Preparing to submit your application

Veterinary Nursing

About the Veterinary Nursing course

Our ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing qualification is aimed at those who want a career as a veterinary nurse or those already working in veterinary care positions. We offer a variety of study modes including online and on-campus options. The role of a veterinary nurse is diverse, exciting, rewarding and one in which you will never stop learning. This certificate will introduce you to a range of skills and knowledge across several species of animals.

Preparing to submit your application for vet nursing

Applications for our online and on-campus ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing course are open at different times of the year. If you’re thinking about applying, we encourage you to read through the following information carefully and watch the videos.

Why you need to keep reading

Our courses are highly competitive because we limit class sizes to a small number of participants. Our approach to education is highly personalised, and our trainers and support team will work closely with you to ensure your study journey is a success.
For WA-based funded students, we also hand select and organise a local veterinary practice to host your workplace practical training throughout the year.
The course content is high-level and reflects current industry standards in Australia. This is just one of the reasons why our graduates are highly sought after by industry. In fact, many of our graduates have paid jobs in the veterinary industry prior to graduation.

Our courses are highly competitive because we limit class sizes to a small number of participants. Our approach to education is highly personalised, and our trainers and support team will work closely with you to ensure your study journey is a success.
For WA-based funded students, we also hand select and organise a local veterinary practice to host your workplace practical training throughout the year.
You'll also find the course content high-level and reflects current industry standards in Australia. This is just one of the reasons why our graduates are highly sought after by industry. In fact, many of our graduates have paid jobs in the veterinary industry prior to graduation.

With this said, now let’s get you prepared. To make a successful application and be shortlisted for an interview, read our top 5 tips you are going to need for your application.

Top 5 tips to prepare your application for vet nursing

Check your eligibility

Before you start your application for the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, ensure you have met the entry requirements. You qualify to apply by meeting one of the following criteria:

Completed a Certificate II in Animal Care (Animal Studies), or
Completed a Relevant Animal Science Discipline Course: If you hold a relevant Certificate III or higher in an animal science discipline, you meet the requirements, or
Demonstrated Equivalent Skills and Knowledge: If you have gained equivalent skills and knowledge through workplace experience in a relevant animal science discipline, you can apply by completing a Prerequisite Application Form→

For more information on the entry requirements and AVT’s selection criteria, visit our Detailed Selection Criteria →

Obtain your USI number

If you don’t already have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) number, you will need to apply for one. This is easy to do, just go to the USI page → to find out more.

Gather proof of study and experience

We will also ask about your previous work experience, including both paid employment and volunteer roles. If you have any evidence of your experience, we recommend having digital copies ready to upload. This is especially valuable if it involves working with animals, or demonstrates customer service, communication or teamwork skills. Providing this information helps us better understand your background and readiness for the course.

Including relevant documents can help strengthen your application and demonstrate your readiness for study and work in the veterinary industry.

You may wish to upload:

Evidence of meeting the prerequisite for the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
(not required for previous AVT students)
Education records
(e.g. school, TAFE, college or university transcripts and results)
Statements of Attainment
(for any completed units or courses)
Certificates from short courses
(e.g. animal care, first aid or industry-related training)
A current resume
(including animal care experience and customer service or people-focused roles)
Written references / statements on official business or organisation letterhead
(e.g. from employers, supervisors, teachers or placement providers)
Offers of employment or work experience
Evidence of animal care experience
(e.g. volunteer work, placements)
Evidence of working with people
(e.g. customer service, teamwork or communication skills)

Please note: references must be provided as written documents. We’re unable to contact referees directly as part of the application process.

Write your why!

You will be asked to write a personal statement as part of your application. Your statement must be a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 500 words. In your response, you should include:

Why you want to study and work as a veterinary nurse
Your understanding of the veterinary nurse role
Any experience with animals
Any customer service or people-focused experience

This is one of the most important parts of your application, so take the time to plan and write your response carefully before submitting

Watch our videos

We receive a lot of questions about our veterinary nursing course, including prerequisites, how we select students, and what to expect from the course.

Before applying, we encourage you to spend some time watching the videos below, they’ll help you feel more prepared and confident.

Preparing your Vet Nursing Application

8 Videos