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ACM20121 Certificate II In

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Animal Care (Online)

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  • Overview
  • Course Outline
  • What Will You Learn?
  • Course Outcomes
  • Course Content
  • Why Choose This Course
  • Fees & Inclusions
  • FAQ’s
  • Overview
  • Course Outline
  • What Will You Learn?
  • Course Outcomes
  • Course Content
  • Why Choose This Course
  • Fees & Inclusions
  • FAQ’s

Your dream career awaits! Start your Animal Care Studies Online with a Nationally Accredited Course

Working or volunteering with animals is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, and the best place to start is with this entry-level course.  ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (formerly ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies) will prepare you for a range of jobs such as an animal carer or animal attendant in a doggy daycare, kennel or cattery, stable, veterinary clinic, animal shelter or pet shop. 

This nationally accredited, 1 year course will give you the foundation skills and knowledge to get started in the animal care industry.  It is the perfect option for final year high school students wishing to undertake vocational studies or for someone who is considering further studies in animal care and veterinary nursing. 

Nationally recognised animal care course in Australia NRT

Course snapshot

  • Study mode: Online
  • Duration: Up to 1 year
  • Start: Flexible start date to suit you
  • Practical Training: at an Approved Workplace of your choice
  • Online Study Time: Approx. 10-15 hours per week
  • Prerequisite: none required
  • Best suited to: Students who have little or no prior knowledge or experience in the animal care industry, and have a genuine interest in the welfare and care of animals or wish to meet the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing.
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Study animal care online in Australia
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Course outline

Delivery & Assessments

This course is delivered online and you will not be required to attend classes or lectures. You will:-

  • be provided with a login to our Online Learning Platform where you will find all of the course materials including interactive learning material, videos, and assessments. 
  • receive the personal support of our qualified Trainers & Assessors either via email, online chat or phone.  Our education team is made up of experienced and working veterinary nurses, veterinarians and animal scientists who have hands-on experience in a range of veterinary hospitals and animal related organisations and businesses, and 
  • have help and assistance from our student support team to help you stay on track. 
Work Placement

To gain the valuable practical skills required to successfully complete this course, you will be required to complete 100 hours of workplace based training (a Work Placement).

You are ultimately responsible for finding and securing your work placement position. This means you have the flexibility to select a workplace that suits your location, availability and interests. If you do not wish to find your own placement, you can choose from one of our Intensive Courses (WA based). 

If you are already working in an animal care related business, or volunteering in an animal related organisation, it may be possible to use your place of employment for your workplace training. You will still need to submit your workplace details for review and approval.

Ideal work placement facilities include kennels, catteries, doggy day care centres, animal welfare shelters, pet shops (with access to animals), wildlife rehabilitation centres or zoos. Keep in mind, you will need to have access to at least two species of animals.  For more information see our Work Placement FAQ’s below or visit Practical Work Placements in Animal Care

Entry Requirements

The Certificate II in Animal Care is an ideal starting point if you have very little or no prior knowledge or experience in the animal care industry. There are no prerequisites for entry into this course, making it a great pre-vocational course.

To complete the course you will:-

  • have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer, laptop or electronic device. You will be required to write, submit and in some cases upload assessments and various types of multi-media files online, therefore we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for your studies
  • be proficient in speaking and writing in English
  • be physically capable of restraining animals, handling animal feed e.g. large bags of food of up to 10 kg and standing for extended periods of time.
  • need to be at least Year 10 high school age
  • to find a suitable workplace for your practical training where your supervisor can also read and write English.

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

  • I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?
  • I wish to study in Australia on a student visa. Can I study with Applied Vocational Training?
Uniform

When you visit your Work Placement you will be required to wear:

  • an AVT shirt and name badge (supplied by AVT),
  • suitable enclosed shoes (supplied by student),
  • neatly presented, long comfortable work pants suitable for bending and manual work (supplied by student).

You will be required to wear the AVT uniform unless specified by your approved workplace. 

What will you learn?

You will complete 12 units of study covering a broad range of topics relating to the principles of working in the animal care industry.  You will be introduced to:-

  • The principles of working and volunteering in the animal care industry
  • Following and implementing animal feeding plans
  • Carrying out animal care hygiene routines such as bathing and grooming
  • Safely and correctly handling and restraining animals
  • Assist with assessing the health of animals
  • Identifying and interpreting animal behaviour
  • Working with animal care records
  • Administer basic animal first-aid techniques 

All of the skills and knowledge you will learn can be applied across a broad range of animal care facilities. For more information on careers working with animals read our article Top 6 Animal Care Careers.

ACM20121 Animal Care Course - online studies

Course outcomes

Our graduates go on to a wide range of roles across the animal care industry. 

