Certificate II in Animal Care

Overview

Introduction

The Certificate II in Animal Care qualification provides students with the skills and knowledge for an entry-level and support role in the animal care and management industry.

Students will learn a broad range of skills including:

• Assist in the health care of animals
• Animal care hygiene
• Feed and water animals
• Basic animal first aid
• Workplace health and safety processes
• Communication skills

Students will complete the course with the confidence to provide care for animals in workplaces such as animal shelters, boarding/daycare facilities, sanctuaries, and veterinary clinics.

Careers & study pathways

Where can this course take me?

This course prepares graduates to care for animals in workplaces such as:

• Animal shelters
• Kennels
• Catteries
• Sanctuaries
• Veterinary clinics

Further study

After graduating, students might like to undertake further study in:

• ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
• ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
• ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming)

Course details

Upcoming dates and times

Attendance & commitment

General public face-to-face delivery | 6 months course length | Full-time study load

Students are expected to:

• Attend on campus two days per week (6 hours).
• Spend approximately 15-25 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
• Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
• Complete 40 hours of placement, as outlined in the placement details below.

General public online delivery | 1-year course length | Full-time study load

Students are expected to:

• Attend practical workshops on campus 4 days in total (2 days per semester), 6 hours per day.
• Spend approximately 8-9 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
• Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
• Attend timetabled webinars (Thursdays).
• Complete 40 hours of placement, as outlined in the placement details below.

Traineeship/ School-Based Apprenticeship Traineeship blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to:

• Spend approximately 2 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
• Attend regular virtual catch-ups with their trainer, timing is arranged directly with the trainer.
• Meet with their trainer at the student's place of work at least 4 times per year.
• Remain employed within the industry for the duration of their course.

VDSS blended delivery | 2 years course length | Full-time study load

Students are expected to:

• Attend scheduled weekly webinars.
• Attend scheduled practical workshops at the Tone Road Wangaratta Campus (1 day per school holiday).
• Spend approximately 5 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
• Complete 40 hours of work placement with a host employer.

Workplace blended delivery | 1-year course length | Full-time study load

Students are expected to:

• Spend approximately 10 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
• Attend regular virtual catch-ups with their trainer, timing is arranged directly with the trainer.
• Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 4 times per year.
• Remain employed within the Industry for the duration of their course.

Placement

• This course incorporates a 40-hour practical placement which can be completed in one or more clinics throughout the course.
• This placement is organised by the student and a practical placement agreement is entered into with the student, GOTAFE, and the placement host.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods may include:

• Knowledge questions
• Projects
• Simulated demonstrations

Study units

Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.

This course requires a total of 12 units: 7 core and 5 elective.

Before you begin

Entry requirements

GOTAFE entry requirements

Before being accepted into the course applicants:

• Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) - an online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
• Undertake a Pre-training review interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
• All applicants must attend an induction, face to face, via Zoom/Teams or phone.
• Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.
• Prospective VDSS students are required to apply through your School's VET coordinator or Careers advisor.
• Workplace-based applicants are required to have a minimum of 15 hours of paid employment in an approved vet clinic.

Technical requirements

Students must have:

• A laptop/computer with internet access, including access to YouTube.
• Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
• General stationary (pens, pencils, rulers),

Inherent requirements

• Working in this industry may involve shift work and working weekends.
• It involves handling a variety of animals which requires a reasonable level of fitness and stamina.
• It is recommended that all successful applicants be immunised against tetanus.

Enrolment

Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:

• Aspirations/career goals
• Educational attainment and capability
• Literacy and numeracy skills
• Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.

You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:

• Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.

Fees and payments

Fees and costs

GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

Student support

As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.

Learning support

A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.

Learn more about our learning support services

Library

Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.

Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton

Jobs and study options

Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.

Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres

Contingent Study Arrangements

Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.

Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.

Support for personal issues

We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.

Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you

Disability support

Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.

Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors

Counselling services

We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.

Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.