ACM40418 Certificate IV in Vet Nursing Course Online & Oncampus Perth

Introduction

Course Entry

Delivery

Course Content

Outcomes

Fees

How to apply

Are you passionate about animals and their care? Have you ever thought about becoming a Vet Nurse? Our nationally recognised Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to commence your career as a veterinary nurse or to gain a national qualification as an experienced professional. With over 80% of AVT veterinary nursing students gaining employment during or after they complete their studies, studying with AVT will put you ahead of the rest. Take your love of animals and a desire to care for animals, and choose this course to provide you with the necessary hands on skills and theoretical knowledge to work in the veterinary and animal care industry.

How will you gain hands-on experience to become a veterinary nurse?

Whether you choose to study online or on-campus all students are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of workplace practical training. If you are based in Perth, Western Australia we will organise a placement in a reputable veterinary clinic for you at no extra cost. The best part about it is many of our Perth based students gain employment from their work placement organisation either throughout or after their training. If you are not based in Perth, you will be required to secure a work placement location for your practical training. For more information view the workplace practical training information in our course delivery page.

Entry into the Veterinary Nursing course

To complete the course you will:-

have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer, laptop or electronic device. You will be required to write, submit and in some cases upload assessments and various types of multi-media files online, therefore we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for your studies
be proficient in speaking and writing in English
be physically capable of restraining animals, handling animal feed e.g. large bags of food of up to 10 kg and standing for extended periods of time
meet the prerequisite (see below)
need to be a minimum of 18 years of age or be turning 18 during the academic year

Assessing whether or not you meet the entry requirements for ACM40418 Cert IV in Vet Nursing is done by a personalised review of each and every applicant. For this reason, we recommend applying for the course. We will then assess your application and advise you on the next steps to entry.

For more information about the course prerequisites read our detailed prerequisite page. If you are concerned you do not meet the prerequisite, simply contact us. We will review your individual situation and advise on the best way forward which may include a unique fast-track program which will have you started in no time.

International Students

We are unable to offer this course to students currently living overseas or those on a student visa. For more information visit our frequently asked questions below:-

As a full-time student you will attend our campus in Bentley, Western Australia to participate in face-to-face lectures, group activities, tutorials and practical lessons. You will also be invited to off-site excursions and field trips to various animal related establishments. We run two separate classes to ensure you receive a personable learning experience. Every student has the opportunity to contribute and participate actively in classroom and practical sessions. In addition to classes we also ensure students have access to ongoing tutoring, support and instruction.

How much study will you need to do?

Our full-time on-campus course is a one year course, spread over 4 terms similar to schools. You will commence in February and graduate by mid-December, when you will be qualified and ready for employment. However, many of our students are offered and commence paid employment during their studies.

During each term you will be required to:

attend on-campus classes and training for 2 days per week from 9am-4pm
attend your practical workplace training for 2 days per week
complete approximately 8 hours per week of home based online study.

During term breaks (school holiday times) you are not required to attend class or your work placement (ie veterinary practice) if all course requirements have been met during school term.

How will the course be delivered?

Course delivery is provided via several methods. You will participate in:-

Face to face group lectures,
Practical training sessions on-campus,
On-site incursions,
Off-site excursions,
Weekly work placements at reputable veterinary hospitals pre-arranged by AVT, and
Home based online eLearning,
Non-compulsory, practical workshops are also offered throughout the year (additional fees may apply).

Field trips and excursions - What other opportunities will you experience?

In addition to the hands-on practical sessions you will undertake as a student at our Bentley location, you will also have the opportunity to participate in various off-site excursions and field trips to various animal related establishments including Veterinary Specialist Centres, Murdoch University Veterinary School, animal refuges and shelters as well as equine (horse) and exotic animal (small mammals such as guinea pigs, ferrets as well as birds and reptiles) facilities relevant to your training.

Your work placement - What do you need to know about workplace practical training?

You are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of workplace practical training. This may be longer than 500 hours and depends on how quickly you can complete your workplace assessments and competencies.

