Qualifications Overview

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Courses and study for working with animals

Qualifications in Animal Care (Studies), Animal Behaviour & Training, Horse Care and Vet 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 are 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.

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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 - WA Jobs & Skills Funded*

Similar to the online course, however this option is delivered onsite over 14 weeks. Students enjoy a combination of on-site practical training at Perth's Cat Haven and Greyhounds as Pets facility, classroom activities at our Ascot campus, and home-based eLearning.

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Animal Health & Welfare

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-Site Intensive

Vet Nursing Pathway

This intensive 10 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 hospital.

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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-Site Intensive

Zoo and Wildlife Care

This is an intensive 14 week program delivered via blended learning where students attend a Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation Centre in Perth. Here students focus on developing the hands-on skills across a range of species including native animals.

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Zoo and Wildlife Care

These skills will give graduates a head-start in commencing their career or volunteering with exhibited animals or those in wildlife care and rehabilitation.
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Jobs & Skills WA Funded Positions Now Available
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health & Welfare)*

Our WA based, Animal Health & Welfare course is now eligible for applicants who qualify for the Jobs & Skills WA Participation Program, with fees starting from $668. See full details including eligibility guidelines here

Government Funding and subsidised Animal care course

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.

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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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ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies

On-Site

Animal Studies RSPCA WA

ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies is a 6 month certificate based at the RSPCA WA. It provides an intensive option to obtain the qualification including participating in weekly on-site workplace training.

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Animal Studies RSPCA WA

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 lecturing and teaching team and share the amazing experience of working in a shelter environment.
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ACM30121 Certificate III in Animal Care Services

Online

Animal Care 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.

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Animal Care 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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ACM40321 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

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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.

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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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2022 New Fees Announcement - Lower Fees, Local Skills
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing**

The Certificate in Veterinary Nursing is part of the Lower fees, local skills initiative where you’ll only pay half the course fees from January until December 2022. Fees are capped at $1,200; 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

Qualifications for high school leavers & graduates

Depending on your level of experience with animals, both the animal care/studies courses, ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies (RSPCA) as well as ACM20217 Certificate II in Horsecare are great places for students to start who have completed high school.

To learn more about the options we recommend visiting our High School Graduates page.

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What Students Are Saying

The study modules for the Certificate III were structured in a way that made them extremely interesting and easy to understand. Throughout the courses, I gained an insight into the day-to-day running of animal care facilities and was able to build-up my practical experience through my work placement at a native animal rehabilitation facility.
Hayley Wilson
Hayley WilsonCertificate III in Animal Studies Graduate
Having had no animal learning before, I find this course brilliant with clear concise notes, knowledgeable lecturers and RSPCA staff, and especially having the day at the RSPCA is extremely beneficial. Hands on learning and getting interaction with animals is a great help in learning handling behaviours.
Alison M
Alison MCertificate III in Animal Studies Graduate
This course has taught me the basic care of animals and about animal health in general. This course allows people to get hands on experience and lecturers to provide practical care to animals. Thus; others with an interest in animals will gain and have a positive outcome to the course, alike to me.
Abby G
Abby GCertificate III in Animal Studies Graduate
Everyone is super helpful if you need anything explained. Skye conducts classes in a relaxed and friendly environment so I feel comfortable joining in, and she is always willing to explain anything until everything is clarified.
Megan B
Megan BCertificate III in Animal Studies Graduate

Why choose AVT?

Dedicated Animal Care College

AVT has been training Animal Care and Vet Nursing students for over 20 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 89.5% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 95.5% 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 are approachable and dedicated to helping students succeed.

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Vet Nursing and Animal Studies courses and qualifications for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals. AVT is based in Perth, Western Australia servicing students studying throughout Australia. Learn More

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