas. As long as you have access to a reliable internet connection via a PC or electronic device and can secure a workplace for your practical training then you can complete our qualifications from any location.
Is possible to do the VET in Schools program, even if my school doesn’t offer it?
We have students enrolled in our VET program around Australia, so it is likely your VET Co-ordinator may consider introducing our animal care program at your school.
If your school does not offer our courses as part of their VET in Schools program we advise that you speak with your careers adviser or VET co-ordinator. We encourage you to direct them to this website and contact us via our website. We can send them our VET in Schools information pack and answer any of their questions in relation to your interest in studying Animal Care.
What is the difference between the course content AVT offers and other training providers?
The only difference between registered training providers courses content might be the units contained in the course. There are many units that can be included in a course and training providers choose which ones they are going to use. You would find that the units chosen are quite similar however. Our course is broad based and gives an excellent introduction to working with animals. It is not aimed at one career or species in particular and there is opportunity to learn about many different animals. All study materials are written, reviewed and delivered by Veterinarians, Animal Scientists and Veterinary Nurses with formal training qualifications.
Is this course nationally accredited?
Yes, our qualifications in Vet Nursing and Animal Studies are nationally recognised. Our company is fully registered by the Australian Government training registration authority ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) and the qualification offered is the nationally recognised Certificate. We are supported and endorsed by the Australian Veterinary Association. Our registration authority can be viewed on the training.gov.au website, which is the Australian Government’s website for details of registered courses and training providers – View our details here.We strongly recommend you search the training.gov.au website for any training organisation you maybe considering.
Can I choose more than one workplace for my Animal Studies work placement?
For Certificate II and III in Animal Studies students, your workplace practical hours can be completed at one or more workplaces. It is important to remember that your practical placement must correspond with the species specific unit that you choose as your elective unit. To complete your placement at 2 or more work places, you must ensure all paperwork is completed by both work places and submitted to AVT.
Can I volunteer in an organisation to meet the required work placement hours?
Many of our Animal Studies students, unless employed at a suitable workplace, complete their required hours in a voluntary position whether that be as a volunteer in an animal or wildlife shelter or an animal related business.
Prior to commencing your work placement, you will need to complete the practical workplace approval form to our Student Liaison Officer to ensure the voluntary organisation is suitable for the course requirements and is likely to be approved for your workplace training.
Enrol Here NOW!
Enrolment is easy! Simply select the Enrol button below and complete our online enrolment form below.
Once submitted, you will receive an enrolment pack containing your course and payment information.
| Name | |
| Certificate II in Animal Studies – General Public | |
| Certificate II in Animal Studies – VET in Schools |
Student Testimonials
I really enjoyed that I could apply the theoretical knowledge I was gaining through the study modules through the practical placement at a native animal rehabilitation facility. The real life examples in the modules helped me to understand what to do, before things even happened, and enabled me to implement techniques to improve animal welfare at the native animal rehabilitation facility.
Hayley Wilson – Certificate III animal studies graduate
About AVT
We are a registered training organisation based in Perth, Western Australia run by veterinarians, animal scientists and veterinary nurses who combine outstanding industry knowledge with extensive experience in teaching.