ACM30122 Certificate III In

Animal Care Services (RSPCA)

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Our latest course, ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is now available via flexible learning where you can study online.
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Study your qualification at the RSPCA in Malaga WA

Our 6 month, nationally recognised ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services course is based entirely at the RSPCA shelter facility in Malaga, WA. This unique opportunity means your essential practical training, as well as your on-site tutorials, will take place at the RSPCA and you will not be required to find a work placement. Our fully qualified AVT trainers will supervise your practical training and deliver the classroom-based course material supplemented by online learning from home.

Course snapshot

  • Duration: 6 months
  • Next Course: July – December 2023 ~ Apply Now 
  • Practical Training: 1 day per week at the RSPCA WA
  • Prerequisite: none required
  • Best suited to: Students with some experience in the animal care industry and want to increase their knowledge and skills working with animals including those who wish to continue their study pathway on to Veterinary Nursing.
Study at the RSPCA and get your AVT qualification
Animal Studies at the RSPCA students
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Course outline

Blended learning including 1 day practical training and classroom activities at the RSPCA plus home-based online eLearning.

Your RSPCA course structure will be as follows:-

Weeks 1-2

  • Pre-course online theory and orientation/induction days – Your initial weeks of study will commence with full day orientation and induction days followed by theory based learning in the comfort of your home (approx 10-20 hours each week).

Weeks 3-22

  • Weekly training – Attendance one day per week for twenty weeks at the RSPCA’s facility in Malaga to receive intensive practical training by qualified AVT trainers. Training will be held from  7.30am-4.00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday.
  • You will also be required to undertake home-based online eLearning to complete and submit assessments.

We will endeavour to meet your preference for your on-site training days but this can not be guaranteed and students are expected to participate in ALL practical training days.

To commence the RSPCA-based Course, students must:

  • be at least 18 years of age, due to RSPCA policies and guidelines
  • be available to participate in ALL practical training days at the RSPCA (one day per week – fixed day to be determined by AVT prior to course commencement)
  • 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
  • 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
  • be proficient in speaking and writing in English
  • due to the required workload and level of study, have a minimum level of schooling up to and including year 10, with a good understanding of science and maths.

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.

Credit transfers

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.

For our RSPCA based course you will be required to wear:

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

What will you learn?

During our RSPCA Animal Care course, you will become familiar with the fundamental principles of working in the animal care industry. In addition to the topics covered in the Certificate III in Animal Studies course, you will be introduced to:-

  • Behaviour and enrichment for different animal species
  • Detailed nutrition plans, including their use in the recovery of strays and mistreated animals
  • Caring for animals, including rehabilitation and care of rescued animals
  • Foster care and its role in the animal welfare system
  • The RSPCA inspectorate and their role in managing animal care cases in the community

All of the skills and knowledge you will learn in this animal studies 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.

Animal Studies at the RSPCA students

Course outcomes

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

Job Outcomes

The Certificate III in Animal Studies will prepare you for a career in the following roles:

  • Animal Welfare Carers
  • Veterinary Assistants 
  • Council Rangers and Park Rangers 
  • Wildlife and Animal Rehabilitation Carers 
  • Conservation Workers and Sanctuary Managers
  • Pet Service related Business Owners
  • Home-based Pet Service Assistants
  • Pet Groomers
  • Animal Trainers
  • Cattery Attendants and Boarding Kennel Hands
  • Animal Carers in Pet/Doggy Day Care centres
  • Stable Hands in Agistment Facilities

Skills Outcomes

Some of the skills you will be able to apply once qualified include:

  • Assessing the nutritional requirements of animals and design suitable feeding plans
  • Implementing a range of animal care hygiene routines
  • Assessing and monitoring animal health and identify health problems in a chosen species
  • Identifying and interpreting species-specific normal and abnormal behaviours and their possible causes
  • Designing and implementing enrichment programs in line with species-specific behavioural needs
  • Safely and correctly handling and restraining animals
  • Administering animal care treatments

RSPCA based Animal Studies Course Content

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services eLearning students must complete core and compulsory units:

  • ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
  • ACMGEN303 Assess the welfare status of an animal
  • ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
  • ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
  • ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
  • ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
  • ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
  • ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
  • ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
  • ACMGEN308 Walk and exercise dogs
  • ACMBEH302 Provide enrichment for animals
  • ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
  • ACMGEN312 Provide nutritional requirements for animals
  • ACMGEN205 Source and provide information for animal care needs
  • ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable practices
  • BSBXTW301 Work in a team
  • ACMSPE322 Provide general care of rodents or rabbits

Why choose the RSPCA based course for Animal Care?

  • Professionally managed and delivered course – with on-site supervision, complete with tutorials and lectures to help you understand and apply theory with ease.
  • Qualified lecturers delivering supervised practical training and assessment with a structured study time table to ensure you stay on track and are learning from the best.
  • This intensive pathway will allow you to meet the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing – you can gain your qualification in 14 weeks and can then apply for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing to become a qualified veterinary nurse*.
  • No stress! – This unique format course also means you do not have to worry about finding your own work placement normally required for this national qualification. Your essential practical training and classroom training will take place in a small group setting with other like-minded students.
  • 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

Fees & inclusions

Total course fees: $5,495*

Payable via our monthly payment plan. Initial payment of $1,495 plus 5 x $800 monthly payments and includes:-

  • Learning guides (Downloadable)
  • Textbooks (Downloadable)
  • Dedicated student support
  • One-on-one mentoring by AVT lecturers
  • 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

*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.

Apply now

Course Dates
Application Status
July 2023 Intake
Course runs 27th Jun- 8th Dec 2023
Jan 2024 Intake
Course starts Jan 2024

 

This course has limited places with high demand. We reserve the right to close course intakes before the advertised close date. We recommend submitting your application below, as early as possible. For full details of the application process please visit this link.

FAQs

Find out more about the steps to apply for and enrol in our RSPCA course here.

The application process for our RSPCA Animal Studies course are as follows:-

  • Step 1 – Apply using our online form found on the course page. If an application period is not open you can register your details and we will contact you when applications are open.
  • Step 2 – Your application will be reviewed by one of our AVT Student Liaison Officers. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.
  • Step 3 – Successful applicants will be emailed an offer including payment plan details.
  • Step 4 – Applicants are required to activate their payment plan prior to course commencement

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.

 

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.

Download Course Guides