Vet Nursing

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

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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: Dec 2025 – Sep 2027
  • Blended Learning: Dec 2025 – Sep 2027
  • 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 →

Government Funding and subsidised Vet Nursing course
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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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Vet Nuring course - government subsidised lower fees local skills

Course outline

Click headings below to learn more about this course

Delivery information

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: 4-6 hrs/week online
  • Eligibility: Perth, WA students only
  • Funding: Jobs and Skills WA*
  • Support: In-person, phone, chat, or email
  • Intakes: 3 intakes per year

Ideal if you 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-contact with AVT may result in withdrawal and loss of your Jobs and Skills WA funded place (if eligible).

đź“ş Watch this video for more info.

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

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 online
  • Eligibility: WA students only
  • Funding: Jobs and Skills WA*^
  • Support: Phone, chat, email, or video
  • Intakes: 3 intakes per year

Combines the best of online and in-person study. A great option if you cannot attend campus weekly, but still prefer regular guidance and interaction with our AVT Trainers 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 and Skills WA funded place (if eligible).

đź“ş 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 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

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

Prerequisite detailed information

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, numeracy and digital skills (LLND) quiz. More info about the LLND 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.

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.

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.

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 →
Become a Veterinary Nurse - course and qualification outline

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. 

 

NRT - nationally recognised training - for animal studies, horse care and vet nursing

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

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

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:

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 →

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.
Jasmine L
Jasmine LVeterinary Nurse Student
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!
testimonial lizzie
Lizzie SVeterinary Nurse Student
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!
Rachel Gray
Rachel Gray Veterinary Nurse Graduate
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.
Fernanda M
Fernanda MVeterinary Nurse Graduate
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.
Monique B
Monique BVeterinary Nurse Graduate

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.

arrow-icon-size3 Fees Table

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.
See All Key Dates

On-Campus Course (WA)

Study On-Campus
December 2025
Dec 2025 – Sep 2027
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March 2026
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On-Campus Full-time

Study Full-Time
Dec 2024 – Dec 2025
Apps close 1 Nov 2024
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Dec 2025 – Dec 2026
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Online Course

Study Online
Open all year
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Blended Course (WA)

Study Blended Learning
December 2025
Dec 2025 – Sep 2027
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March 2026
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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

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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Why choose AVT?

Dedicated Animal Care College

AVT has been delivering Vet Nursing and Animal Care related courses for over 25 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're approachable and dedicated to helping students succeed.

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The leader in delivery of Australian Nationally Recognised Qualifications including ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (formerly Animal Studies), ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services, ACM40818 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) delivers a range of qualifications and short courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals. 

AVT is a Registered Training Organisation based in Perth, Western Australia, providing on-campus and online courses to students studying throughout Australia. More about us →

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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where our campus is based, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and we commit to walking alongside our indigenous brothers and sisters. We extend that respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in our community.

Applied Vocational Training (AVT) is proudly a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 5273).

Copyright © 2025 Applied Vocational Training. All Rights Reserved.
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