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Vet Nursing

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

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 →

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.

Vet Nuring course - government subsidised lower fees local skills
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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 & 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 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 & 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 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 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 languageliteracy 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.

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 →
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What students say about this course

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
December 2025
Dec 2025 - Sep 2027
March 2026

On-Campus Full-time

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

Online Course

Study Online
Open all year

Blended Course (WA)

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

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 Information – FAQs Cert IV in Vet Nursing

If you’re WA based, our Blended Learning study mode option for the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is a great online option if you cannot attend campus regularly but are seeking more guidance and interaction with our AVT Trainers and Assessors. 

Virtual classroom sessions are held weekly. You will remotely join a live on-campus classroom session, where course content is delivered by a Trainer and Assessor and will include presentations, class discussions, training videos, industry related scenarios and guest speakers throughout the course. It’s an interactive session where you can ask the Trainer and Assessor questions. These sessions complement the course material and help you better understand the content, rather than just reading all the information that is required.

Virtual tutorial sessions are held monthly with your Trainer and Assessor. These optional Zoom-like sessions (using Teams) are designed to offer support to a smaller group of online students. These face-time sessions allow you time to speak to your Trainer and Assessor and your fellow classmates directly. You can attend these sessions if you have questions about any aspects of the course, including questions about the assessments, workplace assignments and practical tasks that need to be completed in practice. Useful tips on how to approach each subject area and the associated assessments can also be discussed.

On-campus workshops are essential hands-on practical training sessions occur during these on-campus workshops spread out over the duration of the course. During these compulsory workshops, you also get to meet with the AVT Trainers and Assessors and your fellow classmates, who you usually only see online.

There are many online training providers offering “Certified” courses in animal care such as the Vet Assistant Certificate, Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Assistant and Animal Welfare, Dog Grooming Certificate, Equine Studies Certificate, Cat Care and Training Certificate, Animal Welfare Certificate and many others. Generally, these online courses are not accredited and therefore not nationally recognised by the Australian Government.

Only nationally accredited certificates offered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) meet the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing.  RTOs are regulated and audited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority or the relevant State regulator to ensure the course content meets certification standards and the provider complies with the legislation required to deliver the VET Quality Framework.  The best way to find a nationally accredited organisation offering nationally accredited courses is to search training.gov.au. Also, as a general rule, animal care related courses, commence with a code starting with ACM e.g. ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

There are a number of online trainer providers providing animal care related courses that are not RTO’s and therefore their courses do not meet the prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.  Many of these courses are theory based and do not require you to obtain practical skills or have contact with animals which is essential for the prerequisite.  If you are considering a course in an animal care related area, we highly recommend choosing an accredited course. This ensures your certificate will be recognised by a future employer and you can continue your study pathway to veterinary nursing or another area of study.

For more information about the prerequisite and entry requirements for veterinary nursing visit: Selection Criteria and Entry into Veterinary Nursing

Entry FAQs – Cert IV in Vet Nursing

The ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing qualification requires ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care OR a relevant Certificate III or higher level qualification in an animal science discipline OR can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline to any of the above qualifications.

If you do not have any experience working with animals, you will need to complete either a Certificate II in Animal Care  or Certificate III in Animal Care Services or a similar course. You can learn more on our detailed veterinary nurse course entry requirements page.

Other articles of interest include:

There are many online training providers offering “Certified” courses in animal care such as the Vet Assistant Certificate, Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Assistant and Animal Welfare, Dog Grooming Certificate, Equine Studies Certificate, Cat Care and Training Certificate, Animal Welfare Certificate and many others. Generally, these online courses are not accredited and therefore not nationally recognised by the Australian Government.

Only nationally accredited certificates offered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) meet the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing.  RTOs are regulated and audited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority or the relevant State regulator to ensure the course content meets certification standards and the provider complies with the legislation required to deliver the VET Quality Framework.  The best way to find a nationally accredited organisation offering nationally accredited courses is to search training.gov.au. Also, as a general rule, animal care related courses, commence with a code starting with ACM e.g. ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

There are a number of online trainer providers providing animal care related courses that are not RTO’s and therefore their courses do not meet the prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.  Many of these courses are theory based and do not require you to obtain practical skills or have contact with animals which is essential for the prerequisite.  If you are considering a course in an animal care related area, we highly recommend choosing an accredited course. This ensures your certificate will be recognised by a future employer and you can continue your study pathway to veterinary nursing or another area of study.

