ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Individuals employed by a business under an Apprenticeship or Traineeship arrangement can nominate any RTO (Registered Training Provider) with the relevant qualifications on scope to provide training for their chosen qualification, provided that RTO has the capacity to deliver the qualification under traineeship conditions.

Often the choice of RTO is a joint decision made between the Employer and the Trainee/Apprentice, to ensure the mode of delivery is suitable for both Trainee and Employer needs,

AVT currently only accepts traineeship nominations for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Further information about Apprenticeships and Traineeships can be found at www.apprenticeshipsupport.com.au/states/Western-Australia

If you’re WA based, our Blended Learning study mode option for the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is a great online option if you cannot attend campus regularly but are seeking more guidance and interaction with our AVT Trainers and Assessors. 

Virtual classroom sessions are held weekly. You will remotely join a live on-campus classroom session, where course content is delivered by a Trainer and Assessor and will include presentations, class discussions, training videos, industry related scenarios and guest speakers throughout the course. It’s an interactive session where you can ask the Trainer and Assessor questions. These sessions complement the course material and help you better understand the content, rather than just reading all the information that is required.

Virtual tutorial sessions are held monthly with your Trainer and Assessor. These optional Zoom-like sessions (using Teams) are designed to offer support to a smaller group of online students. These face-time sessions allow you time to speak to your Trainer and Assessor and your fellow classmates directly. You can attend these sessions if you have questions about any aspects of the course, including questions about the assessments, workplace assignments and practical tasks that need to be completed in practice. Useful tips on how to approach each subject area and the associated assessments can also be discussed.

On-campus workshops are essential hands-on practical training sessions occur during these on-campus workshops spread out over the duration of the course. During these compulsory workshops, you also get to meet with the AVT Trainers and Assessors and your fellow classmates, who you usually only see online.

A USI is your individual education number for life. It also gives you an online record of your vocational education and training (VET) undertaken in Australia.

To complete nationally recognised training, you need a USI. Without one, you can’t get your qualification or statement of attainment.

How do I get a USI?
Getting a USI is quick, easy and free. Follow the steps on the USI website.

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.

Animal Care Courses (Previously Animal Studies) 

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care and ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (previously Animal Studies) are Online Courses except for the on-campus / on-site courses below:

• RSPCA Program
• Animal Health & Welfare at Dogs’ Refuge Home and Cat Haven
• Exhibited Animals
• Veterinary Nursing Pathway
• VETDSS (High school)

For the online courses, you do not need to attend lessons. A majority of your study will take place at home, online. You will also need to attend an approved workplace to complete practical training. All assessments are completed and submitted online.

Veterinary Nursing

Our ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing course is offered as online eLearning or on-campus delivery modes. If you choose our on-campus mode, you will be expected to attend classes at our campus each week throughout the term. Online students, do not need to attend classes.

Animal Behaviour and Training

ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training is offered via blended learning. Your theory and interactive lessons are studied from home via online eLearning and Zoom classes, plus you will attend group training workshops at a training facility in Perth WA.

We have a team of highly qualified Trainers and Assessors who have worked in various areas of the animal industry (take a look at our ‘Meet Our Team’ page!). Our Trainers and Assessors are always on hand to answer any questions or provide further support, explanations or clarification of any of the course material. They’ll mentor and coach you through the course material when required. You can contact our Trainers via phone, email or video call.

All of our accredited courses and TAFE accredited courses share the same qualification upon completion. For example, our Veterinary Nursing course, ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, provides graduates with the same nationally recognised qualification as TAFE offers.

Similarly, all of our animal care courses such as ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care provide graduates with the same qualification and benefits as TAFE offers such as meeting the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing.

So what is the difference between TAFE and AVT courses?

As a private Registered Training Organisation, with 25 years of experience in the Australian Animal Care training industry, our offering to students is uniquely different to that of TAFE and Tech Colleges.

