FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand embarking on a new career or deciding to commence vocational training requires research and you will no doubt have lots of questions.

Finding the best training solution for your individual circumstances can be a time-consuming process. That’s why we have put together this list of questions and answers about our veterinary nursing, animal care, horse care and animal behaviour and training related courses. Whether you are studying in Perth, a non-resident, or in one of our states or territories in Australia including rural areas you can find out more here. 

 

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View FAQ's about Qualifications

General – FAQ

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

Can I apply for a course extension?

If you are unable to complete your course by your scheduled end date, you are eligible to apply for a course extension. Each request is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as:

  • The course you are enrolled in
  • Your current progress and outstanding coursework
  • Your course completion date
  • Any government subsidy programs that may affect your enrolment
  • Reason for extension
  • The number of times you have previously applied for an extension

 

How to apply

1️⃣ Complete the Course Amendment Request Form – This is the first step in requesting an extension.

2️⃣ Application Review – Our team will assess your request based on your individual circumstances.

3️⃣ Next Steps – A team member will contact you with the outcome and any further requirements.

 

When should I submit my request?

We recommend submitting your request 21- 30 days prior to your course completion date. This allows sufficient time for assessment and to ensure continuity in your studies.

Where can I find my course end date?

This date can be found on your Statement of Enrolment that was emailed to you at the commencement of your course.

Fees & Policies

For full details on extension fees, deadlines, and policies, please refer to our Student Policies. Fees and deadlines may apply.

 

💡 Important Study Tip 💡

If you have a significant amount of coursework remaining, we strongly encourage you to focus on completing full units and blocks of study rather than working on small sections across multiple units. This will ensure you can receive a Statement of Attainment for any completed units of study, which may be useful if you wish to apply for credit transfers in the future.

  • A Statement of Attainment can only be issued for completed units.
  • If you do not complete your course and wish to re-enrol in the future, you will be required to repeat any incomplete units.

For further information, please visit our Student Policies or contact our team for assistance.

 

Need support?

If you are struggling to complete your coursework, we encourage you to explore strategies to manage your study load before requesting an extension:

  • Review our study support resources for tips on improving study habits and time management.
  • If you require additional assistance, you may find our student support services helpful or you can reach out to our student support team for guidance.

 

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.

The Animal Services team at RSPCA WA has five main departments: Shelter, Veterinary, Foster & Volunteer, Behaviour and Adoptions and has three key objectives. Their aim is to:

  • Provide shelter and enrichment to lost, abandoned, surrendered or seized animals
  • Rehabilitate animals that require medical or behavioural treatment before being suitable for rehoming
  • Find suitable, permanent homes for all rehabilitated animals

More than 70% of animals end up at the RSPCA in WA due to an intervention from the RSPCA inspectorate (inspector services), with most of them having some form of welfare concern. The remaining animals are surrendered by either their owners or council pounds or are found as strays.

RSPCA Animal Studies training course

The RSPCA faces a unique challenge that is not experienced by other animal shelters. They have the added responsibility of seizing animals and prosecuting owners who do not provide the appropriate care and living conditions for their animals. This also means the RSPCA cannot rehome any such seized animals whilst legal proceedings are occurring against accused owners. As a result, the RSPCA often has considerably fewer animals available for adoption at any one time compared with other shelters, but, on the other hand, it has many long-term animals in its care. Unfortunately, many of these animals have significant medical and behavioural concerns.

Once animals can be offered for adoption, they are all provided with a veterinary health check and behavioural assessment, as well as being microchipped, desexed and vaccinated. Many animals also require behaviour modification plans, and some may even require surgical or medical procedures to correct long-term problems.

The RSPCA shelter is run entirely by donations, with only a small amount of government funding to cover a portion of the services provided by the inspectorate division. The team at the RSPCA are 100% dedicated to placing as many animals as possible into new homes and trying to improve the lives of every animal that comes into their care.

The RSPCA facilities are based at 108 Malaga Drive, Malaga. To learn more about the RSPCA, please visit RSPCA WA.