Job Outcomes

On successful completion of ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care you can go into roles such as:

  • Animal care attendant
  • Welfare shelter attendant
  • Kennel hand
  • Cattery attendant
  • Pet shop attendant
  • Assistant dog groomer
  • Pet sitters and walkers
  • Stable hand
  • Veterinary care assistant

Career Opportunities

This course will prepare you for career opportunities in a broad range of animal care organisations such as:

  • Doggy daycare centres
  • Dog kennels and boarding
  • Catteries 
  • Stables and agistments
  • Veterinary clinics  
  • Animal shelters, rehoming and rehabilitation centres
  • Pet shops and retail businesses
  • Groomers

Course content

Our Certificate II course is delivered in a clustered format. This means you can work through the theoretical and practical components  including assessments of your course in a streamlined and efficient manner. Our delivery method gives you an opportunity to progress quickly and complete your course sooner. 

Core & Compulsory Units

All students must complete the following core units:

  • ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health & safety processes
  • ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
  • BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills
  • ACMGEN203 Feed & water animals
  • ACMGEN204 Assist in healthcare of animals
  • ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry
Additional Units

Online eLearning students will also be required to study:

  • ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
  • ACMGEN205 Source information for animal care needs
  • ACMGEN102 Approach and handle a range of calm animals
  • ACMINF201 Handle companion animals safely and follow infection control guidelines

Students must select one species-specific elective unit from this list below which will correspond with a species they are working with as part of their work placement. 

  • ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
  • ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
  • ACMSPE314 Provide general care of birds
  • ACMSPE322 Provide general care of rodents or rabbits

Why choose our Online eLearning option for your Animal Care Course?

  • Complete flexibility – you can start and study whenever you like to suit your lifestyle and commitments.
  • Professionally managed and delivered course – complete with online instructional videos and materials to help you understand and apply theory easily.
  • Our clustered course format has been designed to reduce repetition and allow you to progress quickly and complete your course sooner.
  • Affordable, all inclusive monthly payment plan to help you manage your student fees.
  • This course will allow you to meet the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing – you can gain your qualification in under 12 months and then apply for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing to become a qualified veterinary nurse*.
  • This certificate increases your opportunities for employment in the animal care industry and gives recognition towards entry into further studies.

*Please note: Completion of this qualification meets the prerequisite for ACM40418 Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. However, it does not guarantee you a place on one of our own courses. Due to high demand, our AVT selection criteria also apply. Please read full details on our Veterinary Nursing Course Entry page.

Nationally recognised animal care course in Australia NRT

What students are saying about this course

All the staff are so kind and supportive and go above and beyond for their students studying under their care with teaching and providing amazing opportunities. I really enjoyed learning with AVT.
Shanae E
Shanae ECertificate II in Animal Studies (Online) & Certificate IV in Vet Nursing Graduate
I definitely recommend studying with AVT!!! I completed my Cert III in Animal Studies online through AVT and then went on to study full time Cert IV Vet Nursing. The staff are amazing & lovely, extremely patient & always helpful. You are supported & encouraged every step of the way by the staff & your classmates.
Kim C
Kim CCertificate III in Animal Studies (Online) & Certificate IV in Vet Nursing 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

Fees & inclusions

Total course fees: $2,845*

Payable via our monthly payment plan. Initial payment of $260 plus 11 x $235 monthly payments and includes:-

  • Dedicated student support 
  • One-on-one mentoring by AVT Trainers including online chat and forums
  • Membership to our Private Facebook Group
  • Access to the online AVT Virtual Animal Shelter
  • Access to the AVT interactive online eLearning centre 
  • Assessments and Certification
  • Workplace practical training insurance
  • Work Placement Kit: Uniform, Name Badge, Workbook and Goodies

*Fees, inclusions and payment plan amounts are subject to change. If you decide to withdraw from study for any reason, refunds are not issued. Please see our policies page for full details. Concession rates are not available for this course
 ** Workplace Practical Insurance Cover only applies to students undertaking practical training whilst in Australia

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Course
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ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
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Course
Application Status
ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies 2021
Online eLearning Applications Open
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ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
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February 2022 Intake
Course commences Feb 2022
Applications opening soon
Register Your Interest

Ready to enrol? It’s easy, just complete our online application form.  Once we have received and reviewed your submission you will receive an email outlining the next steps to get started. 

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FAQs

General Questions About This Course

General Information FAQ – Cert II in Animal Studies Online
b
What is the difference between the course content AVT offers and other training providers?

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.

  • ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
  • ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Online)
  • ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA)
  • ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
  • ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
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b
Do I have to attend lessons?