• We offer a personalised learning experience to students – we know our students by name and get to know each and every one of them!
• Our training material goes beyond the requirements outlined by the government’s training package. We teach the qualification requirements, and we also teach many other things students need to know to secure a job and be successful in the workplace.
• Our on-campus class sizes are smaller than larger institutions. This encourages more student participation and also provides more opportunities for students to undertake practical tasks.
• We only deliver and offer animal care related courses at AVT, meaning everything revolves around animals for us! Whereas other training providers may offer a variety of courses from hairdressing to carpentry.
• As a private institution, we have more freedom and include more practical classes, incursions and industry visits to make studying more exciting and enjoyable.
• For Certificate IV veterinary nursing students who are Perth based, we arrange practical work placement in a reputable veterinary hospital or clinic in Perth.  We have long-standing relationships with over 120 vet practices in Perth that support our students throughout their studies.
• Veterinary clinics and hospitals request our graduates due to their skills, knowledge and practical experience.
• For many of our courses, our screening process is detailed and extensive as each of our students is hand-picked from a pool of applicants before being offered a position on the course. This means students will be surrounded by a highly motivated and engaged group of people.
• We provide all students with mentoring and support outside the classroom to assist each student in successfully completing their course.

Will completing an AVT course instead of a TAFE course affect my qualification?

No, upon successful completion, both our courses and TAFE courses grant the same qualification. The qualification is recognised by industry bodies and employers. The difference lies in our delivery approach and industry focus as mentioned above.

Relevant FAQs

• What is the difference between the course content AVT offers and other training providers?

There are many online training providers offering “Certified” courses in animal care such as the Vet Assistant Certificate, Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Assistant and Animal Welfare, Dog Grooming Certificate, Equine Studies Certificate, Cat Care and Training Certificate, Animal Welfare Certificate and many others. Generally, these online courses are not accredited and therefore not nationally recognised by the Australian Government.

Only nationally accredited certificates offered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) meet the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing.  RTOs are regulated and audited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority or the relevant State regulator to ensure the course content meets certification standards and the provider complies with the legislation required to deliver the VET Quality Framework.  The best way to find a nationally accredited organisation offering nationally accredited courses is to search training.gov.au. Also, as a general rule, animal care related courses, commence with a code starting with ACM e.g. ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

There are a number of online trainer providers providing animal care related courses that are not RTO’s and therefore their courses do not meet the prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.  Many of these courses are theory based and do not require you to obtain practical skills or have contact with animals which is essential for the prerequisite.  If you are considering a course in an animal care related area, we highly recommend choosing an accredited course. This ensures your certificate will be recognised by a future employer and you can continue your study pathway to veterinary nursing or another area of study.

For more information about the prerequisite and entry requirements for veterinary nursing visit: Selection Criteria and Entry into Veterinary Nursing

All Veterinary Nursing (Certificate IV level) students receive a hard copy textbook at the commencement of the course.

If you are studying via our online course you will be given access to the units and additional study materials digitally via our Online Learning System. 

If you are studying online, some retired unit textbooks are also available to purchase via our online store. Browse our store here >>

The table below details the duration and maximum allowable time you can take to complete our courses. Our online courses are self-paced, meaning you can obtain your qualification much sooner if you wish to as long as all assessments and training have been successfully completed.

Extensions are available on a case by case review. For more information about extensions please visit our Student Policies page.

Our Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is offered on-campus at our Ascot training centre.

Studying on-campus

This course is 18 months long and we offer three intakes per year. There are 6-7 academic terms, each term runs for approximately 8–13 weeks with a 2–3 week break between terms. Classes run from 8am – 5pm with a morning, lunch and afternoon break. For the term schedule, including breaks, visit our calendar.

You will attend on-campus classes 1 day a week and you will attend your veterinary work placement for one day a week. You will also require approximately 4-6 hours per week for home-based study. During this time you will complete all homework assigned to you for that week, including reading course materials, completing online assessments and assignments, study and revision for any in-class tests and revision of your practical skills workbook and assignments.

You will also be required to attend excursions throughout the year. Your Trainers will assist you in managing your schedule to attend these events.

The ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing qualification requires ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care OR a relevant Certificate III or higher level qualification in an animal science discipline OR can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline to any of the above qualifications.

If you do not have any experience working with animals, you will need to complete either a Certificate II in Animal Care  or Certificate III in Animal Care Services or a similar course. You can learn more on our detailed veterinary nurse course entry requirements page.

Other articles of interest include:

• What qualifications do you need to become a veterinary nurse?
• What subjects do I need to study at high school for veterinary nursing and why?
• Preparing to submit an application for our Veterinary Nursing course
• Top 7 reasons to pursue a career in the veterinary industry
• What age do I have to be to commence the Veterinary Nursing course?

Yes absolutely, non- Perth based students including those living in Australian rural areas and in the Australian eastern states are encouraged to apply. Although, please be aware that to be accepted onto the online learning course from outside WA, you must have a practical work placement arranged.