In this video, AVT Trainer and Assessor Fiona Cowie explains the benefits of our two 4-day intensive workshops in Perth for our ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training course. Designed with flexibility in mind, these workshops give you the chance to apply practical skills, receive support, and grow your confidence. Whether you’re balancing work or changing careers, this blended learning approach helps you build real-world experience and lasting connections in the industry.

In this video, AVT Trainer and Assessor Fiona Cowie explains how working with your own dog during practical workshops in the ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training helps build confidence, create a supportive learning environment, and develop real-world training skills. Please note: if you live interstate or your dog isn’t suitable, we’ll match you with a dog that is ready for training.

The ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training course is delivered with a combination of online learning and practical training. The practical component includes 2x four day intensive workshops held in Perth, WA. The workshops are a crucial part of the course and attendance in person is compulsory. The hands-on experience gained during these workshops is essential for successful completion the course.

Due to the specific contact hours required for students to successfully complete the ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training course, the workshops must be conducted in person and cannot be conducted virtually.

We are here to support our students coming from other parts of Australia. We organise the workshop dates well in advance. The dates for the 2x four-day intensives are set prior to enrolment. This allows you to ensure the dates work for you, plus plenty of time to plan your travel arrangements.

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.

We offer two flexible study options for our Animal Care courses.

1) Self-paced + Online

You can select our self-paced online eLearning option, which includes workplace training at an approved location of your choice. Our online eLearning courses are available for enrolment year-round. To get started, simply visit the qualification pages:

2) On-campus + Workplace

We also provide on-campus and workplace blended courses for our Animal Care programs. You can choose from our Certificate II courses at Cat Haven (Shenton Park) and Dogs’ Refuge Home (Shenton Park), Landsdale Farm (Darch), our Ascot campus, or our Certificate III course in collaboration with RSPCA (Malaga).

Each course has multiple intake opportunities throughout the year. For the latest course dates, we recommend checking our timetable and key dates. To learn more about our workplace blended courses, please visit the qualification pages:

If you’re a high school student, you can also explore our on-campus course in Ascot with two intakes available annually. Please note that Year 12 students are eligible to apply for the semester one intake. For more info, please see the qualification page:

The units are assessed using various methods. Throughout your course you may be expected to submit assessments via the following methods:

  • online multiple choice quizzes,
  • online tests,
  • written assignments and practical assignments submitted online,
  • oral testing via phone call,
  • online video assessments e.g. Zoom,
  • video submissions submitted online; and
  • photographic submissions.

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:

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.

Both courses result in the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, but they offer different learning experiences, time commitments, and outcomes. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

CompareInternship: Vet Nurse ProgramVet Nursing Pathway
LocationGreencross Vet Clinics (Australia-wide)AVT campus in Ascot (WA)
Delivery ModeBlended: Online theory + real vet clinic placement one day/weekOn-campus two days/week
Duration6–12 months (self-paced online study)14 weeks (fixed timetable)
Placement Commitment1 day/week in a Greencross clinic (approx. 240 hrs)1 day/week at AVT’s Animal Care Facility
Study Time (Theory)10–15 hrs/week (flexible)4–6 hrs/week structured around weekly class
Start DatesFlexible start datesFixed start dates
Best Suited ForMotivated students who want real-world clinic experience and flexible online learningStudents who prefer face-to-face learning with classroom structure and support
OutcomeMeets prerequisite for Certificate IV in Veterinary NursingMeets prerequisite for Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Entry RequirementsMust be 18+, confident with animals, and able to commit to weekly placementSuitable for school leavers and career starters aged 18+

 


Still unsure? Contact our student support team – we’re here to help you choose the right path.

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

 

 

AVT offers high quality study material written, reviewed and delivered by Veterinarians, Animal Scientists and Veterinary Nurses with formal training qualifications. Our in-house training team have spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours creating course resources for our units of competency across all courses.

The difference between registered training providers’ course content across all RTOs including TAFE is often the units contained in the course and the quality of the material. There are many units that can be included in a course and training providers nominate a selection of units they will offer to students.

Our courses are broad-based and give an excellent introduction to working with animals across all species. They provide a fantastic opportunity to learn about many different animals and most importantly allow you to apply what you learn from our online course material or in the classroom to the workplace.

