ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

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).

📺 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).

📺 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.

The following information outlines what you can expect during the course, including the essential, environmental and psychosocial requirements. If you have any questions or concerns about these expectations, please contact our Student Support team.

Essential requirements
Throughout this course, you will need to demonstrate the ability to:

• Communicate appropriately and effectively with people from a variety of ages and backgrounds, including veterinary professionals, clients (pet owners), peers, and Trainers and Assessors. This includes perceiving, interpreting, and responding to non-verbal cues to ensure sensitive and respectful communication.
• Comprehend spoken English at conversational speed, including in noisy environments.
• Read and understand information presented in various formats in English, and accurately complete written assessments and records.
• Retain and recall essential information accurately.
• Follow written and verbal instructions precisely.
• Complete workplace documentation using industry-specific terminology.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
• Work safely in a veterinary hospital (or similar facility), handling and caring for a range of animal species while following all WHS precautions.

Environmental requirements
For on-campus study mode 
During your time on-campus, you will be expected to:

• Attend theory classes (maximum of 30 students) one day per week for the duration of the course.
• Communicate effectively with your peers and the Trainers and Assessors.
• Participate in group activities and practical assessments using both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

For on-campus, blended and online study modes
During your workplace training in a veterinary hospital, you will be expected to:

• Follow instructions carefully and relay accurate information to others.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the level of care and responsibility required when working with patients.
• Adhere to strict hygiene and WHS protocols to protect animal health and wellbeing. This may involve handling chemicals and animal waste such as urine, faeces, uneaten food, blood and soiled bedding.
• Be physically capable of manual work, including lifting equipment, restraining animals, bending and standing for extended periods.
• Work collaboratively with a team of veterinary professionals as well as independently.
• Communicate confidently and respectfully with hospital staff and clients (pet owners).
• Remain calm and professional when working in emotionally challenging, high-pressure or stressful situations.
• Recognise your own competency and limitations to ensure the safety of patients, clients and team members.

Psychosocial requirements
Given the nature of work in the veterinary industry, you will need to:

• Manage exposure to situations where animals may be experiencing signs of acute stress, fear, illness or significant injury.
• Cope with potentially distressing situations, such as neglect and euthanasia decisions, as well as client interactions involving grief or financial constraints preventing treatment.
• Maintain appropriate emotional regulation and professional behaviour when working in busy, noisy and sometimes unpredictable environments.
• Maintain an inclusive and supportive workplace by interacting respectfully with people of all backgrounds and identities, including those who may be distressed, anxious or upset.
• Receive and respond to feedback on your performance in a constructive manner.
• Manage the demands of full-time study, practical work and assessment alongside any personal or employment commitments.

Possessing these skills is fundamental to succeeding in the course and building a sustainable career in the veterinary industry. If you have any concerns about your ability to meet these psychosocial requirements, we encourage you to reach out to our Student Support team.

Assessment types
You will be assessed on your skills and knowledge in various ways, including:

• Written answers, online assessments and timed tests, case studies, multiple choice questions, presentations, verbal questioning, workplace assignments and practical tasks.