Please see the Entry Requirements section on our course page for the latest information on how to apply.

Due to the nature of the qualification including exposure to radiology equipment, pharmaceuticals, procedures and situations that require a high level of maturity, we require Veterinary Nursing students to be a minimum of 18 years of age or be turning 18 during the academic year.

There are many online training providers offering “Certified” courses in animal care such as the Vet Assistant Certificate, Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Assistant and Animal Welfare, Dog Grooming Certificate, Equine Studies Certificate, Cat Care and Training Certificate, Animal Welfare Certificate and many others. Generally, these online courses are not accredited and therefore not nationally recognised by the Australian Government.

Only nationally accredited certificates offered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) meet the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing.  RTOs are regulated and audited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority or the relevant State regulator to ensure the course content meets certification standards and the provider complies with the legislation required to deliver the VET Quality Framework.  The best way to find a nationally accredited organisation offering nationally accredited courses is to search training.gov.au. Also, as a general rule, animal care related courses, commence with a code starting with ACM e.g. ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

There are a number of online trainer providers providing animal care related courses that are not RTO’s and therefore their courses do not meet the prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.  Many of these courses are theory based and do not require you to obtain practical skills or have contact with animals which is essential for the prerequisite.  If you are considering a course in an animal care related area, we highly recommend choosing an accredited course. This ensures your certificate will be recognised by a future employer and you can continue your study pathway to veterinary nursing or another area of study.

For more information about the prerequisite and entry requirements for veterinary nursing visit: Selection Criteria and Entry into Veterinary Nursing

What is the LLND?

The LLND quiz assesses your Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital skills to understand your abilities and ensure you have the correct support for your studies.

All AVT qualifications have been evaluated against the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) to determine the level of core skills required for successful participation in each course. Rather than simply evaluating general study readiness, the LLND ensures that you have the specific skills needed to meet the demands of your chosen course.   

Why do we ask all students to complete the LLND?

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), AVT is required by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to assess and provide evidence of a student’s language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills (LLND) skills prior to confirming their enrolment. For this reason, we have incorporated the LLND quiz as a compulsory step in our enrolment process.

Can I be exempt from the LLND if I have completed other qualifications?

Unfortunately, due to regulatory requirements, we must assess your language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills using the ACSF (Australian Core Skills Framework). This means all students are required to complete the current AVT LLND quiz, regardless of prior qualifications.

How is the quiz conducted?

All applicants will be emailed a request to complete a quiz, which is conducted online and completed from home. We recommend carefully reading and answering each question rather than rushing through the quiz. Please note, student completing our VETDSS on-site course are required to complete a supervised LLND at school.

How soon after enrolling will I receive my LLND quiz?

You’ll receive the link to complete your LLND quiz within 1–2 working days after we receive your application. Keep an eye on your email for the link. Once it arrives, you can complete it online at a time that suits you. Please note, students completing our VETDSS on-site course will have their LLND organised with their school.

What is an example LLND question?

This is an example Certificate II level LLND question:

Read the following text message and answer the questions:

“Hi Jenny, I’m at Tony’s Farm now but I’ll see you at the front gates of Landsdale Farm at 3pm for the hay delivery. From Sharon”

• Who is the message from?
• Where are they going to meet?
• What time are you going to meet?

How is the quiz evaluated?

An independent organisation evaluates this quiz to determine if your current core skills meet the required level for the course. If you are a successful applicant and minor skill gaps are identified, you will be provided with the necessary support to develop the required skill level throughout the course. 

You may not be suitable for a course if a significant core skill gap is identified. In such instances, you may be referred to an alternative study pathway or external support services to develop these core skills. 

How long does it take to process my LLND quiz results?

Once you’ve completed your LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills) quiz, our team will review your results. You won’t receive individual results, but we will only contact you if there’s a significant gap or if we believe you may benefit from additional support.

• Online courses: As long as you’ve met the entry requirements and completed the LLND quiz, you’ll be able to start your course within 2–3 working days. This timeframe allows us to finalise your enrolment and set up your course access.
• On-campus/blended courses: The process may take a little longer. We assess applications as part of a group intake to ensure everyone receives careful and fair consideration, and you may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional information to support your application.

Unfortunately a non-animal science based university or college qualification does not meet the prerequisite for this course. You will need to show evidence of knowledge in animal care or animal studies.