To find out more about the units offered within each course visit the Course Content section on our qualifications pages.

As a high school student, after successfully completing the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (VETDSS) course, you may be wondering where to next for your educational journey in the field of animal care.

High School Grade and Age:
Your next steps in education may be influenced by your current grade in high school and your age. Different levels of courses are typically suited for different age groups and academic stages.

Certificate III and IV Level Courses:
AVT’s Certificate III and IV level courses in animal care and related fields are generally designed for students who have completed high school (year 12). These courses provide a deeper understanding of animal care practices and often involve more advanced topics and practical experiences.

Focus on Academic Excellence:
While in high school, it’s important to do your best academically. Studying hard, engaging actively in your coursework, and striving for good grades will not only enhance your knowledge but also open doors to further educational opportunities.

Completion of Year 12:
Completing year 12 is a significant milestone and a prerequisite for many higher-level educational programs. It demonstrates your commitment to education and provides a foundation for more advanced studies.

Gaining Customer Service Experience:
As you work toward completing your high school education, gaining employment in roles that involve customer service can be valuable. This experience not only helps you develop important interpersonal skills but also provides insights into the practical aspects of working in the animal care industry.

Career Aspirations:
Your future educational path should align with your career goals. Once you’ve completed high school and gained some work experience, your choice of further study will depend on the specific animal care career you wish to pursue. To make an informed decision about your next steps, read our article Top 6 Animal Care Careers. This will help you understand the different career paths available within the animal care industry.

Build Confidence in Animal Handling:
Building a strong sense of confidence when it comes to handling animals is a key aspect for a successful future in animal care. Spend time looking after pets for family, friends or neighbours. This practical experience is incredibly valuable because it exposes you to a variety of animal behaviours, needs and personalities. Working with different species gives you the ability to adapt your approach when taking care of animals, no matter their type. You can also consider volunteering for animal-related organisations. Volunteer work plays a vital role in the animal care industry, especially in the areas of animal welfare, animal rescue and shelters, conservation and rehabilitation across a range of species. This hands-on involvement not only adds to what you know but also introduces you to new and interesting challenges. Regular interactions with animals will help you quickly understand their behaviour and unique personalities. This knowledge will boost your confidence in handling animals effectively.

With these skills and considerations, you will be in a great position to apply for one of AVT’s Certificate III or IV level courses.

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 >>

 

To successfully complete our on-campus / on-site Animal Care courses, attendance is compulsory for all practical training days and classroom days.

If you’re unwell, you’ll be asked to contact your Trainer in advance to arrange a time to catch up. Due to the intensive nature of the course, if you’re absent more than two (2) days, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to successfully complete your qualification within the given timeframe.

VETDSS stands for Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students and is also referred to as VETDSSS (Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary School Students). This term has replaced the former acronym previously used; VETIS (Vocational Education and Training in Schools).

Whilst the name has evolved, this term generally refers to a program enabling high school students to gain nationally recognised qualifications while at school. Students enrolled in such programs learn hands-on skills and knowledge required for specific industries, preparing them to enter the workforce or move onto a higher level course either during or after school.

VETDSS courses also contribute toward students achieving their Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE). This is known in each state and territory by a different name:

  • Western Australia, the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
  • Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate (ACTSSC)
  • New South Wales, the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC)
  • Northern Territory, the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET)
  • Queensland, the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
  • South Australia, the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
  • Tasmania, the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)
  • Victoria, the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) (which will begin to be phased out commencing in 2023);

Learn more about our Animal Care focused VETDSS course →

Our Ascot campus features a student recreation room with a lunch room and kitchen facilities, including a fridge and microwaves. 

If you prefer to head out for a break, we are conveniently located near several eateries, including Grill’d, KFC, Kwik Koffee, IGA Xpress and Boost Juice and others, all within walking distance.

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.

QualificationDuration
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care1 Year
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
1 Year
ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour & Training
1 Year
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing Online eLearning
2 Years
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing Blended Learning
1.5 Years
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing On-campus Part-time
1.5 Years
Equine Veterinary Nursing Short Course1 Year

This is an intensive course and your practical days will be spent at our Animal Care Facility where tasks will be hands-on and working alongside fellow students. Theory classes will have a maximum of 36 students, while practical classes will have a maximum of 12 students.

