Vet Nursing

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

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Part-Time On-Campus &
Blended Learning June 2025

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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 educators.

Become a Qualified Vet Nurse in Australia

Are you passionate about animals and their care? Have you ever thought about becoming a Vet Nurse? The only Australian nationally accredited and recognised Veterinary Nursing Certificate, ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to commence your career as a veterinary nurse or to gain a qualification as an experienced professional.

With over 90% of AVT veterinary nursing students gaining employment during or after they complete their studies, studying with AVT will put you ahead of the rest. Take your love of animals and a desire to care for animals, and choose this course to provide you with the necessary hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge to work in the veterinary and animal care industry.

Course snapshot

Duration: 1.5 – 2 years

Upcoming courses: View timetables →

On-campus: Jun 2025 to Dec 2026
Blended Learning: Jun 2025 to Dec 2026
Online (Non-funded): Open all year

Fees: View fee table →

Practical training: In a Veterinary Hospital or Clinic

Prerequisite for Vet Nursing: ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care or higher, or equivalent skills and knowledge. View detailed prerequisite info →

Lower fees, local skills funding

The ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is subsidised for students who meet the eligibility criteria, under Jobs and Skills WA. It is part of the Lower fees, local skills program.

The annual fees cap means that eligible non-concession students will only pay a maximum of $1,200 and concession-fee paying students or those aged under 25 will only pay up to $400 for enrolled units per year*.

*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.

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Course outline

Click headings below to learn more about this course

Delivery information

On-campus

On-campus course for students based in Perth, WA

Duration: 1.5 years (7 terms)
Location: 1 day/week at AVT Ascot Campus
Excursions: Off-site field trips
Workplace: 1 day/week at a vet practice
Study Time: 4 hrs/week online
Eligibility: Perth, WA students only
Funding: Jobs & Skills WA*
Support: In-person, phone, chat, or email
Intakes: 3 intakes per year

Ideal for students who prefer learning face-to-face with hands-on support from our AVT Trainers and Assessors.

Attend on-campus classes weekly, plus complete regular online study and work placement.

Attendance for classes and work placement is mandatory for course completion. Non-attendance or continued non-cantact with AVT may result in withdrawal and loss of your Jobs & Skills WA funded place (if eligible). 📺 Watch this video for more info.

Compare study modes here or request a call with our Student Support Team.

Blended learning

Blended learning course for WA-based students.

Duration: 1.5 years (7 terms)
Virtual Learning: Virtual Classroom (1/week), Virtual Tutorial (1/month)
1-on-1 Support: Phone or video (1/month)
Workshops: 5 x On-campus at AVT
Workplace: 1 day/week at a vet practice
Study Time: 4–6 hrs/week
Eligibility: WA students only
Funding: Jobs & Skills WA*^
Support: Phone, chat, email, or video
Intakes: 3 intakes per year

A great option if you cannot attend campus regularly and prefer more guidance and interaction with our AVT Trainer and Assessors.

Join our on-campus classes remotely each week via live virtual sessions, plus monthly tutorials for Q&A and discussion.

Attendance for virtual classroom sessions and work placement is mandatory for course completion. Non-attendance or continued non-contact with AVT may result in withdrawal and loss of your Jobs & Skills WA funded place (if eligible). 📺 Watch this video for more info.

^Funding is subject to availability

Compare study modes here or request a call with our student support team.

Online

Online course for students across Australia with flexible start dates.

Duration: Up to 2 years
Workplace: 1 day/week at a vet practice
Study Time: 12–16 hrs/week online
Eligibility: Australia wide
Funding: Not applicable
Support: Phone, chat, email, or video
Intakes: Start at anytime

Perfect if you’re looking for a fully flexible learning option with no on-campus requirements.

Study at your own pace, working through online materials and textbooks, with assessments submitted via our online learning system.

Compare study modes here or request a call from our student support team.

Course entry and study information

Entry Requirements

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

Certificate II in Animal 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

Read our detailed prerequisite page for more information
Watch the course prerequisite video here
Watch the AVT selection criteria video here

Are you 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 must also:

Provide your Unique Student Identifier (USI). More info about USI >>
Complete a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) quiz. More info about the LLN quiz >>
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 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.
Need to be a minimum of 18 years of age or be turning 18 during the academic year.