Examples of tertiary qualifications that will NOT meet the prerequisite include:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Psychology
• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Bachelor of Law
• Bachelor of Commerce.

Please refer to our the FAQ ‘What other animal science related qualifications are relevant and are deemed equivalent to the Certificate II in Animal Care?‘ for qualifications that do qualify for recognition.

AVT recognised animal care qualifications that qualify for exemption.

The following nationally recognised qualifications are examples of related qualifications that can be deemed equivalent:

• ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies
• ACM30121 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
• ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
• ACM30217 Certificate III in Animal Technology
• ACM30317 Certificate III in Captive Animals
• ACM30417 Certificate III in Companion Animal Services
• ACM30617 Certificate III in Pet Grooming
• ACM40117 Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation
• ACM40217 Certificate IV in Captive Animals
• ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
• ACM50117 Diploma of Animal Technology
• ACM50317 Diploma of Horse Stud Management
• ACM50417 Diploma of Performance Horse Management

Other qualifications may be relevant, although must be a Certificate III or a higher level qualification and will include those where you can demonstrate you have gained experience in all of the following five areas:

1.  Work health and safety risks in an animal care facility
2.  Animal identification, handling and behaviour
3.  Animal nutrition (prepare, present and distribute food and water for animals under supervision and according to animal dietary requirements)
4.  Animal hygiene routines
5.  Animal husbandry and health routines.

As a guide, examples of other qualifications involving animals that may meet equivalency include commencement or completion of degrees in areas such as:

• Animal Science
• Zoology
• Animal Conservation e.g. Wildlife and Conservation
• Animal Management
• Agriculture

If you cannot provide sufficient evidence to prove you meet the prerequisites, we will then work with you to establish a pathway for entry into the course.

If you have completed an alternative qualification that may be equivalent to the prerequisite, you will need to submit formal qualification documents including a certificate and results listing all units studied such as a Statement of Attainment (note these are not required if your qualification was gained from AVT).

If you believe you have relevant knowledge and skills as a result of workplace experience – you will be required to provide information about previous experience. See our separate FAQ on ‘What evidence do you need of my workplace related skills and knowledge?’.

If you have successfully completed the ACM20121 Certificate in Animal Care or a directly equivalent qualification you can complete the full application form. Here’s a few things you will be asked about:

• Proof of completion for Certificate II in Animal Care or equivalent (if not studied via AVT)
• Unique Student Identifier – If you don’t already have a USI number, you will need to apply for one. This is easy to do, just go to our USI page to find out more.
• Previous study and experience – you will be asked about your previous workplace experience, whether that be an employed position or even volunteer work. If you have any proof of work experience or employment, make sure you have a digital copy on hand to upload, particularly if it is related to working with animals. Here’s just some of the documents that are of interest:
  • References (personal, work or education related references on business letterhead)
  • Offers of employment or work experience
  • Short courses you may have undertaken
  • Evidence of experience in caring for animals
  • Records of education including school, college, TAFE, university records
  • Work experience references/ statements
  • Statement of Attainments
• Your why! – We want to know why you want to study and work as a veterinary nurse. You’ll need to write at least 250 words telling us why you are applying and include any information about your past experience with animals. This is one of the most important parts of your application, so think carefully before submitting your statement. Please note, your statement should not exceed 500 words. 

You will be required to complete an online application form to apply for the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing course. This form includes questions about your previous knowledge and skills as well as other qualifications you have completed.

Meeting the compulsory prerequisite or equivalency does not guarantee entry into AVT’s ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing course. Once prerequisites have been met, prospective students may then apply for entry in to the course and are subject to the course selection criteria as described here.

If your skills and knowledge are deemed equivalent, this does not mean you will be awarded a Certificate II in Animal Care/Studies. Nor does it guarantee you entry into this course. AVT normal selection criteria applies for all courses.

Examples of animal care related workplaces where you will need to demonstrate at least a minimum of 1 years’ experience include:

• Animal shelters
• Kennels
• Catteries
• Sanctuaries
• Veterinary practices
• Pet shops
• Animal research facilities
• Other areas of animal care work where the student is completing tasks under supervision.

Unfortunately, caring for your own pets at home or hobbies and interests with animals is not adequate experience.

Equivalency of the prerequisite qualification, Certificate II in Animal Care/Studies may include relevant employed or voluntary (work experience) positions in a range of animal care facilities.