The RSPCA Program is delivered two days a week. You will attend a theory and practical day at AVT, as well as a practical day at the RSPCA, where you will have the opportunity to work closely with fellow students, our qualified teaching team, and the RSPCA behavioural team.

  • Your theory classes will be a maximum of 30 students
  • Your practical classes will be a maximum of 10 students

You are required to commit to two (2) days of training per week during the week. 

  • Your AVT Ascot campus training day is Wednesday.
  • Your practical training days onsite at either the Cat Haven or Dogs’ Refuge Home is Thursday OR Friday.

Due to the intensive nature of this course including the volume of study and practical hours required, all students are expected to meet the 100% attendance requirement for the weekly practical training and on-site training days.

This is an intensive course and a majority of the days spent at the Cat Haven and Dogs’ Refuge Home will be hands-on working alongside fellow students, as well as practical classroom activities with our qualified teaching team at our Ascot campus. In order to maximise your practical training, and provide as much support to individuals as possible, your class size will be no more than 12 students. Your theoretical sessions will be in larger groups.

We are only offering on-campus / on-site courses in Perth, Western Australia.

For students outside of WA, we recommend:

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.

Entry – FAQ

The application process for ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Online) and ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Online) is simple. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Submit your application
    Complete the online application form, provide the required documents and make your initial payment. Please contact us directly if payment will be made on your behalf by an external organisation or agency. 
  2. Complete the LLN quiz
    You’ll receive an email with a link to our Language, Literacy & Numeracy (LLN) quiz within 5 days of applying. The quiz helps us ensure you have the support needed for your studies.
  3. Application review (can take up to 2-3 business days)
    Our team will review your submission to ensure all necessary details and documents are included.
  4. Receive your login details
    Once we’ve received your completed LLN quiz, all required documents, and confirmation of payment, we’ll email you everything you need to get started. This includes:
    • Your Student Login details
    • Your Training Plan
    • A copy of your Learner Handbook and other helpful guides
    • Statement of Enrolment

When will I receive my login details?
You’ll receive your login details after completing the LLN quiz and once all required documents and payments are accounted for. This process can take up to 3-5 business days from your application submission.

Can I set up a payment plan?
Monthly payment plans are standard for the course and set up to debit from the card details used to pay your enrolment fee. Modifications can be made to these payment plans at any time, please reach out to our friendly team. We’re happy to help.

Do I need to organise work placement now?
We recommend securing your work placement as early as possible. While it’s not required to start your coursework, you’ll need to complete practical hours as part of your qualification. Getting a head start on this will help you stay on track with your studies!

The application process for our Animal Care on-campus / on-site courses are as follows:

  • Step 1 – Apply using the online form found on the course page. If an application period is not open, you can register your details and we’ll contact you when applications open.
  • Step 2 – You will receive a link to complete the LLND quiz, which assesses your Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills to help us understand your current skills and ensure you receive the right support throughout your studies.
  • Step 3 – Your application will be reviewed by one of our AVT Student Liaison Officers. If you are a VETDSS high school student we’ll speak with your parent/guardian and VET Coordinator.
  • Step 4 – Successful applicants will be emailed an offer including payment plan details.
  • Step 5 – You will be required to activate your payment plan prior to course commencement

For an overview of all important dates and deadlines including details of the next intake for all AVT courses, visit our timetables and key dates page.

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.

To apply for the Certificate II in Animal Care (VETDSS), you need at least a grade C in both English and Maths. These subjects are crucial because:

  • English skills: You’ll need to understand course materials, follow instructions, and communicate effectively in writing and speaking.
  • Maths skills: You’ll need to handle measurements, calculate dosages, and understand statistics related to animal care.

Having these skills ensures you can engage fully with the coursework and perform important tasks safely and accurately in a professional animal care setting.

No, you do not need to hold a previous qualification or have experience to apply for ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services.

However, if you have not worked with animals or have limited experience, we highly recommend starting with a Certificate II level course to build a strong foundation.