AVT selection process

Our goal is to see students succeed in their animal care career path and to ensure we provide the veterinary industry with high quality, employable graduates. Assessing whether or not you meet the entry requirements for this course is done by a personalised review of each and every applicant.

Concerned about your application?

If you are concerned you do not meet the prerequisite, simply contact us. We will review your individual situation and advise on the best way forward.

Work Placement

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

Who organises my work placement?

If you’re a WA-based Jobs and Skills funded student or a non-funded Perth-based student, AVT will organise your work placement in a reputable veterinary practice as part of the course cost (regional places are subject to the availability of an approved veterinary clinic).
If you’re a regional WA (non-funded) or a non-WA student:
You will organise your own work placement. You will be provided with detailed information on how to find a work placement.

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 cover for your work placement regardless of the course delivery method you choose (only applies to students in Australian-based workplaces).

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

Uniform

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.

International Students

Please note that we are not registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Please visit the CRICOS website to view education providers that offer courses to people studying in Australia on student visas. We are unable to offer this course to students currently living overseas or those on a student visa. For more information visit our frequently asked questions below:

Please watch our informational videos prior to submitting your application.
Watch here →

What will you learn?

Throughout the course you will complete 21 units of study covering a broad range of topics relating to veterinary nursing care. You will become competent in:

Nursing and monitoring patients
Administering medication
Providing surgical assistance and monitoring anaesthesia
Taking and processing blood samples
Taking x-rays (radiography)
Basic dental procedures
Undertaking emergency and critical care nursing
Nurse consultations e.g. behavioural, nutrition, dental, wound care, post operative advice
Providing advice to pet owners

The skills and knowledge you learn can be applied as a Veterinary Nurse in a broad range of organisations requiring veterinary services. Learn more: Top 7 reasons why you should choose a career in the veterinary industry →

Course outcomes

On successful completion, you will be awarded the nationally recognised qualification, ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

The most common career path for graduates is directly into a Veterinary Nursing role in a veterinary practice. You could also find yourself working in a zoo, shelter, local council, laboratory, farm, office, or even on the road as a pharmaceutical or food company representative. Alternatively, you may pursue higher level qualifications such as a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or even a Bachelor of Science.

Job outcomes

Here’s just a few examples of the types of roles available:

Veterinary nurse
Veterinary surgical assistant
Veterinary receptionist
Practice manager
Veterinary nurse in a specialist or emergency centre
A representative for animal-related pharmaceutical or nutrition companies
Animal welfare officer
Zoo veterinary assistant
Vocational educator

Career opportunities

This course will prepare you for career opportunities in a range of veterinary centred organisations such as:

General practice clinics and hospitals
Veterinary emergency centres
Veterinary specialist centres
Wildlife and animal rescue and rehabilitation centres
Welfare organisations such as the RSPCA
Zoos and wildlife parks
Education facilities, including universities and technical colleges such as AVT
Veterinary diagnostic laboratories
Veterinary pharmaceutical and nutrition companies
Research institutions

Course content

Core & Compulsory Units

All students must complete the following core units:

ACMVET202 Carry out daily practice routines
ACMVET401 Coordinate veterinary reception duties
ACMVET402 Apply imaging routines
ACMVET403 Perform clinical pathology procedures
ACMVET404 Perform practice office procedures
ACMVET405 Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines
ACMVET406 Nurse animals
ACMVET407 Carry out medical nursing routines
ACMVET408 Provide nutritional advice and support for animals
ACMVET409 Provide specific animal care advice
ACMVET410 Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
ACMVET413 Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia
ACMVET416 Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons
ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
ACMGAS307 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
ACMGAS308 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

Additional Units

You must also complete the following compulsory elective units:

ACMARM403 Identify and respond to animal behaviour in animal management and regulation environment
ACMSPE312 Provide basic care of rodents and rabbits (*Qld Students) ^
ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces

Online eLearning students can choose from one of the following units:

WA funded students are required to complete ACMSPE302 Provide basic care of birds.

