ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Veterinary Nursing Pathway)

Our Veterinary Nurse Pathway course is delivered via blended learning incorporating on-campus practical training and online eLearning. You will participate in the following:

• On-campus orientation day at the commencement of the course
• 2 days per week on-campus at our Ascot training facility (days of the week confirmed at time of enrolment)
• Home-based online study to complete your theory and submit assessments

We will endeavour to meet your preference for practical training days but this can not be guaranteed. Attendance at ALL classroom and practical training days is compulsory.

Students must:

• Provide your unique student identifier (USI). More info about USI → 
• Complete a language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills (LLND) quiz. More info about the LLND quiz →
• 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
• Have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer or laptop. You will be required to write, submit and in some cases upload assessments and various types of multi-media files online in your own time, therefore we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for your studies

You will be undertaking activities with cats. If you are pregnant or thinking about falling pregnant throughout the course, we suggest speaking with your doctor or medical professional before enrolment. If you would like to discuss your individual situation with us further, please feel free to get in touch with our student support team.

This course is highly competitive and has limited places. Therefore, successful students are selected based on prior work experience, education, individual attitude and aptitude. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by an AVT team member.

Students with eligible credit transfers may apply, however, due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for orientation/induction and practical placement days and therefore full course fees will apply.

You will be required to wear:

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

The following information outlines what you can expect during the course, including the essential, environmental and psychosocial requirements. If you have any questions or concerns about these expectations, please contact our Student Support team.

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 Trainers and Assessors.
• 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 theory classes with a maximum of 36 students.
• Attend practical classes with a maximum of 12 students.
• Work outdoors, exposed to various weather conditions.  
• Be physically capable of lifting equipment, and standing or walking for extended periods.

Psychosocial requirements
Given the nature of work in the animal care and veterinary industry, and the delivery of training within a simulated veterinary workplace, you will need to:

• Manage exposure to situations where animals may be experiencing signs of acute stress, fear, illness or significant injury.
• Cope with potentially distressing situations, such as neglect and euthanasia decisions, as well as client interactions involving grief or financial constraints preventing treatment.
• Maintain appropriate emotional regulation and professional behaviour when working in busy, noisy and sometimes unpredictable environments.
• Maintain an inclusive and supportive workplace by interacting respectfully with people of all backgrounds and identities, including those who may be distressed, anxious or upset.
• Receive and respond to feedback on your performance in a constructive manner.
• Manage the demands of full-time study, practical work and assessment alongside any personal or employment commitments.

Possessing these skills is fundamental to succeeding in the course and building a sustainable career in the animal care or veterinary industry. If you have any concerns about your ability to meet these psychosocial requirements, we encourage you to reach out to our Student Support team.

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.