Your workplace practical training will be organised for you in a high quality Perth, WA based veterinary hospital. AVT has been organising work placements in Western Australian veterinary hospitals since 1999 and has formed over 100 long term relationships with high quality veterinary hospitals. So when it comes to the essential on-the-job veterinary nursing practical training you will be placed in a supportive veterinary hospital in which you will receive hands-on training, mentoring, supervision and valuable experience in all aspects of veterinary nursing over the duration of your course.

Workplace insurance

Your course fee includes insurance cover for the mandatory work placement you take during your course regardless of the course delivery method you choose (applies to Australian based residents only).

How will you be assessed?

Assessments range from written and online assignments and tests, case studies, practical tasks and on-site face-to-face assessments.

When does the course start?

This course commences in February each year. Visit the 'How to Apply' page to find out more about starting your application.

As a part-time student you will attend our campus in Bentley, Western Australia to participate in face-to-face lectures, group activities, tutorials and practical lessons. You will also be invited to off-site excursions and field trips to various animal related establishments. We run one small part-time class to ensure you receive a personable learning experience. Every student has the opportunity to contribute and participate actively in classroom and practical sessions. In addition to classes we also ensure students have access to ongoing tutoring, support and instruction.

How much study will you need to do?

This is a part-time on-campus course delivered over two years. Each year consists of 4 terms similar to schools.

During each term you will be required to:

attend on-campus classes and training for 1 day per week from 9am-4pm
attend your practical workplace training for 1 day per week
complete approximately 4 hours per week of home based online study.

During term breaks (school holiday times) you are not required to attend class or your work placement (ie veterinary practice) if all course requirements have been met during school term.

How will the course be delivered?

Course delivery is provided via several methods. You will participate in:-

Face to face group lectures,
Practical training sessions on-campus,
On-site incursions,
Off-site excursions,
Weekly work placement at reputable veterinary hospital pre-arranged by AVT, and
Home based online eLearning,
Non-compulsory, practical workshops are also offered throughout the year (additional fees may apply).

Field trips and excursions - What other opportunities will you experience?

Your work placement - What do you need to know about workplace practical training?

Workplace insurance

Your course fee includes insurance cover for the mandatory work placement you take during your course regardless of the course delivery method you choose (applies to Australian based residents only).

How will you be assessed?

Assessments range from written and online assignments and tests, case studies, practical tasks and on-site face-to-face assessments.

When does the course start?

This course commences mid-year with the next planned intake in 2020 subject to numbers and availability. Visit the 'How to Apply' page to find out more.

The Supported online eLearning program gives you access to all learning materials and units via our online learning system, as well as all presentation materials from lectures delivered on campus at the time. You will not be required to attend lectures.

You will be required to study several units at a time, working through the learning material, supplemented with the required textbook and recommended references. Assessments and assignments are all submitted via our online learning system. Support is available to you via phone, email or Skype. Our training centre is open during both the school terms and most school holidays.

How much study will you need to do?

Our online eLearning course is a self-paced course, allowing you to study at a pace that suits your lifestyle. As a guide, in order to complete this course within the 2 years, we recommend allocating 1 day per week to practical workplace training plus between 12-16 hours of online study per week.

You will have up to two years to successfully complete all of your training and assessments.

Non-compulsory, practical workshops and assessment sessions are offered throughout the year at our Bentley campus.

How will the course be delivered?

Your course content will be delivered online. You will have:-

access to our online elearning centre.
access to our qualified educators via phone, email or Skype. Our education team is made up of experienced and working veterinary nurses and veterinarians who have hands-on experience in a range of veterinary hospitals.
support from our student support team.

Your work placement - What do you need to know about workplace practical training?

In addition to completing your online theory, you are required to participate in a minimum of 500 hours of practical training in a veterinary practice. This may be longer than 500 hours and depends on how quickly you can complete your workplace assessments and competencies.

Who organises the work placement?

This depends on your individual circumstances and location as follows:-

Perth based? - If you are a Perth based student, AVT will pre-organise your work placement in consultation with you. We endeavour to cater for specific requests where possible such as your availability on given days of the week.

Not Perth based? - If you are not Perth based, you will need to organise your own work placement to suit your location and commitments. We will provide you with a comprehensive resource to assist you in securing a work placement in your local area.