For more detailed information about entry requirements for these courses, please visit the “Entry Requirements” section under Course Outline.

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.

The minimum age requirement for the Certificate II in Animal Care is based on academic school year.  For the Certificate II in Animal Care, this is Year 10 High School or equivalent. Some exceptions may be possible. Please note the minimum age for our Intensive Courses is 18 years of age due to the policies of our work placement facilities.

The minimum age requirement for the Certificate III in Animal Care Services is based on academic school year. For the Certificate III in Animal Studies, this is Year 11 High School or equivalent. Some exceptions may be possible. Please note the minimum age for the RSPCA Program is 18 years of age due to RSPCA policy.

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.

 

 

Equivalent Skills and Knowledge FAQs – Vet Nursing

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).

Prerequisite FAQs – Vet Nursing

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.

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

Work Placement – FAQ

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

All of our courses are vocational, which means that they are specifically designed to provide students with the skills, experience and knowledge to enter the animal care workplace. Working in an animal care facility, where you are responsible for a number of different animals and sometimes a range of different species on a daily basis is very different to caring for your own pets at home.

Therefore to successfully complete your qualification you will need to secure a formal workplace practical training placement in a animal related business or organisation. If you are completing our veterinary nursing qualification, you will need to complete your placement in a veterinary practice.  

Below are just a few examples of the types of skills and knowledge that must be covered in all of our courses, which cannot be learned from caring for your own animals –

  • Being able to understand and interpret the behaviour of animals that you are not familiar with.  This is an essential skill in order to ensure that the animal is approached and handled in the most appropriate and safest way so as to minimise stress to the animal and reduce the risk of injury to the handler.
  • The ability to accurately assess the health of an animal that you are not familiar with. As we know our own animals so well, we can often pick up on the early signs that something is wrong. However, being able to do this with animals that you do not know particularly well and may be in an unfamiliar environment such as boarding facility, rescue shelter or vet clinic requires a completely different set of skills and knowledge.
  • Understanding of hygiene and infection control practices. In a facility where numerous animals are housed, it is vital to have a good understanding of the correct hygiene practices to ensure that all animals are kept healthy and to minimise the risk of the spread of disease and cross-contamination.
  • Health and safety practices. Working with animals can present a very unique set of risks and therefore it is vital that students are aware of not only the possible risks but also how to ensure they can minimise these risks at all times.

Commonly asked questions about Workplace Practical Training

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

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

For the Certificate II in Animal Care, you are only required to work with two different species as part of your work placement or workplace practical training. One must be a companion animal and one must correspond with the elective ‘Species-specific’ unit you have chosen as part of your course.

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

 

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.

Yes, you can complete your practical training at more than one establishment if you have the opportunity to do so. Whilst it’s not compulsory, training at two different workplaces can be very beneficial and provide you with valuable experiences. However, in saying this we would recommend that you limit your practical training to no more than two different organisations.

Please keep in mind, when choosing these workplaces, your practical placement must correspond with the species-specific unit that you choose as your elective unit.

Finally, we require a signed ‘Workplace Approval Form’ for each placement to ensure the suitability of the placement for your studies.

Many of our Animal Care students, unless employed at a suitable workplace, complete their required hours in a voluntary position, such as volunteering at an animal or wildlife shelter or an animal-related business.

Prior to commencing your work placement, your prospective supervisor will need to submit a Work Placement Approval Kit. Once received, our Student Liaison Officer will assess the organisation to ensure it meets the workplace criteria for your course, including access to tasks, systems and processes, equipment and even species of animals.

If you live in Australia and your work placement is also based in Australia, you’ll be covered under AVT’s Voluntary Workers Policy. This insurance applies if you’re injured during your placement and includes accident-related costs that exceed any applicable Medicare benefits.

If you’re injured and require medical treatment, you’ll need to visit a General Practitioner or hospital as a general public patient. It’s important to let the doctor know that you’re a volunteer and that the injury is not covered under Workers’ Compensation. If you have any out-of-pocket expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare, you can make a claim through AVT.