You will be asked to demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in the following five areas:

1. Work health and safety risks in an animal care facility
2. Animal identification, handling and behaviour
3. Animal nutrition (prepare, present and distribute food and water for animals under supervision and according to animal dietary requirements)
4. Animal hygiene routines
5. Animal husbandry and health routines

Here’s some examples of tasks you may have performed whilst working in an animal care facility:

• Basic care of animals, including feeding, exercise, grooming, washing of animals
• Understanding of basic animal care needs i.e. diet, fleas, worms etc
• Cleaning/ hygiene procedures of the animal’s environment, e.g., cage, enclosure, bedding, stable
• Handling animals regularly using appropriate handling and restraint methods and can identify basic animal behaviour signs
• Observing and recording animals’ behaviour
• Following Work, Health and Safety guidelines with an understanding of hazards in the animal care industry,
• Ability to identify basic health care concerns in animals i.e. canine cough, ringworm, cat flu etc

In order for us to ascertain whether you meet the entry requirement as a result of knowledge and skills you have gained in the workplace, you need to provide evidence which is relevant and current and may include:

• Relevant work history, whether that be voluntary or employed work (including a description of the workplace, position held, duties undertaken, duration and supervisor details)
• References from relevant employers and supervisors

We may or may not also need to carry out verbal or written testing of certain subjects/units to help us with the assessment of your application for exemption from completing a Certificate II in Animal Studies/Animal Care (fees may apply).

Understanding your fees at AVT can seem tricky at first — especially when you hear terms like full fee, funded non-concession, and funded concession. Let’s break it down for you:

What are Government Funded Fees?

Government funding helps reduce the cost of your course through programs like Jobs and Skills WA (if you’re eligible).

If you meet the funding eligibility criteria, your course fee will be ‘subsidised‘ or ‘funded’ — meaning the government pays part of the course cost on your behalf.

There are two types of government subsidised fees:

• Funded Non-Concession Fee – a reduced fee if you are eligible for funding but do not have concession status.
• Funded Concession Fee – an even lower fee for those eligible for funding and who meet concession requirements.

What is a Concession Fee?

For the purposes of understanding AVT fees, a concession fee is a further discount on the government funded fee.

To access the additional concession fee, you must hold a valid concession card or be in receipt of services from a Commonwealth support or employment services program at the time of enrolment. A valid concession card is current (not expired) and issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Accepted concession cards include persons and dependants of persons holding a:

• Pensioner Concession Card
• Repatriation Health Benefits Card issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs; or 
• Health Care Card

Commonwealth support and employment service programs accepted include:

• Persons in receipt of services from Workforce Australia; or ParentsNext
• Secondary school-aged persons who are not enrolled at school.
• Persons and dependants of persons who are inmates of a custodial institution. 
• Persons and dependants of persons in receipt of AUSTUDY, ABSTUDY or Youth Allowance

Note: this list is current at the time of publishing and may change from time to time.

Full Fee vs Funded Non-Concession vs Funded Concession — what’s the difference?

Quick Example

• Emma is not eligible for funding but has a valid concession card → She pays the full fee.
• Laura is eligible for funding and has a concession card → She pays the funded concession fee.
• Liam is eligible for funding but doesn’t have a concession card → He pays the funded non-concession fee.
• Sophia isn’t eligible for funding → She pays the full fee.

Why does this matter?

Understanding whether you qualify for a concession fee or just the standard government funding can make a difference to your course costs. It’s important to check your eligibility before enrolling!

Which AVT courses are funded?

Not all AVT courses are funded. For more information on which courses are eligible for government funding visit our Government Funded Course Page

Unfortunately, government funding and concessions are not available for AVT’s online courses.

Concession fees and government-funded places are only available to eligible students enrolling in selected on-campus courses under the Jobs & Skills WA funding initiative.

For more information and links to eligible courses, visit our Government Funding page.

WA-based students may be eligible for a government-subsidised place under the Jobs and Skills WA initiative. You can find out more information by visiting our Government Funding Page

You may also be able to apply for financial or government assistance such as Austudy. You can find out more information by approaching The Department of Human Services (Centrelink).

AVT courses are not eligible for Government HECS-HELP or VET Student Loans (formerly VET FEE-HELP).

HECS-HELP is a scheme that assists eligible Commonwealth supported students to pay their student contribution amount with either a loan or a discount for certain up-front payments. HECS‑HELP loans are available at all public universities and at a handful of private higher education providers.