Already employed? - If you are already employed in a veterinary practice, it is possible your employed hours may contribute towards your practical training hours.

How often should you attend a work placement?

Whether you are organising your own placement or you have a pre-organised work placement, we always recommended attending a veterinary practice on a regular basis throughout your studies, eg one day a week or one day a fortnight. Depending on your weekly or fortnightly attendance throughout the course, you may also need to complete week blocks to achieve the minimum required 500 hours.

Who provides workplace insurance?

Your course fee includes insurance cover for the mandatory work placement you take during your course regardless of the course delivery method you choose (applies to Australian based residents only).

For additional information on workplace practical training see the Work Placement section in the Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page.

You can also learn more about workplace practical training here

How will you be assessed?

Assessments range from

online assignments and tests,
case studies,
oral testing via telephone or Skype,
video submissions of practical tasks,
on-site face-to-face assessments (if location permits).

When does the course start?

At any time of year to suit you and subject to support from a Veterinary Practice. Visit the 'How to Apply' page to find out more about starting your application.

What subject units will I study?

All Certificate IV in Veterinary Nurse students are required to complete the following units during their course. These units are internal units of study and closely follow a national training program developed by veterinarians to provide a quality knowledge base for veterinary nurses.

You must complete the following core units:

ACMVET202 Carry out daily practice routines

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist in providing treatments for patients (animals) on a daily basis, to maintain practice hygiene and assist with inventory and practice security.

ACMVET401 Coordinate veterinary reception duties

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate and undertake patient admission and discharge. It also includes providing initial veterinary nursing care to patients (animals) and grief support to clients (animal owners).

ACMVET402 Apply imaging routines

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement and complete imaging routines, including x-rays, ultrasound and endoscopes, according to established industry sequences and practice policies and procedures.

ACMVET403 Perform clinical pathology procedures

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect biological samples and perform pathology procedures, including maintaining the integrity of samples and preparing consignments for diagnostic laboratories.

ACMVET404 Perform practice office procedures

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform office procedures in a veterinary practice, including maintaining veterinary supplies, controlling stock, maintaining practice accounts, generating and responding to practice correspondence.

ACMVET405 Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate surgery schedules, prepare the surgical environment and provide support for the veterinary surgeon, including before, during and after routine and non-routine surgical procedures and monitoring patients (animals) while they are under anaesthesia.

ACMVET406 Nurse animals

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide high quality nursing care for patients (animals) treated or housed in a veterinary practice. It includes providing advice to clients (animal owners), monitoring animals and providing animal first aid as required.

ACMVET407 Carry out medical nursing routines

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement medical nursing routines, including the preparation and handling of patients (animals) and equipment for specific routines.

ACMVET408 Provide nutritional advice and support for animals

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to provide advice to animal owners about the nutritional requirements of specific animals, and support nutritional needs of hospitalised patients across a range of medical and surgical conditions.

ACMVET409 Provide specific animal care advice

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide advice to clients (animal owners) about animal health, behaviour, disease and reproduction.

ACMVET410 Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform dental prophylaxis and assist with simple extractions. Dental prophylaxis involves oral examinations of the conscious and anaesthetised patient, sub- and supra-gingival tooth scaling and polishing, and the subsequent development of a homecare plan, as well as assisting in the performance of simple dental extractions. Veterinary dental nursing procedures are most often carried out on dogs and cats.

ACMVET413 Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and monitor anaesthesia and analgesics in animals for surgical and medical procedures.

ACMVET416 Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons in a veterinary practice.

ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to comply with biosecurity and infection control policies and procedures in animal care workplaces and relevant field locations. Workplaces may include veterinary practices, catteries/kennels/shelters, pet grooming and equine services.

ACMGAS307 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify animal anatomy and physiological functions of animals. It incorporates knowledge of animal classification, animal body systems, physiological functions and external anatomical features of animals to recognise normal health.

ACMGAS308 Communicate effectively with clients and team members

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, a supervisor, team members and industry representatives.

ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, support and contribute to work health and safety processes in an animal care environment.

You must complete the following compulsory elective units:

ACMACR403 Identify and respond to animal behaviour

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and interpret animal body language and behaviour in an animal control and regulation environment.

