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 recognised qualifications offered by nationally recognised providers, such as Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and TAFEs, 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 recognised organisation offering nationally recognised qualifications 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 RTOs 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 a nationally recognised qualification. 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
