Certificate III in Companion Animal Services
ACM30417
Certificate III in Companion Animal Services – ACM30417
Course Overview
Get comprehensive training in the care of companion animals with the Certificate III in Companion Animal Services.
The course provides comprehensive training in all aspects of companion animal care to ensure graduates are able to provide high levels of professional care to companion animals as well as being an effective member of the animal care team.
You'll learn to care for animal wellbeing, including nutrition, first aid, and general care of dogs, cats, rodents, and rabbits. You'll gain skills in veterinary nursing, reception duties, and surgery preparation, and learn to comply with infection control policies and workplace health and safety requirements.
The course is open to animal attendants employed in a companion animal workplace for a minimum of 15 hours a week.
The qualification is also offered to school based apprentice/trainees who are working 13 hours a week in a companion animal workplace.
Career Pathways
This course prepares you to work in the Companion Animal Services industry. Roles you may be eligible for include:
- Animal Attendant (Veterinary Clinic/Animal Shelter
- Pet Shop Worker
- Pet Exerciser
- Assistant Animal Groomer
Further Study
After graduating, you might like to undertake further study in the:
- ACM30617 Certificate III in Pet Grooming
- ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
- ACM40617 Certificate IV in Pet Styling
Course Dates & Times
Wangaratta - Tone Road
Starts 24th Feb, Monday - Tuesday, 9am - 3pm / 2020
Starts Tuesday 4th Feb, 2 Years - Part Time, Workplace and Workshops / 2020
Starts 13th July, Monday - Tuesday, 9am - 3pm / 2020
Starts Wednesday 1st July, 2 Years - Part Time, Workplace and Workshops / 2020
Fee Information
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Please note all fees and charges are correct at time of publication for 2020 and may change without notice.
Students will be invoiced for the components of the course that they are enrolled into for each year or semester.
Material fees cover costs associated with the following where applicable, and not limited to:
- Classroom activity consumables, handouts and booklets
- E-Learning resources and associated license access fees
- Excursions
Additionally some courses require students to purchase or supply text books, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session or during the pre-training review Interview.
All students are required to pay an annual Student Services Fee (SSF) of $70.00. The Student Services Fee contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF does not apply to short course participants.
Entry Requirements
Training package entry requirements
There are no mandated training package entry requirements.
GOTAFE preferred entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants must:
- Undertake a Pre-training Review to document previous work experience and qualifications and assess suitability for the course
- Complete a Core Skills Profile for Adults (CSPA) test to ensure the required language, literacy and numeracy levels are met for the course
- Please apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider (australianapprenticeships.gov.au) with your employer to organise your traineeship contract prior to applying for this course (Trainees only)
- Be 17 years of age or over (16 for SBAT)
- Be employed in an animal care workplace
- Have the physical stamina to safely handle a variety of animals
- Have at least basic level of digital literacy to undertake the online component of the course
- Have access to computer with reliable internet including YouTube
- It is recommended that all students enrolling in this course be immunised against tetanus.
Course Study Units
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Written assignments
- Short answer questions
- Case studies
- Written Reports
- Examinations
- Practical Observations
- Oral assessments
Additional Information
Recommended Texts:
- Hotston-Moore, P. & Hughes, A., BSAVA Manual of Practical Animal Care, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2007 ISBN: 978-1-4051-3795-9
- Dallas, S. E., & Jewell, S., Animal Biology and Care, ed 3, Wiley-Blackwell, 2014 ISBN : 978-1-118-27606-8
Students will need to provide their own stationery, including notebooks, pens, highlighters and sticky notes.
Students will need access to a computer including, internet access, Adobe Reader, Media player, a printer and scanner.
Course Co-ordinator
Jess Howe
Attendance & Commitment
It is important that students commit to all course requirements, including study and assessments the student may need to complete outside their normal training sessions.
Students are required log into the online campus at least twice a week to complete learning activities and prepare for assessments.
Webinars are held fortnightly and it is highly desirable that students attend these webinars or view the recordings. Evening and day workshops are held each term as are specific ‘catch up’ days which students are encouraged to attend.
Where to From Here
If you need any further clarification of the information provided please contact one of our client service officers on 1300 468 233 who can assist you or submit an enquiry through our website now and one of the team will be in touch.
Educational Support Services
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.
Student Support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you will be welcome to access a variety of non-academic support services from the Student Welfare Unit. These services are designed to best support you to successfully complete your course.
Services include on campus supports and remote supports
- Counselling
- employment information
- careers
- activities etc.
Learner's Rights
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
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
Enrolment in general public entry courses will require a selection interview. Please call 1300 468 233 to enquire further.
Skills Recognition
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.
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