ACMSPE312 Provide Basic Care of Rodents and Rabbits

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify rodents and rabbits and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.

ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to measure current resource use effectively, and to carry out improvements, including those that will reduce the negative impacts of work practices on the environment.

Online eLearning students choose from one of the following units:

On-campus students are required to elect ACMSPE302 Provide basic care of birds.

ACMSPE302 Provide basic care of birds

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify common native mammals and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements. This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for native mammals. This may include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, pet shops, zoos and animal technology facilities or similar workplaces. In some cases, animals may have been rescued from the wild, and successful rehabilitation is required to restore animal health and well being before releasing back to their natural environment. Please note: you will need to have regular access to birds in your work placement if you choose this elective. Therefore you may be required to seek an additional work placement to provide you with the relevant exposure and training required to undertake the skills assessments. Examples may include a wildlife rehabilitation centre, or bird sanctuary.

ACMSPE311 Provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify non-venomous reptiles and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements. This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for non-venomous reptiles. This may include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, zoos or similar workplaces. In some cases, animals may have been rescued from the wild, and successful rehabilitation is required to restore animal health and wellbeing before releasing back to their natural environment. Please note: you will need to have regular access to reptiles in your work placement if you choose this elective. Therefore you may be required to seek an additional work placement to provide you with the relevant exposure and training required to undertake the skills assessments. Examples may include a wildlife rehabilitation centre, native rescue centres or reptile sanctuaries.

ACMSPE303 Provide basic care of common native mammals

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify common native mammals and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements. This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for native mammals. This may include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, pet shops, zoos and animal technology facilities or similar workplaces. In some cases, animals may have been rescued from the wild, and successful rehabilitation is required to restore animal health and wellbeing before releasing back to their natural environment. Please note: you will need to have regular access to native animals in your work placement if you choose this elective. Therefore you may be required to seek an additional work placement to provide you with the relevant exposure and training required to undertake the skills assessments. Examples may include a wildlife rehabilitation centre, native rescue centres, zoos or sanctuaries.

Outcomes

On successful completion you will be awarded the nationally recognised qualification, ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. 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

On completion of your course the most common career path is directly into a Veterinary Nursing role in a veterinary practice. You could also find yourself working in a zoo, shelter, local council, laboratory, farm, office, or even on the road as a pharmaceutical or food company representative. Alternatively, you may choose to pursue higher level qualifications such as a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or even a Bachelor of Science.

Here's just a few examples of the types of roles Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing qualified nurses find themselves in:-

Skills Outcomes

Some of the skills you will be able to apply in practice once qualified include:-

Nursing and monitoring patients
Administering medication
Surgical preparation and assistance
Taking blood samples
Monitoring anaesthesia
Taking x-rays (radiography)
Laboratory processing
Dental procedures (scale and polish)
Emergency and critical care nursing
Nurse consultations providing behavioural advice, nutrition management, dental care, puppy school instruction, wound management and post operative care.
Customer service and client education

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing	On-campus Full-time	On-campus Part-time	Supported Online
Duration	1 year	2 years	Max of 2 years studied at your own pace
Delivery	Classroom and practical training sessions	Classroom and practical training sessions	Online based learning. Plus non-mandatory practical on-campus workshops (fees may apply)
Attendance	2 days on-campus, 2 days practical training per week	1 day on-campus, 1 day practical training per week	Not required. Student schedules practical training to suit, ideally 1 day per week
Study time	Approx. 8 hours home based online study	Approx. 4 hours home based online study	Approx. 12-16 hours home based online study
Enrolment
AVT Pre-organised work placement (if not currently employed)			Perth Residents
Work Practical Placement guide (to assist you in securing a work placement)	n/a	n/a	Non-Perth Residents
Learning guides			Available online
Text books
One-on-one mentoring via phone, email, skype
Face-to-face mentoring			Perth Residents
Excursions and incursions			Perth Residents
Assessments and certification (on successful completion)
Workplace practical insurance cover
Access to purpose built training facilities			If attending workshop training sessions
AVT vet nurse practical kit including:
High quality medical grade stethoscope
Nurses fob watch
Digital thermometer
Surgery attire and name badge
Flexible Payment Plan options
Fees Non-funded students	$15,400	$15,400	$7,400
Fees Funded students^	$4,734 ^See important note below	$4,734 ^See important note below	$4,037 ^See important note below
Fees Funded concession students^	$2,135 ^See important note below	$2,135 ^See important note below	$1,438 ^See important note below
	Apply Now	Apply Now	Apply Now

