Veterinary Nursing

You can choose! Our Veterinary Nursing course is offered via four study modes:-

• Full-time on-campus funded course based in Perth, Western Australia, commencing full-time study in February each year with a Compulsory Orientation & Lecture Day in December
• Part-time on-campus funded course based in Perth, Western Australia, commencing Mid-year
• Blended learning funded course studied online for Western Australian based students with regular intakes throughout the year
• Online eLearning course studied from anywhere in Australia offering a flexible approach to learning with more flexible start dates

Full-time On-campus

The course commences with an induction session in December, followed by weekly classes starting in late January. You will be qualified and ready for employment by the end of the year however, many students are offered and begin paid work during their studies.

During term breaks (holiday breaks), you are not required to attend class or your veterinary clinic for work placement if all course requirements have been met during the school term.

Part-time On-campus

During term breaks (holiday breaks), you are not required to attend class or your veterinary clinic for work placement if all course requirements have been met during the school term.

Blended Learning

If you are WA based, this is a great option if you cannot attend campus regularly but are seeking more guidance and interaction with our AVT educators. You can join our regular on-campus classes remotely via our weekly virtual classroom lectures as well as participate in our monthly virtual tutorials where you can ask questions and be involved in discussions. 

Online eLearning

This is your most flexible study option. All students will study several units at once, working through the learning material supplemented with the required textbook and recommended references. All assessments and assignments are submitted via our online learning system.

An exciting and essential part of the course is workplace practical training in a local veterinary practice. 

If you are based in Perth, WA we will organise a placement in a reputable veterinary clinic for you at no extra cost. The best part about it is many of our Perth based students gain employment with their workplace either during or after course completion. If you are not based in Perth, you will be required to secure your own workplace. We will supply you with detailed information on how to do so. 

The number of hours required in a workplace depends on how quickly you can complete your workplace assessments and competencies. 

Your course fee includes insurance coverage for your work placement regardless of the course delivery method you choose (applies to students in Australian based workplaces only).

For more information, view the FAQ section on Work Placement below. 

To be considered for entry into Veterinary Nursing, you must have any one of the following prerequisites:-

• Certificate II in Animal Care or Certificate II in Horse Care*, OR
• Certificate III or a higher level qualification in an animal science discipline, OR
• the equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline (to a Certificate II level)

Prerequisite detailed information 

View our detailed prerequisite page here for more information about the course prerequisite and AVT selection criteria.

Currently in high school?

We recommend reading our dedicated post, “What subjects do I need to study at high school for Veterinary Nursing and why?“

Other requirements

You will also:-

• have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer, laptop or electronic device. You will be required to write, submit and in some cases, upload assessments and various types of multi-media files online. Therefore we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for your studies
• be proficient in speaking and writing in English
• 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
• need to be a minimum of 18 years of age or be turning 18 during the academic year

* AVT’s ‘ACM20217 Certificate II in Horse Care’ (course no longer available) meets the prerequisite for our course. 

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).

You will be required to wear the AVT uniform to all excursions and your work placement unless specified by your workplace.