VET Student Loans is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students studying diploma level and above qualifications to pay their tuition fees.  There are no Government loans available for Certificate IV and lower levels of study including those offered at AVT.

To find out if you may be eligible for alternative support such as Youth Allowance, we recommend contacting Centrelink .

We offer flexible monthly payment plans with instalments for all students. We do not require upfront full payment for any of our courses. Total course fees and payment plan structure vary with each course and individual circumstances. Visit the relevant qualifications page for more information or contact us for further details.

Unfortunately, no, it does not matter how much time you have spent in practice or the amount of experience you have prior to starting the course; you still need to enrol in each unit to enable us to verify your practical skills. Your workplace supervisor may decide that you have the skills required based on previous observations, but we need to ensure you are completing the practical tasks with the theoretical knowledge you are obtaining during your studies.

If you have previous experience working in the veterinary industry you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL). To find out if RPL may be relevant to you please visit our RPL page.

Commonly asked questions about workplace practical training

• • What is workplace practical training?
  • Can I complete my workplace practical training in a private, non-business environment? Or with my pet?
  • How do I know if the workplace I have chosen is acceptable?
  • Can I volunteer in an organisation to meet the required work placement hours?
  • Can I do my Veterinary Nursing practical work placement on weekends?
  • Do I need to do the work placement with the same veterinary clinic or can I work in more than one workplace?
  • Can I choose more than one workplace for my Animal Studies work placement?
  • How am I assessed during my practical placement?

As a veterinary nursing student, your work placement or practical training work hours can be completed at one or more workplaces. Student placements within veterinary practices are highly sought after, so it can prove difficult to find more than one practice throughout your training.

To complete your placement at two or more workplaces, you must complete and submit the Practical Work Placement Approval Kit for each workplace.

You will receive a Practical Task Workbook containing a logbook and all the practical assessments you must complete during your placement.

Practical assessments include ‘Workplace Assignments’ that include activities such as case studies, photographs, written descriptions of workplace procedures and video evidence of practical tasks. These assessments are designed to see how well you can apply the information covered in the theory component of each unit.

Each unit also includes ‘Practical Task Worksheets’ outlining various tasks that you are expected to complete during your placement, with each task signed off by a supervisor once successfully completed. All practical assessments must be submitted to us via our online learning platform for assessment by one of our tutors.

A student attendance record is also included in the Workbook and your supervisor must sign this to confirm that you have completed the required number of hours during a placement.

During your placement, we will contact your supervisor to obtain feedback on your performance. This feedback will then be relayed to you.

Commonly asked questions about Workplace Practical Training

• • What is workplace practical training?
  • Can I complete my workplace practical training in a private, non-business environment? Or with my pet?
  • How do I know if the workplace I have chosen is acceptable?
  • Can I volunteer in an organisation to meet the required work placement hours?
  • Can I do my Veterinary Nursing practical work placement on weekends?
  • Can I be exempt from the Workplace Practical Training if I have previous experience in a Veterinary Practice?
  • Do I need to do the work placement with the same veterinary clinic or can I work in more than one workplace?
  • Can I choose more than one workplace for my Animal Care work placement?

Self-organised work placements are only required for selected courses and delivery methods. As a general rule, our intensive, on-campus or on-site courses do not require you to organise a work placement. For more information, please refer to the relevant Work Placement information, located in the Course Outline section of the corresponding course page.

Special note for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing students: Only regional WA (non-funded) and non-WA students are required to organise their own work placement.

If you are required to organise your own placement, you will be required to:

• Submit a signed “Student Workplace Form” (for Animal Care students)
• Request your prospective supervisor to complete a “Workplace Approval Form”, BEFORE your placement starts
• Wait to receive confirmation from us that your work placement has been approved before beginning your placement

If your work placement is not approved by AVT, and it is unsuitable for the purposes of this course, then any hours already completed there will not contribute to the completion of this qualification or any of the units of competency. That’s why, it’s important to receive written confirmation from us before you get started! 👍

Commonly asked questions about Workplace Practical Training

• • What is workplace practical training?
  • Can I complete my workplace practical training in a private, non-business environment? Or with my pet?
  • Can I volunteer in an organisation to meet the required work placement hours?
  • Can I do my Veterinary Nursing practical work placement on weekends?
  • Can I be exempt from the Workplace Practical Training if I have previous experience in a Veterinary Practice?
  • Do I need to do the work placement with the same veterinary clinic or can I work in more than one workplace?
  • Can I choose more than one workplace for my Animal Care work placement?
  • How am I assessed during my practical placement?