Quick Example
While completing her logged hours at Paws & Claws Boarding Kennels, Mia strained her lower back while lifting a dog into a grooming tub. She attended a GP as a public patient and let them know she was a volunteer, so Workers’ Compensation does not apply. Medicare covered part of the treatment, and any additional out-of-pocket GP or therapy costs, such as physiotherapy, could be claimed under AVT’s Voluntary Workers Policy.

AVT also provides public liability insurance of up to $20,000,000, which covers third-party injury or property damage you may accidentally cause during your placement. 

Certificate of Insurance: AVT’s Certificate of Currency

Important note for ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Internship: Vet Nurse Program) students: If you are completing your work placement with Greencross Vets, you will be insured under Greencross Vets’ insurance policy. This means AVT’s insurance does not apply to your placement with Greencross.

Qualification – FAQ

Yes, our qualifications in Vet Nursing, Animal Studies/Care, Animal Behaviour and Training, Horse Care (previously offered under the code: ACM20217) are nationally recognised and accredited.

Our company, Applied Vocational Training (AVT),  is 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.

Our course material is designed and developed in-house by our team of veterinary and animal science professionals, ensuring it reflects the latest industry practice.

AVT is also supported by the Australian Veterinary Association and the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia.

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.

The Animal Care and Management Package, (ACM10), outlines the qualifications and contents of the individual nationally recognised qualifications.  Over the past years, this package has been updated to reflect the needs of the animal care industry and as a result, the course code and name have evolved over this period.

In November 2017, Certificate II in Animal Studies was upgraded from ACM20110 to ACM20117. The content and requirements for this particular certificate did not change and the newer certificate was deemed equivalent to ACM20110.

In April 2021, ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies was superseded by ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care with changes to core and elective units. For more detailed information about this upgrade and course availability see the detailed post Certificate II and Certificate III in Animal Studies Qualifications to be replaced with updated training packages ACM20121 and ACM30122

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is the latest training package at a Certificate III level in animal care.  ACM30110 Certificate III in Animal Studies, ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies, ACM30121 Certificate III in Animal Care Services are now superseded by the new course.

Course codes change from time to time because the Government department that oversees the training packages, including the Animal Care Package (ACM10) regularly review courses and revise content guidelines in line with industry feedback.  These guidelines are then provided to Registered Training Organisations such as ourselves so we can revise and update our course material.  This results both in changes to the content within certain units and in some cases, units being replaced.  Some qualifications may change significantly, some others may not.

When qualifications in the Animal Care Package are updated, training providers generally have between 12 and 24 months to transition students to the new course code.  This transition time can differ from time to time depending on extensions permitted by the government.

Change History

Each superseded certificate is deemed equivalent to the new qualification.

 

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.

Fees – FAQ

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.

The Certificate 3 Guarantee is a Queensland Government initiative designed to support eligible students in completing their first post-school Certificate III qualification.

The program also assists school students to access training and Queensland’s Year 12 graduates to transition to employment by providing free training in high priority qualifications.

Unfortunately, AVT is currently unable to assist students under the Queensland Government Certificate III Guarantee Funding Programme.  For Queensland based students, we can only accept general applications from full-fee paying students who wish to study online with us.

Find out more about our online course option for Certificate III in Animal Studies here

You may be able to find a local Queensland provider and further information by visiting http://www.skillsgateway.training.qld.gov.au

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).

For our online courses requiring an application fee during the enrolment process, the fee will be refunded if your application is unsuccessful.

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.

International – FAQ

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

Unfortunately, we cannot assist individuals studying as international students as we do not hold the required CRICOS (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) registration.

The following link outlines the main steps to study in Australia 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 a student visa. These normally take approximately 46 days to process.

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

Related FAQ’s:

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

Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

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 Jobs and Skills WA funded programs

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:

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

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary NursingEligibility details >>

Related FAQs:

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

RPL – FAQ

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.

FAQ's about Short Courses

General Information – FAQs Canine Behaviour Consultant Course

Currently, this course is only available for AVT graduates of the Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training qualification as we build upon the specific units, curriculum and methodology they have previously learnt with our Trainers and Assessors. They have developed a thorough understanding of our philosophy, which is essential for continuing on to more advanced topics. Graduates from other programs might have covered similar content but under different frameworks and terminology, which may not align seamlessly with our course structure.

