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Animal Care

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Exhibited Animals)

Begin your journey in Exhibited Animal Care

Do you dream of working with animals? Learn the essential knowledge and skills you need for working with farm and exhibited animals!

Study the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Exhibited Animals) and explore the world of animal care at Landsdale Farm in Darch, WA. This course provides the unique opportunity to gain hands-on learning on a working educational and exhibition farm, perfect for individuals with little to no prior experience in the animal care industry or even those that are seeking more knowledge for their own small scale farms.

This course is designed to suit students who aspire to work in animal care facilities such as zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, aquaria, tourism farms, farm stays or other environments where animals are cared for or exhibited.

 

Government Funded Subsidised Discount fees for Animal Care and Vet Nursing

Are you unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week?

You maybe eligible for a funded position. Read More >>

Our hands-on training approach will give you real life skills and experience. You’ll attend Landsdale Farm two days a week and work hands-on with companion and farm animals, as well as participate in classroom and practical sessions conducted by fully qualified AVT trainers. Your course is designed so you do not have to find an additional work placement position.

This nationally recognised qualification will allow you to meet the prerequisite for the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or continue further studies in exhibited animals or start your career as an animal attendant or farm hand.

Course snapshot


Duration:
14 weeks

Application status: Register interest

Attendance: 2 days per week at Landsdale Farm

Fees: Subsidised fees start from just $786.91*

Prerequisite: No prior qualifications are required

Best suited to: Animal lovers who wish to gain skills and knowledge in a farm or exhibited animal environment. With a focus on understanding enclosure design, standards, welfare and enrichment for different species of animals in addition to the foundations of animal care. 

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Landsdale Farm AVT course animal care
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Course outline

This is an on-site course where you will:

  • Attend Landsdale Farm in Darch, WA 2 days per week from 8:00am – 3:30pm for classes and practical training, and
  • Complete online eLearning from home and during classes

If you are not Perth-based or are unable to attend Landsdale Farm for weekly classes and practical training, we highly recommend our online course option: ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Online)

Students must:

  • Complete a pre-training review, including a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment. More info about the LLN >>
  • Be available to participate in ALL training days (2 days per week)
  • Be physically capable of restraining animals, handling animal feed e.g. large bags of food of up to 10kg and standing for extended periods of time
  • Bring a laptop and headphones on-site each week to complete online assessments
  • Have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer or laptop at home to write, submit and in some cases upload assessments and various types of multi-media in your own time 

Credit transfers
Students with eligible credit transfers may apply; however, due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for on-site training days.

You will be required to wear:

  • An AVT top and name badge (supplied by AVT)
  • Hat (supplied by student)
  • Steel-capped shoes (supplied by student)
  • Neatly presented, long comfortable work pants suitable for bending and manual work (supplied by student).

Essential Requirements
Throughout this course, you will need to:

  • Collaborate in group settings using both verbal and non-verbal communication.
  • Effectively communicate with your peers and Trainer and Assessor.
  • Follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
  • Engage in group activities and practical assessments alongside your peers.
  • Complete workplace documentation using industry-specific language.
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including enclosed shoes, gloves and sun protection.
  • Work within an animal care facility, handling and caring for various species. This environment by its nature will expose you to potential allergens.
  • Adhere to hygiene protocols to ensure animal health, which may involve contact with animal waste such as uneaten food, urine, faeces, soiled bedding and enrichment items.

Environmental Requirements

In this course, you will:

  • Attend classes with a maximum of 24 students.
  • Work outdoors, exposed to various weather conditions.
  • Encounter moderate levels of noise, including animal sounds, the general public and farm machinery.
  • Be physically capable of lifting equipment, and standing or walking for extended periods.

Assessment Types
You will be assessed on your skills and knowledge in various ways, including:

  • Written answers, online assessments and tests, multiple choice questions, presentations, verbal questioning and practical tasks visually assessed by Trainer and Assessors.

What will you learn?

During our Exhibited Animals course, you’ll become familiar with the fundamental principles of working in the animal care industry. In addition to the topics covered in the Certificate II in Animal Care course, you will be introduced to:

  • Designing and renovating exhibits and enclosures to meet current industry standards for different species.
  • Understanding how exhibit design impacts animal welfare, including the ability to express natural behaviours.
  • Ensuring safety, security and interactive learning experiences through engaging exhibit designs.
  • The principles of working and volunteering in the animal care industry.
  • Understanding body language in animals and encouraging natural animal behaviours.
  • Low stress handling and minimising stress in an animal care environment.
  • Enrichment in an animal care environment including mental stimulation, exercise and feed planning and socialisation.
  • Animal health and well-being including first aid for animals, animal care hygiene routines to minimise spread of disease and more.