ACMSPE302 Provide basic care of birds ^
ACMSPE311 Provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles ^
ACMSPE303 Provide basic care of common native mammals ^

* Due to legislation relating to rabbits and pet ownership in Queensland, our student support team will discuss alternative options where necessary.

^ These units will require you to have access to the relevant species to enable you to complete the required assessments.

Why choose AVT for your Veterinary Nursing Course?

Professionally written and delivered course with engaging classroom sessions and convenient online and face-to-face assistance to help you apply theory effortlessly
Your work placement is preorganised in a reputable veterinary practice (for WA based students)
A high standard of theoretical knowledge with intensive practical training, allowing you to gain the competence and confidence required for your career
Employers request our graduates! This certificate increases your opportunities for employmentin the animal care industry plus it will give you recognition towards further studies. Learn More →

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What students say about this course

I would like to thank you and all other members of the AVT team for helping guide me through my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. I am so grateful for all of the guidance, helpful advice, funny stories, and wisdom that has been passed down to me by the assessors, teachers, and other staff.

AVT has made this very compact and monumental learning curve a little bit easier for all of us. Both their knowledge, expertise and even just smiles and positivity has made this all so much more pleasant. Even the lovely girls at admin who greet us and farewell us each day and show so much empathy when things go wrong, makes such a difference in our days. Learning doesn’t feel like a chore with AVT and I really appreciate it. I can’t wait for the next semester and more learning and fond memories to come with it!

I went into the course having never worked in a vet clinic before, and unsure if I would even be a good vet nurse. Luckily AVT has the most incredible lecturers who encouraged and helped me every step of the way & got me into an awesome clinic for my work placement. My work placement clinic ended up hiring me and I am now working my dream job and doing things I would never of thought I’d be able to do in such a short amount of time. The personalised support and encouragement I received from all of the staff at AVT is second to none and I can not thank them all enough for everything they have done for me. Studying at Applied Vocational Training was definitely the best decision of my life!

I completed my Certificate III in Animal Studies at the RSPCA and also my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing with AVT. I have no words to describe how amazing and inspiring it was studying with them. They not only support you in all aspects but also encourage you throughout the course. I highly recommend AVT to anyone wanting to start a career in animal care, you will have all the support you need as well as up to date animal care/veterinary nursing knowledge. I consider myself extremely lucky to have had an opportunity to study at AVT.

I completed my certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at AVT and can truly say it was the best experience. All the staff are wonderfully helpful, inspiring and motivating. The course is structured well and I learned so much. I would definitely recommend studying with AVT.

Course fees

Fees vary depending on the course delivery mode, your individual circumstances, eligibility for government support, concession status, the time of intake and credit transfers. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for a Jobs and Skills WA subsidised place, please contact our Student Support team on 08 9472 1804 or request a call.

Please visit our Fees Table for detailed information on course fees.

See the veterinary nursing fees and funding page and policies page for more details. All fees are payable via our monthly payment plan.

Apply now

Apply for open intakes or register your interest for upcoming intakes below

Our funded courses have limited places. Submit your application as early as possible as we may close course intakes before the advertised close date.
Increase your chances of making a successful application. Read our Preparing to Submit your Application Guide.

On-Campus Course (WA)

Study On-Campus
June 2025 Intake 20 Jun 2025 - 11 Dec 2026 Applications close 29 May 2025	Apply Now
December 2025	Register Interest

On-Campus Full-time

Study Full-Time
Dec 2024 - Dec 2025 Apps close 1 Nov 2024	Apply Now
Dec 2025 - Dec 2026	Register 2026

Online Course

Study Online
Open all year	Apply Now

Blended Course (WA)

Study Blended Learning
June 2025 Intake 20 Jun 2025 - 11 Dec 2026 Applications close 29 May 2025	Apply Now
December 2025	Register Interest

We have temporarily closed applications while we fix a few technical issues.

Delays in submitting your form will not affect your application for the course. Applications for part-time and blended classes will be open until 5th February 2024.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve these issues and look forward to receiving your application soon.