For more information about the prerequisite and entry requirements for veterinary nursing visit: Selection Criteria and Entry into Veterinary Nursing

Prerequisite FAQs – Vet Nursing

Unfortunately a non-animal science based university or college qualification does not meet the prerequisite for this course. You will need to show evidence of knowledge in animal care or animal studies.

Examples of tertiary qualifications that will NOT meet the prerequisite include:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Psychology
  • Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor Health Sciences
  • Bachelor of Information Technology
  • Bachelor of Law
  • Bachelor of Commerce.

Please refer to our the FAQ ‘What other animal science related qualifications are relevant and are deemed equivalent to the Certificate II in Animal Care?‘ for qualifications that do qualify for recognition.

AVT recognised animal care qualifications that qualify for exemption.

The following nationally recognised qualifications are examples of related qualifications that can be deemed equivalent:

  • ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies
  • ACM30121 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
  • ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
  • ACM30217 Certificate III in Animal Technology
  • ACM30317 Certificate III in Captive Animals
  • ACM30417 Certificate III in Companion Animal Services
  • ACM30617 Certificate III in Pet Grooming
  • ACM40117 Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation
  • ACM40217 Certificate IV in Captive Animals
  • ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
  • ACM50117 Diploma of Animal Technology
  • ACM50317 Diploma of Horse Stud Management
  • ACM50417 Diploma of Performance Horse Management

Other qualifications may be relevant, although must be a Certificate III or a higher level qualification and will include those where you can demonstrate you have gained experience in all of the following five areas:

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

As a guide, examples of other qualifications involving animals that may meet equivalency include commencement or completion of degrees in areas such as:

  • Animal Science
  • Zoology
  • Animal Conservation e.g. Wildlife and Conservation
  • Animal Management
  • Agriculture

If you cannot provide sufficient evidence to prove you meet the prerequisites, we will then work with you to establish a pathway for entry into the course.

If you have completed an alternative qualification that may be equivalent to the prerequisite, you will need to submit formal qualification documents including a certificate and results listing all units studied such as a Statement of Attainment (note these are not required if your qualification was gained from AVT).

If you believe you have relevant knowledge and skills as a result of workplace experience – you will be required to provide information about previous experience. See our separate FAQ on ‘What evidence do you need of my workplace related skills and knowledge?’.

If you have successfully completed the ACM20121 Certificate in Animal Care or a directly equivalent qualification you can complete the full application form. Here’s a few things you will be asked about:

  • Proof of completion for Certificate II in Animal Care or equivalent (if not studied via AVT)
  • Unique Student Identifier – If you don’t already have a USI number, you will need to apply for one. This is easy to do, just go to our USI page to find out more.
  • Previous study and experience – you will be asked about your previous workplace experience, whether that be an employed position or even volunteer work. If you have any proof of work experience or employment, make sure you have a digital copy on hand to upload, particularly if it is related to working with animals. Here’s just some of the documents that are of interest:
    • References (personal, work or education related references on business letterhead)
    • Offers of employment or work experience
    • Short courses you may have undertaken
    • Evidence of experience in caring for animals
    • Records of education including school, college, TAFE, university records
    • Work experience references/ statements
    • Statement of Attainments
  • Your why! – We want to know why you want to study and work as a veterinary nurse. You’ll need to write at least 250 words telling us why you are applying and include any information about your past experience with animals. This is one of the most important parts of your application, so think carefully before submitting your statement. Please note, your statement should not exceed 500 words. 

You will be required to complete an online application form to apply for the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing course. This form includes questions about your previous knowledge and skills as well as other qualifications you have completed.

Meeting the compulsory prerequisite or equivalency does not guarantee entry into AVT’s ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing course. Once prerequisites have been met, prospective students may then apply for entry in to the course and are subject to the course selection criteria as described here.

Equivalent Skills and Knowledge FAQs – Vet Nursing

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.

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.

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:

  1. Work health and safety risks in an animal care facility
  2. Animal identification, handling and behaviour
  3. Animal nutrition (prepare, present and distribute food and water for animals under supervision and according to animal dietary requirements)
  4. Animal hygiene routines
  5. 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

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).

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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