It is a general rule that we prefer you to do your practical work placement during the week. Often weekend practice is quiet and might only see emergency cases. If the practice you are considering offers a full service, including sterilisations on weekends, then it might be a possibility. You can discuss this with our Student and Industry Liaison Officer.

Commonly asked questions about Workplace Practical Training

• What is workplace practical training?
• How am I assessed during my practical placement?
• Can I complete my workplace practical training in a private, non-business environment? Or with my pet?
• Can I be exempt from the Workplace Practical Training if I have previous experience in a Veterinary Practice?
• How do I know if the workplace I have chosen is acceptable?

Yes, our qualifications in Vet Nursing, Horse Care (previously offered) and Animal Studies/Care are nationally recognised and accredited.

Our company, Applied Vocational Training (AVT),  is fully registered by the Australian Government training registration authority ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority).  Our Registered Training Organisation (RTO) number is 5273. The qualifications we offer are nationally recognised Certificates.

We’re also 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 may be considering.

For more information about the changes to ACM40412 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing to ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing we recommend reading Important changes to the National Qualifications in Animal Studies and Veterinary Nursing

Please note the new course code is ACM40418. ACM40417 was not released.

We follow the national training package for all qualifications. The latest version of the training package can be viewed here. Training.gov.au is the Australian Government Website for registered training courses and providers.

In some cases, registered training organisations (RTOs) may enrol non-resident students who are temporarily visiting or reside in Australia on certain visas, other than study visas. However, some visas include restrictions on training. Most visas and sub-class visas clearly outline what your study rights are in Australia. It is the responsibility of the individual to check their study and work rights according to their individual visa. Further information is also available from the Department of Home Affairs.

Visa information for Jobs and Skills WA Funding

Funding and visa eligibility varies by course. Please refer to the links below for details:

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care – Eligibility details for each stream:

• Health & Welfare >>
• Vet Nurse Pathway >>
• Exhibited Animals >>
• VETDSS >>

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA) – Eligibility details >>

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing – Eligibility details >>

Related FAQs:

• Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?
• I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?
• Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?
• I currently live overseas, can I apply for your on-campus full-time course? Will I need an international student visa?
• I wish to study in Australia on a student visa. Can I study with Applied Vocational Training?

In some cases, a registered training organisation (RTO) may enrol students who are temporarily visiting or reside in Australia on certain visas, other than study visas. However, some visas include restrictions on training. Most visas and sub-class visas clearly outline what your study rights are in Australia. It is the responsibility of the individual to check their study and work rights according to their individual visa* . Further information is also available from the Department of Home Affairs.

*Any course undertaken by a student visa holder must be registered on CRICOS and training must be provided by a CRICOS registered provider (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). Applied Vocational Training is not a registered CRICOS provider and as such we are unable to accept applications from individuals wishing to study on a student visa.

Related FAQ’s:

I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?

I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

I currently live overseas, can I apply for your on-campus full-time course? Will I need an international student visa?

Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

This answer specifically addresses international students who wish to study in Australia on a Student Visa.

Unfortunately, we are unable to assist individuals with studying as an international student in Australia as we do not have the necessary registration with our government to enrol students in Australia on a Student Visa. The required registration for this is CRICOS ‘The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students’.

To find out more about studying in Australia we recommend visiting the Australian Government website: homeaffairs.gov.au. This will require applying for a student visa under the Vocational Education and Training Sector. However, you will need to have been accepted into a full-time study course by a CRICOS approved provider and then apply for the student visa. These normally take approximately 46 days to process.

You may find CRICOS registered training institutions in Australia who can offer qualifications to international students. Some TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions hold CRICOS registration and offer courses in Animal Studies and Veterinary Nursing

Related FAQ’s:

Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?

I wish to study in Australia on a student visa. Can I study with Applied Vocational Training?

I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?

I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is a nationally accredited and recognised qualification throughout Australia. It is important however to be aware that, to our knowledge, no arrangement for formal recognition of the Australian qualification in any country other than Australia exists.