Animal Care Courses (Previously Animal Studies) 

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

  • RSPCA based
  • Animal Care & Welfare at GAP and Cat Haven
  • Veterinary Nursing Pathway
  • VETDSS (High school)

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

Veterinary Nursing

Our ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing course is offered in either an online eLearning, blended or on-campus mode.  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 however blended learning students attend regular online virtual classroom sessions.

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.

All online eLearning students from Animal Studies, Animal Behaviour and Training, Horse Care and Veterinary Nursing qualifications are invited to attend workshops throughout the year. These helpful training sessions provide practical experience and give you face-to-face access to our lecturers and tutors. Workshops are held at our campus in Perth, Western Australia. For more information, visit our Workshops Page

 

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b
How long do I have to complete the online qualifications (course duration)?

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
ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies+1 Year
ACM20217 Certificate II in Horse Care
1 Year
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
2 Years
ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies+
1 Year
ACM40321 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour & Training
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
2 Years
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing On-campus Full-time
1 Year
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing On-campus Part-time
1.5 Years
Equine Veterinary Nursing Certificate1 Year

+ The ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies and ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies have been updated by the regulating bodies to meet the Standards for Training Packages. As such, ACM20117 has been superseded by ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, and ACM30117 has been superseded by ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services. All students currently studying ACM20117 or ACM30117 will be expected to complete the qualification by their original course end date or 12th April 2023 (whichever is sooner).  No extensions will be granted.

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b
Can I start the Animal Studies and Animal Care courses at any time during the year?

We currently offer two modes of study for our Animal Care courses.  You can choose from a self-paced, online eLearning option which includes workplace training at an approved location of your choice.  Our online eLearning options allow you to apply at any time throughout the year. To enrol simply visit our qualifications pages below, to enrol in the online course.

  • ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
  • ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services

We also offer workplace-based courses for each of our Animal Care courses.  You can choose from our Certificate III course based at the RSPCA in Malaga WA, or our Certificate II courses either at the Cat Haven and Greyhounds as Pets, or our campus in Ascot. Each course has intakes throughout the year.  We recommend visiting our timetable and key dates for the most up to date course start and end dates.  To find out more about our workplace-based courses go simply visit the qualifications pages listed below.

  • ACM20121 Cert II in Animal Care Intensive (Health & Welfare)
  • ACM20121 Cert II in Animal Care Intensive (Veterinary Nursing Pathway)
  • ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services RSPCA based 

If you are a high school student, you can also check out our campus based course in Ascot choosing from one of two intakes per year.

  • ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care VETDSS for high schools
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b
If I am employed under a WA Traineeship, can I choose AVT as my training provider?

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 new entrant traineeship nominations for ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies, where the trainee has an approved training contract registered with the Apprenticeship Office.

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

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b
Do you hold an open day?

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

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b
If I find I am struggling to understand any of the course material, what help and support can I get?

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 will mentor and coach you through the course material when required.  You can contact our lecturers via phone, email or video call.

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b
How are units assessed? Will I have to sit tests or write essays?

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.
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Entry Requirements

B
What age do I have to be to commence the Certificate II in Animal Care or Certificate III in Animal Studies?

The minimum age requirements for Certificate II in Animal Care  are 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 requirements for Certificate III in Animal Studies are 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 based course is 18 years of age due to RSPCA policy.

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Work Placement

Work Placement FAQ – Cert II in Animal Studies Online
b
How am I assessed during my practical placement?

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

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

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

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

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

Commonly asked questions about Workplace Practical Training

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

Many of our Animal Studies and Animal Care students, unless employed at a suitable workplace, complete their required hours in a voluntary position whether that be as a volunteer in an animal or wildlife shelter or an animal-related business.

Prior to commencing your work placement, you will need to submit a Practical Work Placement Approval Kit. Once received, our Student Liaison Officer will assess the organisation to ensure it meets the workplace criteria for your course.

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b
Can I choose more than one workplace for my Animal Studies or Animal Care work placement?

Yes, you can complete your practical training at more than one establishment if you have the opportunity to do so.  Whilst it is 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 2 different organisations.

Also 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 will still need a signed ‘Workplace Approval Form’ for each placement to ensure the suitability of the placement for your studies.

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b
Can I complete my workplace practical training in a private, non-business environment? Or with my pet?

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 pet related business or organisation.

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

    • What is workplace practical training?
    • How do I know if the workplace I have chosen is acceptable?
    • Can I volunteer in an organisation to meet the required work placement hours?
    • Can I do my Veterinary Nursing practical work placement on weekends?
    • Can I be exempt from the Workplace Practical Training if I have previous experience in a Veterinary Practice?
    • Do I need to do the work placement with the same veterinary clinic or can I work in more than one workplace?
    • Can I choose more than one workplace for my Animal Studies work placement?
    • How am I assessed during my practical placement?
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b
Do I need to work with more than one animal species?