All of the skills and knowledge you will learn in this animal care and animal welfare course can be applied in an animal adoption, shelter or rescue based organisation or across a broad range of animal care facilities in commercial organisations. For more information on careers working with animals read our article Top 6 Animal Care Careers.

Course outcomes

AVT animal care graduates from our exhibited animals course, go on to a wide range of roles across the animal care industry. 

Job outcomes

Students who have completed the Certificate II in Animal Care go on to careers as a:

  • Animal care attendant
  • Kennel or cattery attendant 
  • Pet shop attendant
  • Vet assistant
  • Stable or farm hand
  • Wildlife carer

Career opportunities

Graduates from this course work in a range of animal care organisations such as:

  • Zoo and animal parks
  • Wildlife sanctuaries  
  • Wildlife and animal rehabilitation centres
  • Welfare organisations and shelters
  • Adoption and rehoming services
  • Dog kennels, catteries and boarding facilities
  • Pet shops and retail businesses
  • Dog daycare centres
  • At home services including self-employment in dog walking and pet sitting

Pathways

Successful completion of this course prepares students for pathways to the following study options:

Course content

All students must complete the following core units:

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

Students will also be required to study:

  • ACMGEN205 Source information for animal care needs
  • ACMINF201 Handle companion animals safely and follow infection control guidelines
  • ACMGEN309 Provide basic first aid
  • ACMSPE322 Provide general care of rodents and rabbits
  • ACMEXH309 Contribute to exhibit design and renovation planning

Why choose this course?

  • Easy to Learn Format

    Complete with online instructional videos and materials to help you understand and apply theory easily.

  • A Stress Free Course

    There is no need to worry about finding a work placement yourself. Your hands-on practical training will be conducted at Landsdale Farm.

  • Supportive Learning

    Our Qualified Trainers and Assessors will assist you during your studies plus our student support team are available to provide help and guidance.

  • Hands-on Learning

    You will work hands-on with a range of companion and farm animals at Landsdale Farm learning a range of practical skills.

  • Industry Leading Knowledge

    We develop and deliver our own tailored course material, so you get the latest and most up-to-date knowledge.

  • Increase your Opportunities

    An AVT certificate is well recognised by industry and will give you job ready skills to increase your opportunities for employment and provides recognition towards entry into further studies.

Meet the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing

This qualification meets the prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Due to high demand, our AVT selection criteria also applies.

AVT is an independent animal care focused Registered Training Organisation (RTO). We do not have third-party arrangements with other training providers to acquire content or distribute qualifications. All course material is written and delivered by our team of qualified educators. 

 

NRT - nationally recognised training - for animal studies, horse care and vet nursing

What students are saying about this course

Fees & inclusions

Fee information coming soon!

Fees & inclusions

Your course fees will depend on your eligibility for a Jobs and Skills WA based funded position and your concession status. Please see detailed fees and funding information here. All fees are payable via our monthly payment plan. 

  • Funded concession: $786.91*
  • Funded non-concession: $2,236.16*
  • Full fee: $3,900*

Our fees include:

  • Dedicated student support
  • One-on-one support from AVT Trainers 
  • Membership to a Private Facebook Group for your class
  • Access to the AVT interactive online eLearning Centre
  • Assessments and Certification
  • Practical training insurance
  • Work Placement Kit: Uniform, name badge and workbook

If you would like more information about our fees, the initial deposit and payment plan, including options, please contact our friendly Student Support Team OR Request a Call

*Funded places are subject to eligibility and availability. The Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as resource fees and other fees. Full fees apply for participants who do not meet the Jobs and Skills WA Participation – Work Readiness program eligibility criteria.

If you decide to withdraw from study for any reason, refunds are not issued unless you are a Jobs and Skills WA funded student. Please see our policies page for full details.

Register your interest

Course Dates

Be notified about future intakes

This course has limited places. We recommend submitting your application, as early as possible.  AVT reserves the right to cancel or make changes to the location and training days for this course (See cancellation policy). For full details of the application process please visit this link.

FAQs

International – FAQ

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.

Students wishing to be considered for funding places in the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA) 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?

    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 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

    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

    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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