Live attendance at all Zoom virtual sessions is compulsory for the successful completion of the course. These sessions are designed to be interactive virtual classrooms where essential course material is covered and important discussions take place.

The Canine Behaviour Consultant Course is completely delivered online via Zoom. There is no practical intensive workshop for this course.

This course contains a number of accredited units of study which do not amount to a full qualification. Students who successfully complete all course requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Completion and a Statement of Attainment for the following nationally recognised units of competency: 

Horse Care Fundamentals

This short course is non-accredited, which means it doesn’t form part of a nationally recognised qualification. However, it has been expertly developed by industry professionals to give you valuable knowledge and confidence in horse care.

  • It’s a fantastic introduction if you’re new to working with horses or considering a career in the equine industry.
  • You’ll gain insights into safe handling, feeding, grooming and basic health care – all essential skills for anyone around horses.
  • Many students use this course as a stepping stone to further study or to strengthen their experience when applying for equine jobs.

While not accredited, this course is a great way to build your skills, explore your passion, and boost your resume in the animal care field.

No work placement is required – this course is 100% online, making it a flexible and accessible option for anyone interested in learning more about horse care.

  • You can complete all your learning and assessments from home.
  • Study at your own pace over a 6-month period, with no need to organise a workplace or on-site training.
  • It’s ideal if you’re looking to gain equine knowledge without the pressure of sourcing a placement.

This format gives you the freedom to focus on building your horse care knowledge in a way that suits your lifestyle.

The Horse Care Fundamentals short course has been designed for flexible online delivery allowing you to learn at your own pace. You’ll dive deep into the world of horses through interactive modules, real-life scenarios, and online experiences. It’s a flexible format that lets you learn at your own pace in your own time.

The Horse Care Fundamentals short course is non-accredited, so it doesn’t meet the formal entry requirement for the Equine Veterinary Nursing course.

The Equine Veterinary Nursing course is an advanced program that builds on the skills and knowledge of qualified veterinary nurses who are ready to expand their skills into the equine field.

To enrol, you’ll need to have completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or hold an equivalent qualification. This ensures students have the clinical background needed to successfully take on equine nursing responsibilities.

If you’re passionate about working with horses, this short course is a valuable way to develop your understanding of horse care. It’s a great addition to your resume, whether you’re preparing for further study or you’re a veterinary nurse or animal care professional looking to expand your knowledge in equine care.

As the Horse Care Fundamentals is a non-accredited short course, it does not meet the prerequisite for the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

To apply for Veterinary Nursing, you must have any one of the following prerequisites:

  • Certificate II in Animal Care, OR
  • Certificate III or a higher level qualification in an animal science discipline, OR
  • The equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline (to a Certificate II level)

FAQ's about Completing our Application Form

Form Help

Unfortunately, the document upload step does not allow you to delete files once they’ve been submitted.

If you need to:

  • Remove incorrect files
  • Upload additional documents

Just get in touch with our Student Support team via our Contact Us form and we’ll update your application. Let us know which files you would like deleted, and upload any additional files by selecting ‘Application and enrolment form issues’ on this form.

Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email. If you don’t see it in your inbox:

  • Check your junk or spam folder
  • Still can’t find it? Contact our Student Support team via our Contact Us form to confirm your application was received

If you’re having trouble submitting your application, it may be due to one of the following reasons:

  • You’ve already started another application
  • Your email address is already registered in our system
  • Applications have closed for the course you’re applying for
  • Our application system has experienced a glitch and needs help from our end

No worries, we’re here to help! Simply get in touch with our Student Support team via our Contact Us form and we’ll guide you through the next steps. Whether you need to update details, add attachments or remove information.

Your personal statement is an essential part of your application, here’s what we recommend:

  1. Save a copy of your personal statement to your own device.
  2. Send it to our Student Support Team via our Contact Us form. Make sure to use the same email address you used in your application. Select ‘Application and enrolment form issues’ and upload your file(s) on this form.

We’ll confirm once we’ve received your statement and will attach it to your application.

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.

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