Study your qualification at the RSPCA in Malaga WA
Our nationally recognised ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies is now available as a six month on-campus course, based entirely at the RSPCA shelter facility in Malaga, WA. This unique opportunity means your essential practical training, as well as your on-site tutorials, will take place at the RSPCA facility and you will not be required to find a work placement. Our fully qualified AVT lecturers will supervise your practical training and deliver the classroom-based course material supplemented by online learning via our eLearning centre.
During the course, you will become familiar with the fundamental principles of working in the animal care industry. In addition to the topics covered in the Certificate III course, our 6-month intensive program introduces you to:-
- behaviour and enrichment for different animal species,
- detailed nutrition plans, including their use in the recovery of strays and mistreated animals,
- caring for animals, including rehabilitation and care of rescued animals,
- foster care and its role in the animal welfare system,
- the RSPCA inspectorate and their role in managing animal care cases in the community.
- Weeks 1-2 Pre-course online theory and orientation day - Your initial weeks of study will commence with a full day orientation and induction at the AVT Bentley campus followed by theory based learning in the comfort of your home (approx 10-20 hours each week).
- Weeks 3-22 RSPCA training days and online eLearning - Attendance one day per week for twenty weeks at the RSPCA's facility in Malaga to receive the intensive practical training by qualified AVT trainers. Training days will commence at 7.30am-4.00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday (please note we endeavour to meet your preference of days but this can not be guaranteed). Students are expected to participate in ALL practical training days, as well as 20-25 hours/week of home based study dedicated to theory and preparation and submission of assessments.
- be at least 18 years of age, due to RSPCA policies and guidelines
- be available to participate in ALL work placement days and class days at the RSPCA (one day per week - fixed day to be determined by AVT prior to course commencement)
- 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
- have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer or laptop. You will be required to write, submit and in some cases upload assessments and various types of multi-media files online in your own time, therefore we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for your studies
- be proficient in speaking and writing in English
- due to the required workload and level of study, have a minimum level of schooling up to and including year 10, with a good understanding of science and maths.
Credit transfers
Students with eligible credit transfers may apply, however due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for orientation/induction and practical placement days and therefore full course fees will apply.
- ACMSPE304 Provide basic care of domestic dogs OR
- ACMSPE305 Provide basic care of domestic cats.
| Certificate III in Animal Studies | RSPCA based course |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 months |
| Delivery | Blended learning, 1 day onsite |
| Learning guides | Downloadable |
| Textbooks | Downloadable |
| Excursions | |
| Dedicated student support | |
| One-on-one mentoring at the RSPCA by AVT lecturers | |
| Assessments and Certification | |
| Workplace practical insurance cover | |
| AVT practical kit including uniform, name badge and workbook | |
| Total course fees | $5,495* |
| Payable via our monthly payment plan | Initial payment of $1,495 plus 5 x $800 monthly payments |
- an AVT shirt (supplied by AVT)
- steel capped shoes (supplied by student),
- neatly presented, long comfortable work pants suitable for bending and manual work (supplied by student).
Click here to visit our general Certificate III information page and learn more about career opportunities.
Why choose the RSPCA based course?
- Intensive course – allowing you to gain your qualification within 6 months at a purpose-built, fully equipped facility with experienced, trained AVT and RSPCA supervisors
- No stress! - you do not have to find a work placement for the course. Your entire practical training is completed at the RSPCA shelter facility in Malaga
- Potential future employment opportunities at the RSPCA for select students on completion of the course
- You will be working with various animals and have an opportunity to learn about their unique behavioural challenges and care needs. This type of exposure is not only interesting but will give you an advantage over other students.
- This certificate increases your opportunities for employment in the animal care industry. It allows entry into further studies at a Certificate IV level (e.g. Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services or Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing).
Looking for full details about the Certificate III in Animal Studies qualification, please visit our Certificate III in Animal Studies Home Page
About the RSPCA in WA
The Animal Services team at RSPCA WA has 5 main departments: Shelter, Veterinary, Foster & Volunteer, Behaviour and Adoptions and has 3 key objectives. Their aim is to:
- Provide shelter and enrichment to lost, abandoned, surrendered or seized animals
- Rehabilitate animals that require medical or behavioural treatment prior to being suitable for rehoming
- Find suitable, permanent homes for all rehabilitatable animals
More than 70% of animals end up at the RSPCA in WA as a result of an intervention from the RSPCA inspectorate (inspector services), with a majority of them having some form of welfare concern. The remaining animals are surrendered by either their owners, council pounds or are found as strays.