FAQs

General Questions About This Course

Meeting The Prerequisite

Demonstrating Equivalent Skills and Knowledge

Equivalent Skills and Knowledge FAQs – Vet Nursing

b

Does meeting the knowledge and skills equivalency requirement mean I can be awarded the Certificate II in Animal Care/Studies?

If your skills and knowledge are deemed equivalent, this does not mean you will be awarded a Certificate II in Animal Care/Studies. Nor does it guarantee you entry into this course. AVT normal selection criteria applies for all courses.

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b

What types of animal related workplaces are relevant?

Examples of animal care related workplaces where you will need to demonstrate at least a minimum of 1 years’ experience include:

Animal shelters
Kennels
Catteries
Sanctuaries
Veterinary practices
Pet shops
Animal research facilities
Other areas of animal care work where the student is completing tasks under supervision.

Unfortunately, caring for your own pets at home or hobbies and interests with animals is not adequate experience.

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b

What are examples of skills and knowledge I need to demonstrate for equivalency?

Equivalency of the prerequisite qualification, Certificate II in Animal Care/Studies may include relevant employed or voluntary (work experience) positions in a range of animal care facilities.

You will be asked to demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in the following five areas:

Work health and safety risks in an animal care facility
Animal identification, handling and behaviour
Animal nutrition (prepare, present and distribute food and water for animals under supervision and according to animal dietary requirements)
Animal hygiene routines
Animal husbandry and health routines

Here’s some examples of tasks you may have performed whilst working in an animal care facility:

Basic care of animals, including feeding, exercise, grooming, washing of animals
Understanding of basic animal care needs i.e. diet, fleas, worms etc
Cleaning/ hygiene procedures of the animal’s environment, e.g., cage, enclosure, bedding, stable
Handling animals regularly using appropriate handling and restraint methods and can identify basic animal behaviour signs
Observing and recording animals’ behaviour
Following Work, Health and Safety guidelines with an understanding of hazards in the animal care industry,
Ability to identify basic health care concerns in animals i.e. canine cough, ringworm, cat flu etc

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b

What evidence do I need of my workplace related skills and knowledge?

In order for us to ascertain whether you meet the entry requirement as a result of knowledge and skills you have gained in the workplace, you need to provide evidence which is relevant and current and may include:

Relevant work history, whether that be voluntary or employed work (including a description of the workplace, position held, duties undertaken, duration and supervisor details)
References from relevant employers and supervisors

We may or may not also need to carry out verbal or written testing of certain subjects/units to help us with the assessment of your application for exemption from completing a Certificate II in Animal Studies/Animal Care (fees may apply).

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Fees, Subsidies and More

Work Placement and Practical Training

Qualification

International Students Living in Australia and Overseas & Non-Resident Visa Holders

RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) including Credit Transfers

Why choose AVT?

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ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Time left to apply

Become a Qualified Vet Nurse in Australia

Course snapshot

Lower fees, local skills funding

Course outline

Click headings below to learn more about this course

Delivery information

Course entry and study information

Please watch our informational videos prior to submitting your application. Watch here →

What will you learn?

Course outcomes

Job outcomes

Career opportunities

Course content

Why choose AVT for your Veterinary Nursing Course?

What students say about this course

Course fees

Apply now

Apply for open intakes or register your interest for upcoming intakes below

On-Campus Course (WA)

On-Campus Full-time

Online Course

Open all year

Blended Course (WA)

December 2025

We have temporarily closed applications while we fix a few technical issues.

FAQs

Equivalent Skills and Knowledge FAQs – Vet Nursing

Does meeting the knowledge and skills equivalency requirement mean I can be awarded the Certificate II in Animal Care/Studies?

What types of animal related workplaces are relevant?

What are examples of skills and knowledge I need to demonstrate for equivalency?

What evidence do I need of my workplace related skills and knowledge?

Why choose AVT?

Dedicated Animal Care College

Outstanding Track Record

Safe and Supported Learning

Download Course Info Flyer

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Vet Nursing Pathway - Jobs and Skills WA Funded*

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Before you get started

Before you get started

Before you get started

Before you get started

Please watch our informational videos prior to submitting your application.
Watch here →