Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
ACM40418
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing – ACM40418
Course Overview
If you’ve dreamed of working with animals, the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing will prepare you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career as a Veterinary Nurse.
You'll gain comprehensive training in all aspects of veterinary nursing to help you maintain the health of animals, including imaging, surgery preparation, medical and surgical nursing routines, and clinical pathology.
This course can be delivered on-campus in Wangaratta, as a traineeship for workplace learners who are already employed in the industry, or as part of the integrated Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Charles Sturt University.
For students undertaking the qualification either on-campus or as part of the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology program, you’ll be able to practice your new skills in the workplace, with 240 hours of work placement at a veterinary clinic included over the duration of the course.
Studying during COVID-19 Restrictions
We’ve had to make adjustments to how our courses are delivered due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19. This means that we’re currently offering a combination of delivery modes including online and flexible learning and, where we can, on-campus classes with strict social distancing in place.
Career Pathways
This course prepares you to work as a Veterinary Nurse. Your duties as a Vet Nurse may include:
- Administering drugs, anesthetics, and injections to animals
- Preparing animals for surgery
- Maintaining, sterilising, and laying out surgical equipment
- Taking X-rays
- Giving advice to clients about caring for animals
- Keeping records, writing and filing reports
- Caring for, grooming, and exercising animal 'in-patients'.
Working in this industry may involve weekend work including after hours on call. It also requires a level of fitness that allows you to safely handle a range of animals and be on your feet for most of the day.
Further Study
After graduating, you might like to undertake further study in the ACM50219 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing.
You can also use this course as a pathway to university, with 4 subject credits counting towards the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Charles Sturt University.
Course Dates & Times
Wangaratta - Tone Road
On Campus, Start Mon 27th July, Two days week (Mon,Tue), 9am - 4pm / 2020
Workplace Learn, Flex Delivery, Open from Mon 13th July, 9am - 4pm / 2020
On Campus, Start 22nd Feb, 2 days week (Mon,Tue), 9am - 4pm / 2021
On Campus, Start 25th Feb, 2 days week (Thu,Fri), 9am - 4pm / 2021
Workplace Learning, Flex Delivery, From Mon 15th Feb / 2021
On Campus, Start 12th July, 2 days week (Mon,Tue), 9am - 4pm / 2021
On Campus, Start 15th July, 2 days week (Thu,Fri), 9am - 4pm / 2021
Workplace Learning, Flex Delivery, From Mon 12th July / 2021
Detailed 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 2021 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
Entry into this qualification is open to individuals who:
- Hold a Certificate II in Animal Studies.
- Hold a relevant Certificate III or higher level qualification in an animal science discipline.
- Can demonstrate and provide evidence of equivalent skills and knowledge and experience in a relevant animal science Discipline.
GOTAFE preferred entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course you must:
- Attend an interview.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review to ensure the course suits your needs and aspirations, and that you are likely to complete the course successful.
- Complete a Core Skills Profile for Adults (CSPA) test to ensure the required language, literacy and numeracy levels are met for the course.
GOTAFE recommend students also be immunised against tetanus.
Course Study Units
Assessment Methods
Specific types of assessments may include the following:
- Written/online assessment tasks
- Case studies
- Quizzes
- Exams
- Practical tasks
- Oral questioning
- Practical observation
Course Co-ordinator
Skye Rhodes-Mitchell
Attendance & Commitment
It is important that students commit to all course requirements, including study and assessments the student may be required to complete outside their normal training sessions.
On-campus students: This course is delivered over a 2 year period to students who are not currently employed in the industry. Students must attend the Wangaratta Regional Study Centre 2 days per week. Each student is also expected to undertake a minimum of 240 hours of work placement/experience in a veterinary clinic approved by GOTAFE over the duration of their course.
CSU students: This course is delivered over an 18 month period to students already undertaking the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Charles Sturt University. They are enrolled either on campus or distance as full-time or part-time students and minimum numbers of participants in this cohort range from 20 to a maximum of 80 in a single cohort
Workplace learners: This course is delivered over a 2 year period to students who are currently employed in the industry. Students attend the Wangaratta Regional Study Centre for scheduled evening classes, full-day workshops and catch up days with their trainer, to fit in with their employment.
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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