Jobs & Skills WA program - Important note ^

The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is eligible for government subsidisation under the Jobs & Skills WA program for both our Full-time On-Campus and online study modes. The fee range shown above is indicative and includes subsidised and full fee paying costs. All fees shown are subject to change at any given time. Subsidised places are limited and are subject to availability. The Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as student service and resource fees.

To be eligible for the subsidised fees students must:

Be over the age of 18 years old in the year of enrolment
Have primary residence in Western Australia
Have a valid USI (Unique Student Identifier)
an Australian citizen; or
- a permanent visa holder or holder of visa subclass 309, 820 or 826; or
- a dependent or spouse of the primary holder of a visa subclass 457.
- Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (subclass 790);
- Temporary Protection Visa (subclass 785); and
- Bridging Visa E holders (subclasses 050 and 051) where they have made a valid application for a visa of subclass 785 or 790.

Students not eligible for government subsidised fees will be subject to the full fee tuition cost of $15,400 for 2019 on-campus full-time enrolments.

Payment plans

Payment plans generally run for 10 or 20 months depending on how long you have nominated to complete the course.

Credit transfers (CT)

AVT students who have been awarded an AVT Animal Studies qualification will receive Credit Transfers for relevant units successfully completed. As a result your overall course fees will be reduced where applicable.

Students who have completed previous relevant studies with an alternative training provider will need to apply for credit transfers. The number of credits will depend on the units of competency successfully completed. Learn more in our FAQ here

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Select your course
Vet Nursing Online eLearning WA based – Start Today	Apply Now
Vet Nursing Online eLearning Non-WA based – Start Today	Apply Now
Vet Nursing On-Campus Part-time – Start Mid-year 2020	Register Now
Vet Nursing On-Campus Full-time – Start February 2020	Apply Now

Get tips on how to submit a successful application for Veterinary Nursing here!

Study Mode	Next Intake	Applications Open	Applications Close	Course Commencement
On-campus Full-time	February 2020	August 2019	Round 1 - Mon 2/12/2019 Round 2 - Fri 28/1/2020	Orientation day Thurs 30/1/2020 UPDATED Classes commence Mon 3/2/2020
Online eLearning	Commence now	All year		Flexible start date to suit you
On-campus Part-time	Mid-year 2020	Register your interest here

Here's just a handful of reasons why students choose AVT:-

We know our students by name not by number!
We are a dedicated animal care college. No plumbing or hairdressing courses here!
Our students have a high graduation and employment rate
Employers request our graduates - we are trusted and respected
Our course material is written by Veterinarians, Veterinary Nurses and Animal Scientists who are employed directly by AVT
Our insurance policy protects students throughout Australia during their practical training
We are an independent animal care and veterinary nursing registered training organisation (RTO). We do not have third party arrangements with other training providers to acquire content or distribute qualifications. We develop and deliver our own course material so you get the latest and most up-to-date knowledge.

At AVT, we combine a high standard of theoretical knowledge with intensive practical training. This allows you to gain the competence and confidence required for an exciting and rewarding career in a variety of animal care careers.

“I began studying the Certificate IV of Veterinary Nursing as a full time student at AVT at the beginning of 2017. I went into the course having never worked in a vet clinic before, and unsure if I would even be a good vet nurse. Luckily AVT has the most incredible lecturers who encouraged and helped me every step of the way & got me into an awesome clinic for my work placement. My work placement clinic ended up hiring me and I am now working my dream job and doing things I would never of thought I’d be able to do in such a short amount of time. The personalised support and encouragement I received from all of the staff at AVT is second to none and I can not thank them all enough for everything they have done for me. Studying at Applied Vocational Training was definitely the best decision of my life!” Rachel Gray 2017 Veterinary Nurse Graduate

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 recommend you search the training.gov.au website for any training organisation you maybe considering.

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