Qualifications Overview

Courses and study for working with animals

Qualifications in Animal Care (Studies), Animal Behaviour & Training and Veterinary Nursing

AVT offers a range of qualifications relating to the areas of animal care including veterinary nursing, horse/equine care, animal care and animal studies as well as animal behaviour and training. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your knowledge in these areas, our qualifications are well recognised and trusted by employers. Your qualification will be nationally recognised in Australia and also provides a pathway for a higher-level education. Thousands of students from Australia have chosen AVT as their animal care training provider.

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

(previously ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies)

Online

Animal Care Online

Our Online Course allows students up to 1 year to complete their course. It is an ideal starting point for those with very little or no prior knowledge or experience in the animal care industry. It is also the minimum pre-requisite for the Veterinary Nursing qualification.

About Studying Online

Animal Care Online

Our online course provides the most flexibility for students who are not based in Perth or who wish to combine their studies with work or other commitments.
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On-Site Intensive

Animal Health & Welfare - Jobs and Skills WA Funded*

Students enjoy a combination of on-site practical training at Perth's Cat Haven and Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) facility, classroom activities at our Ascot campus, and home-based eLearning over 14 weeks.

About Animal Health & Welfare

Animal Health & Welfare (GAP & Cat Haven)

Perfect for students who are seeking an introduction to the animal care industry, including experience and knowledge in the area of shelter care, rehoming, and welfare.
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On-Campus Intensive

Vet Nursing Pathway - Jobs and Skills WA Funded*

This 14 week program is delivered via blended learning where students focus on developing skills and knowledge to prepare them for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or to work as an Animal Attendant in a veterinary practice.

About Vet Nursing Pathway

Vet Nursing Pathway

Students enjoy a combination of practical training and classroom activities at our purpose built facility in Ascot.
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On-Campus

VETDSS for High School Students

This is an on-site 6 month course specifically for high school students. Incorporating classroom and hands-on training at Landsdale Farm in Darch, WA. Practical assessments will be completed with our experienced Trainers. Work placement is not required.

About Our Schools Program

VETDSS for High School Students

Students will work with a range of companion and farm animals to learn important low stress handling skills as well as the foundations of animal care.
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Jobs and Skills WA Funded Places Available

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care*

The following courses are eligible for applicants who qualify for the Jobs and Skills WA – Participation Program. Please see the Animal Health & Welfare or the Vet Nurse Pathway fees and funding pages for full details and information eligibility guidelines. 

ACM20217 Certificate II in Horse Care

Online

Horse Care

Our 1 year Online Horse Care Course is perfect if you are looking to pursue a career in the equine industry, or seeking more experience and knowledge about caring for horses to safely care for your own horses.

Read More

Horse Care

It consists of easy to understand theory delivered online plus a practical component where you will practice and demonstrate your skills with horses.
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ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services

(previously ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies)

Online

Animal Care Services Online

Our online course can be completed within 2 years. It is ideal for those who may have already gained some experience in the industry and are looking to consolidate their skills and knowledge with a nationally accredited qualification.

About Studying Online

Animal Care Services Online

This course also offers the next step in a pathway to those who have completed a Certificate II as well as a suitable pre-requisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
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On-Site

RSPCA Program - Jobs and Skills WA Funded*

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is a 6 month certificate with work placement at the RSPCA WA. It provides an intensive option to obtain the qualification including practical training at the RSPCA and AVT.

About the RSPCA Program

RSPCA Program

This course is ideal if you do not want the hassle of organising your own work placement if you want to learn face-to-face from our qualified Trainers. Plus gain the amazing experience of working in a shelter environment.
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Jobs and Skills WA Funded Places Available
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA)*

Our WA based, the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services – RSPCA Program is now eligible for applicants who qualify for the Jobs and Skills WA Participation Program, with fees starting from $1,348.92*. See full details including eligibility guidelines here.

ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training

Blended

Animal Behaviour and Training

If you love teaching people how to gain a better understanding and relationship with their dog and how to influence an animal's behaviour, look no further. This course is a 1 year course with a mix of online learning and practical training

About our Behaviour & Training Course

Animal Behaviour and Training

On completion of this course, you will gain a nationally recognised qualification and membership to the internationally renowned Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT)
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ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing**

On-Site & Online

Veterinary Nursing

The Veterinary Nursing qualification is aimed at those who want a career as a veterinary nurse or those already working in veterinary care positions. We offer a variety of study modes including Online and On-campus options studying across 1-2 years.

About Vet Nursing

Veterinary Nursing

The role of a veterinary nurse is diverse, exciting, rewarding and one in which you will never stop learning. This certificate will introduce you to a range of skills and knowledge across several species of animals.
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Lower Fees, Local Skills
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing**

The ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is part of the Lower fees, local skills initiative where you’ll only pay half the course fees. Fees are capped at $1,200 per year; or $400 if you’re aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession, plus resource fees and other fees that may apply to your course. See full details including terms and eligibility guidelines here.

Vet Nuring course - government subsidised lower fees local skills
High school trainees - courses vet in schools with animals

Qualifications for high school leavers
and graduates

Depending on your level of experience with animals, the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care and the ACM30122 Certificate II in Animal Care Services are great qualifications for students to start. 

To learn more about your options, visit our High School Graduates page. 

What Students Are Saying

Why choose AVT?

Dedicated Animal Care College

AVT has been delivering Vet Nursing and Animal Care related courses for over 25 years. It's safe to say there are no plumbing or hairdressing courses here!

Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

Outstanding Track Record

A recent NCVER VET student outcomes report found 93% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 95% of graduates would recommend the training provided by AVT.

Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

Safe and Supported Learning

Our qualified teaching team have many years of experience as well as extensive backgrounds in the veterinary and animal care industry. They're approachable and dedicated to helping students succeed.

*Funded places are subject to eligibility and availability.
The Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Additional fees may apply such as resource fees and other fees.

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