GOTAFE Vet students get hands-on experience at Dr Paws
GOTAFE Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418) students recently completed their final assessments at Dr Paws Veterinary Clinic in Wangaratta.
GOTAFE works closely with local businesses and industries to ensure students graduate with job-ready skills which meet industry needs.
Dr Paws has been offering placements for GOTAFE students for many years, supporting local students in their education journeys and helping address the skills shortage in the region.
GOTAFE Animal Science Trainer Mel Blair said “During their studies, students undertake 240 hours of work placement to put their knowledge into practice.
“Dr Paws have been so supportive of GOTAFE students and have provided them with fantastic hands-on experiences. In their intensive two-week workshops, students assisted Dr Tanille Bailey and Dr Sam Swan with monitoring and preparing local pets for surgical procedures.
“The students have learnt valuable skills and are well-prepared and job ready for rewarding careers as Veterinary Nurses,” she said.
During their placement at Dr Paws, GOTAFE students gained comprehensive training in all aspects of veterinary nursing including imaging, surgery preparation, medical and surgical nursing routines and clinical pathology.
Dr Paws Practice Manager Avril Meehan said "It has been fantastic to be able to provide work experience for the GOTAFE students in a clinical environment.
“We love to watch and assist the students with their learning and development as they enter their professional working careers."

"We encourage anyone who has a love for animals and medicine to reach out to our clinic for work experience or placement. We will always try to facilitate and support individuals who are interested in a career in the exciting world of the Veterinary industry"
Avril Meehan, Dr Paws Practice Manager
To address the significant skills shortages in the industry, the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418) is available as part of the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE scheme. The course is offered at GOTAFE’s Tone Road Campus, a world-class training facility for animal sciences, equine, agriculture, horticulture, and viticulture industries.
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