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.

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b
How do I know if the workplace I have chosen is acceptable?

Prior to starting your workplace practical placement, you student must submit a signed ‘Workplace Approval Form’.

This form must be signed by the person who will be supervising you during your placement and returned to us BEFORE your placement starts.

The purpose of this form is to highlight the animals, facilities and equipment available to you and the types of work you will be exposed to during your work placement.

You must wait to receive confirmation from us that your work placement has been approved before beginning your practical 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.

Commonly asked questions about Workplace Practical Training

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

Qualification FAQs – Cert II in Animal Studies Online
b
Are your qualifications and courses nationally accredited?

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

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

We are also supported and endorsed by the Australian Veterinary Association. Our registration authority can be viewed on the training.gov.au website, which is the Australian Government’s website for details of registered courses and training providers –  View our details here.

We strongly recommend you search the training.gov.au website for any training organisation you may be considering.

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b
What is the difference between ACM20110 and ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies and ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care?

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

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b
What training package do you follow?

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.

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Fees, Subsidies and More
Fees FAQs – Animal Studies Intensives
b
Do you offer concession fees?

Concession fees are available to eligible students only through our courses which have been granted government funding. Currently, this applies to the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing for students that are residing within Western Australia and our Certificate II in Animal Care Intensive (Animal Health and Welfare). For more information on the eligibility criteria please see the fees section of the course page.

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b
Does AVT offer HECS-HELP or VET Student Loans?

None of the courses currently offered by Applied Vocational Training are 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. VET Student Loans replaces VET FEE-HELP from 1 January 2017. 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 .

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b
Can course fees be paid off in instalments or do you require up front payment?

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.

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International Students Living in Australia and Overseas & Non-Resident Visa Holders
International – FAQ
b
I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

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 & Skills WA Funding Jobs and Skills WA funded programs

Students wishing to be considered for funded places in the ACM40418 Certificate  IV in Veterinary Nursing should visit this page for more detailed information about eligibility. 

Students wishing to be considered for funded places in the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health & Welfare) course should visit this page for detailed information about eligibility.

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

 

Tags: cricos, international, overseas, visa
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b
Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?

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

Tags: cricos, international, overseas, visa
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b
I wish to study in Australia on a student visa. Can I study with Applied Vocational Training?

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

Unfortunately, we are unable to assist individuals with studying as an international student as we do not hold the required CRICOS registration “The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.

The following link outlines the main steps to be taken to be able 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 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:

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

Tags: cricos, international, overseas, visa
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b
I currently live overseas, can I apply for your on-campus courses? Will I need an international student visa?

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

Tags: cricos, international, overseas, visa
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b
I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?

All qualifications offered by Applied Vocational Training require students to learn and demonstrate knowledge and practical application of a significant amount of Australian local and state legislation, regulations and standards.

In other countries, legislation, regulations and standards are often different, making it difficult for us to assess and recognise competence in all areas.

As such, Applied Vocational Training no longer accepts applications from students living overseas*

Important note for students wishing to return or live in Australia

* Individuals who currently live overseas but are intending to return and or/live in Australia may be considered for enrolment. If such enrolment were to occur it would not be possible for any certification to be awarded until the student could be assessed as competent in Australia, regardless of the amount of course work completed overseas.

 

Related FAQ’s:

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

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

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

Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

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

 

Tags: cricos, international, overseas, visa
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RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) including Credit Transfers

RPL – FAQ
b
Can I use a Record of Results or Statement of Academic Record for Credit Transfer?

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.

Tag: Credit Transfer
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b
Can I apply for credit transfers for units already studied with another training organisation?

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.

 

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b
I have obtained units of competency from a prior qualification. Can I use these units to fulfill the elective requirement of the qualification?

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 

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b
I haven’t worked or studied in the animal care and management industry within the recent past, can I still apply for RPL?

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

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b
Do you offer Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) for your qualifications?

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.

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b
I am studying an On-site Animal Studies or Animal Care Course, can I apply for credit transfers?

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.

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Why choose AVT?

Dedicated Animal Care College

AVT has been delivering Vet Nursing and Animal Care related courses 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 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 are approachable and dedicated to helping students succeed.

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The leader in Vet Nursing qualifications, Animal Care (Animal Studies) and Animal Behaviour and Training Courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals. AVT is a nationally recognised training provider based in Perth, Western Australia providing on-campus and online courses to students studying throughout Australia. Learn More

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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where our campus is based, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and we commit to walking alongside our indigenous brothers and sisters. We extend that respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in our community.

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