Menu
Are you crazy about animals? Can you see a future where you will care for animals and play an active role in their welfare?
If you are a upper high school aged student, our VETDSS course is designed for you! Our Perth based course is specifically structured for year 11 or 12 high school students (or those eligible for NOA: Notice of Arrangment or are homeschooled) who wish to integrate a VET course ( VETis course ) with their final years of secondary school study.
You will attend our AVT Animal Care and Veterinary Facility in Ascot, WA one day a week and work hands-on with animals as well as participate in tutorials and assessment sessions conducted by experienced AVT trainers who hold working with children checks. Your course is designed so you do not have to find an additional work placement position.
This certificate will allow you to meet the prerequisite for the national qualification in veterinary nursing or start your career as an animal carer or attendant in a veterinary hospital.
This is an on-campus course. You will:-
If you are not Perth-based or are unable to attend our Ascot Campus for weekly classes and practical training, we highly recommend our online course option: ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Online).
Your course structure will be as follows:-
You will have access to our student recreation and lunch room area during breaks (breaks are unsupervised). Kitchen facilities including fridges and microwaves are available.
Students must:
Entry Age
To ensure there is enough time for successful completion prior to year end, Year 12 students can only enrol and start in the February intake. Year 11 students can choose from either the February or July start date.
Credit transfers
Students with eligible credit transfers may apply; however, due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for on-campus training days and therefore full course fees will apply.
You will be required to wear:
On successful completion of this course, you will have the confidence to approach, handle and care for animals including cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and rodents.
In addition to the topics covered in the Certificate II in Animal Care VET schools course, you will be introduced to:-
Our online option provides the flexibility to complete this course from anywhere in Australia.
Study Online Here >>
AVT animal care graduates are succesful in starting their careers in a variety of roles.
High School Students who complete ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care start out in roles such as:
Some of the organisations actively recruiting Animal Care graduates include:-
Want to learn more? Read our post about: The top careers working with animals and salary expectations in Australia.
All students must complete the following core units:
Certificate II in Animal Care (VETDSS) Students will also be required to study:
Completion of this qualification meets the prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing however, it does not guarantee you a place. Due to high demand, our AVT selection criteria also apply. Please read full details on our Veterinary Nursing Course Entry page.
Payable via our monthly payment plan with an initial payment of $348 plus 6 x $550 monthly payments. Fees include:-
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.
Course Dates | Application Status |
|---|---|
July 2023 Intake (Year 11 entry only) Course runs 27 July - 1st Dec |
This course has limited places with high demand. We reserve the right to close course intakes before the advertised close date. If applications are open, we recommend applying as early as possible. For more details on the application process please visit this link.
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.
To successfully complete our on-campus Animal Care courses, attendance is compulsory on your scheduled on-site/practical training days.
If you are unwell, you will 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 are absent for more than 2 practical training days, it is unlikely you will be able to successfully complete this qualification within the given timeframe.
The application process for our Animal Care on-campus courses are as follows:-
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.
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 we have 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:
The VETDSS training day finishes at 3.30pm. All students are to be picked up by 4.00pm. If you are delayed or running late, please phone our student support team.
There are study areas set up in the student common room for those students who wish to do some private study or who are waiting to be picked up.
Our campus is open from 8.00am. There is a student common (recreation) room where the students can gather before class. The Trainer will be onsite from 8.15am. The students will not be supervised during lunch breaks or once classes have finished for the day.
Our Ascot student recreation room has full lunch room and kitchen facilities including fridges and microwaves. Our campus is also conveniently located near several eateries including Grill’d, KFC, Kwik Koffee, IGA Xpress and Boost Juice (all within walking distance).
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
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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
We follow the national training package for all qualifications. The latest version of the training package can be viewed here. training.gov.au is the Australian Government Website for registered training courses and providers.
In some cases, registered training organisations (RTOs) may enrol non-resident students who are temporarily visiting or reside in Australia on certain visas, other than study visas. However, some visas include restrictions on training. Most visas and sub-class visas clearly outline what your study rights are in Australia. It is the responsibility of the individual to check their study and work rights according to their individual visa.
Further information is also available from the Department of Home Affairs.
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:
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?
Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?
Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS
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 am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?
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
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*
* 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:
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?
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.
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:-
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
Read More
Read More
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
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.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) Registered Training Provider No.5273