Short courses for animal workers

Short Courses for Vet Nursing, Animal Care and Training

Looking to learn new skills or continue your education in a specific area of animal care? AVT’s short courses provide an easy and flexible study option. Our material is written by Veterinarians, highly experienced Veterinary Nurses and Animal Scientists and is regularly updated to ensure you have access to the latest in animal care theory.

If you’re thinking about a career in this industry and want to make sure further qualifications are for you, short courses are a fantastic way of introducing you to the world of animal care. 

AVNAT-Approved CPD Points

Our short courses are recognised under the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA), AVNAT Registration Scheme. As a veterinary nurse or technologist, you can earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points while expanding your knowledge and skills. You’ll find the CPD point value for each eligible course listed below.

AVT Short Courses

Applied Vocational Training - Vet Nurse and Animal Studies Training RTO logo
Our AVT short courses are the perfect way to explore specialised topics and build practical knowledge in areas not currently covered by nationally recognised training. Designed by our team of experienced veterinary and animal behaviour professionals, these courses fill important training gaps within the industry and provide students with real-world, up-to-date knowledge and know-how.

Horse Care Fundamentals

Online

short course overview avt horse care fundamentals
Essential Equine Knowledge

Horse Care Fundamentals

  • Payment plans available

  • Online

  • 6 months

  • Work in a variety of horse care environments

  • 10 CPD points

This course provides an introduction to all things equine. Whether you’re looking to start a career in the horse care industry, gain hands-on knowledge for horse ownership, or build a foundation for equine veterinary nursing, you will gain essential skills to care for and handle horses confidently.

You’ll learn about horse behaviour, safe handling techniques, daily care routines, health and nutrition, lunging, and more. 

Equine Veterinary Nursing

Online

short course overview avt equine vet nursing
Advance your Equine Nursing

Equine Veterinary Nursing

  • Payment plans available

  • Online

  • 6-12 months

  • Work as an Equine Vet Nurse

  • 20 CPD points

Designed for qualified veterinary nurses, this course provides essential knowledge needed to transition from small animal practice to equine veterinary nursing.

You’ll gain a foundation in equine care, handling, clinical procedures, and hospitalised patient management. This course covers key topics such as triaging equine cases, conducting clinical exams, recognising equine body language and biosecurity in equine practice.

Australian Wildlife Care

Online

wildlife care short course
Wildlife care for Native Mammals

Australian Wildlife Care (Native Mammals)

  • One-off easy payment

  • Online

  • 2-12 months

  • Learn the fundamentals of caring for native animals

  • 5 CPD points

Gain the skills and confidence to care for Australia’s unique wildlife and make a lasting impact on their welfare. Designed for aspiring wildlife carers, veterinary nurses, students, and volunteers, this course offers practical knowledge to identify, handle, and support common native mammals in a range of care settings. You’ll explore best-practice techniques in nutrition, housing, and rehabilitation, and develop the confidence to contribute meaningfully to wildlife care and conservation.

Spare

Online

short course overview avt equine vet nursing
Advance your Equine Nursing

Equine Veterinary Nursing

  • Payment plans available

  • Online

  • 6-12 months

  • Work as an Equine Vet Nurse

  • 20 CPD points

Designed for qualified veterinary nurses, this course provides essential knowledge needed to transition from small animal practice to equine veterinary nursing.

You’ll gain a foundation in equine care, handling, clinical procedures, and hospitalised patient management. This course covers key topics such as triaging equine cases, conducting clinical exams, recognising equine body language and biosecurity in equine practice.

Nationally Recognised Short Courses

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

Our nationally recognised short courses give you the opportunity to earn a Statement of Attainment for nationally recognised units of competency in specific areas of animal care and veterinary nursing. These courses are ideal if you’re working towards a full qualification, need to meet workplace or industry requirements, or want to strengthen your resume with nationally recognised skills.

Canine Behaviour Consultant

Online

short course overview avt canine behaviour consultant v2
Consult with Confidence

Canine Behaviour Consultant

  • Payment plans available

  • Online

  • 6 months

  • Work with clients and vet professionals on complex canine behaviours

  • 15 CPD points

  • Nationally Recognised

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

Advance your skills and knowledge in canine behaviour and consultations. Designed for AVT graduates seeking to tackle complex behavioural cases, this program provides in-depth knowledge, mentorship and collaboration with industry experts.

You’ll refine your consultation skills, apply evidence-based behaviour modification techniques, and confidently work alongside veterinary behaviourists and other professionals to improve the welfare of the dogs in your care.

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

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Online

mental health course for veterinary nurses
Promote wellbeing in your practice

Veterinary Workplace Mental Health & Wellbeing Skills

  • One-off easy payment

  • Online

  • 3-12 months

  • Build resilience and workplace culture

  • 5 CPD points

  • Nationally Recognised

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

Designed for animal care and veterinary professionals, this course provides practical tools to foster resilience, recognise early signs of burnout, and create a more supportive, sustainable team culture.

You’ll gain evidence-based strategies tailored to the realities of veterinary practice and emerge with the confidence to champion mental health and wellbeing in your workplace — plus earn a Statement of Attainment and AVNAT CPD points.

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

Find out when we release our latest courses

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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 89.5% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 95.5% 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 are approachable and dedicated to helping students succeed.

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