The RSPCA faces a unique challenge not experienced by other animal shelters. They have the added responsibility of seizing animals and prosecuting owners who do not provide the appropriate care and living conditions for their animals. This also means the RSPCA are unable to rehome any such seized animals whilst legal proceedings are occurring against accused owners. As a result, the RSPCA often have considerably less animals available for adoption at any one time in comparison with other shelters but on the other hand have many long term animals in their care. Unfortunately, many of these animals have significant medical and behavioural concerns.
Once animals can be offered for adoption, they are all provided with a veterinary health check, behavioural assessment as well as being microchipped, desexed and vaccinated. Many animals also require behaviour modification plans and some may even require surgical or medical procedures to correct long term problems.
The RSPCA shelter is run entirely by donations, with only a small amount of government funding which covers a portion of the services provided by the inspectorate division. The team at the RSPCA are 100% dedicated to placing as many animals as possible into new homes and trying to improve the lives of every animal that comes into their care.
The RSPCA facilities are based at 108 Malaga Drive, Malaga. To learn more about the RSPCA please visit RSPCA WA
Looking for more information about the Certificate III qualification, please visit our Certificate III in Animal Studies Home Page
How many students will be in my Cert III in Animal Studies at the RSPCA class?
This is an intensive course and a majority of the days spent at the RSPCA will be hands-on working alongside fellow students, our qualified teaching team and RSPCA representatives. For this reason it's important we keep the class size small. There will be no more than 12 students in your class.
Will there be a term break in the 6 month RSPCA course?
This depends on your intake date. Generally, students studying over the December and January holiday period will have a term break. You can find these dates listed in our Timetables and Key Dates schedule here. All students are expected to meet the 100% attendance requirement for the weekly practical training days.
What day of the week will the practical training day be held?
You are required to commit to one practical training day per week. This will either be a Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday. You will be asked for your preferred day during the enrolment process but please keep in mind due to both class size numbers, interest from all students and availability of resources and space at the RSPCA we can not guarantee your preference.
What happens if I cannot make it to class ?
To successfully complete the course, attendance is compulsory on your scheduled on-site day. However if you are unwell you will need to contact the lecturer in advance to arrange time to catch up. Due to the fast track nature of the course, if you are absent for more then 2 days, it is unlikely you will be able to successfully complete this qualification.
Can I apply for credit transfers for previous studies?
Students with eligible credit transfers may apply, however due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for orientation/induction and practical placement days and therefore full course fees will apply.
Is ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies a pre-requisite for this course?
No, you do not need to complete the Certificate II in Animal Studies to start this course.
How to Apply
The application process for this course is as follows:-
- Step 1 Apply using our online form (only available during application periods). If an application period is not open you can register your details below and we will contact you when applications are open.
- Step 2 Your application will be reviewed by AVT. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted you for an interview
- Step 3 Successful applicants will be emailed an offer including payment plan details
- Step 4 You will be required to activate your payment plan prior to course commencement
See the Important dates below for deadlines including details of the next intake.
Prefer to start your Course in Animal Studies sooner?
On-campus Alternative
Start an on-campus alternative. Apply today for our Certificate II in Animal Studies Intensive course with Practical Training at the Cat Haven and Greyhounds as Pets.
Study Online
Enrol today and complete your Cert 3 in Animal Studies course by online eLearning with an approved practical work placement of your choice.
Apply Here Now
This course has limited places with high demand. We reserve the right to close course intakes before the advertised close date.
We recommend submitting your application below, as early as possible.
For more information about COVID-19 and our courses select this link
Intake Month | Applications Open | Course Dates |
|---|---|---|
January 2022 | January 2022 - July 2022 |
Our students' experiences in their words ...
Having had no animal learning before, I find this course brilliant with clear concise notes, knowledgeable lecturers and RSPCA staff, and especially having the day at the RSPCA is extremely beneficial. Hands on learning and getting interaction with animals is a great help in learning handling behaviours.
This course has taught me the basic care of animals and about animal health in general. This course allows people to get hands on experience and lecturers to provide practical care to animals. Thus; others with an interest in animals will gain and have a positive outcome to the course, alike to me.
Everyone is super helpful if you need anything explained. Skye conducts classes in a relaxed and friendly environment so I feel comfortable joining in, and she is always willing to explain anything until everything is clarified.
*Please note: Completion of this qualification does not guarantee you a place in ACM40418 Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. Please read our Course Entry page for more information.