We do know some countries do not have formal qualifications for Veterinary Nursing and the Australian qualification is highly regarded across and often results in employment in these countries. In addition, some countries may consider part or all of Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing as eligible to apply for recognition for prior learning or equivalency to their own qualification. For example, this is the case in the United Kingdom (UK).

Graduates of the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing who are considering applying for veterinary nursing positions overseas will need to investigate potential pathways for recognition by contacting the relevant registering bodies in the country concerned. AVT is unable to advise on the particular requirements for qualifications in countries other than Australia.

Related FAQ’s:

• I currently live overseas, can I apply for your on-campus full-time course? Will I need an international student visa?
• Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?
• I wish to study in Australia on a student visa. Can I study with Applied Vocational Training?
• I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?
• I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning (RPL) are two methods to receive credit towards your course, but they differ in how credit is awarded.

Credit transfer is available if you have previously completed the same unit, or one that matches in content and outcomes, at another recognised VET or higher education provider. To apply, you must provide verifiable evidence, such as a Statement of Attainment or qualification certificate, proving your competency. Once approved, you will not need to repeat assessment for that unit.

Please note that many of AVT’s courses are clustered. Clustering involves delivering and assessing two or more units together in groups (or blocks), in a meaningful and purposeful way. It avoids duplication and repetition and creates a logical flow to the delivery of your course. As a result, you may still need to complete training and assessments that cover similar concepts found in the unit for which you’re requesting a credit transfer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) on the other hand, allows you to be assessed on the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through previous training, work experience, or life experience. To apply for RPL, you must supply evidence, such as records of completed training, assessment items, or declarations from your employer. Your provider will then assess your competency against the requirements of the course to determine if further training or assessment is needed.

Both options can reduce your study load, but RPL assesses existing skills, while credit transfer recognises previously completed qualifications.

For more information about AVT’s process for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning, please see our policies page.

To receive a credit for a unit of competency that you have previously been awarded, you must be able to supply a verifiable Testamur (certificate) or Statement of Attainment obtained from the issuing provider.

A Testamur or Statement of Attainment must either contain the wording ‘The qualification is recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework’ or the AQF logo authorised by the AQF Council.

A Record of Results or Statement of Academic Record by itself is not sufficient when applying for a credit transfer of a nationally recognised unit of competency.

If you do not have a copy of your Testamur or Statement of Attainment you are responsible for requesting a copy from the issuing provider, we are unable to do this on your behalf.

For more information about RPL see our frequently asked questions here.

Yes. If you have completed and passed the exact same unit as delivered by AVT, you will receive a credit transfer for the unit.  You must be deemed competent and be awarded a PASS in the unit.

At the time of application, you will be required to provide us with a Statement of Attainment from a recognised and approved training provider. We will verify your previous studies with the training provider.

For information about fees and charges that apply to credit transfers, please see our student policy page.

Credit transfer fees do not apply for students who have completed a previous qualification with AVT.

Students with eligible credit transfers may apply, however, due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for induction and practical training/on-site days and therefore full course fees will apply. Credit transfer fees do not apply for Jobs and Skills WA funded students.

Yes. You can use units of competency received from a prior qualification even if the unit is different from an elective unit required by AVT.  You can claim a credit transfer (CT) for these units as long as:-

• the unit is current and relevant to work undertaken in the animal care and management industry and
• you hold a Statement of Attainment from the issuing provider.

If this is the case, then you may use previous units of study to fulfil the elective component of the qualification.

You will be required to provide us with a Statement of Attainment from a recognised and approved training provider at the time of application. We will verify your previous studies with the training provider.

For information about fees and charges that apply to credit transfers, please see our student policy page. 

Please note, we are unable to offer RPL or Train and Assess any other elective unit of competency other than the ones provided in the courses offered on our website.

For a full list of our qualifications visit our Qualifications Overview page 

In meeting the required rules of evidence and principals of assessment, AVT is unable to provide recognition of prior learning (RPL) to candidates who can not demonstrate recent and current skills and knowledge.

Applicants need to be able to demonstrate that they meet the competency requirements of the current training package including application of current industry techniques using the latest technology, equipment and supplies in accordance with the current standards and regulations.

If you wish to gain certification as a veterinary nurse or animal carer without having current experience, you will need to enrol in and complete the full course.

Read more about RPL here

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available to enrolled students of AVT qualifications.  The prior learning may be in the form of previous studies or completed qualifications (including superseded qualifications), on the job experience or volunteer work.

To find out more detailed information about RPL visit our RPL page.