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ACM40418

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

CW March Test

This course is the nationally-recognised industry qualification for vet nursing. Develop your career and learn the technical skills valued by the veterinary industry. 

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STUDY LOCATIONS Darling Downs and South West
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession
$3,535 - $14,140
Subsidised
$3,875 - $15,500
Full Fee
$5,010 - $20,040
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Develop your career and learn the technical skills valued by the veterinary industry. This course is the nationally-recognised industry qualification for vet nursing and will prepare you to start a rewarding career as a vet nurse.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as veterinary nurses is expected to grow strongly in the future. There are likely to be around 9,000 job openings in this industry over the next five years with employers looking for qualified candidates who are caring, empathetic, and can communicate clearly. 

This course will give you the specialised knowledge needed to work as a vet nurse and provide nursing care to animals. You'll learn how to support hospitalised animals through their medical procedures, prepare animals for surgery, assist in surgical nursing procedures, and monitor patients when under anaesthesia. You'll also discover how to perform clinical pathology procedures, prepare equipment and animals for x-rays, and carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures. Our passionate team of industry professionals are the best in the business, and will give you the one-on-one guidance you need to succeed in your studies.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a veterinary nurse. It will also give you the foundation knowledge needed to complete further studies in the field. 

What can I do?

  • Veterinary Nurse

Course outcome:

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Bridging and Upgrade programs available

Our Bridging program option is designed for students who want to progress to the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing but have not completed certain required units from previous study. It provides the opportunity to complete these units before advancing to the Certificate IV.

Similarly, the Upgrade to Certificate IV option is available to students who have already completed the Certificate III in Animal Studies (Vet Nursing stream) and wish to upgrade to the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Please refer to Need to Know section below for further information.

Greencross Vets Partnership

TAFE Queensland has partnered with Greencross Vets to deliver the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing to students at various veterinary clinics across Queensland. This course is delivered on-site at selected Greencross Vet clinics throughout Queensland and New South Wales, allowing you to experience hands-on training in real-world facilities. To find out more about the partnership and application process, click here.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 4 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 240 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET416
    Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET416
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons in a veterinary practice.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET413
    Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET413
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and monitor anaesthesia and analgesics in animals for surgical and medical procedures.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET410
    Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET410
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform dental prophylaxis and assist with simple extractions. Dental prophylaxis involves oral examinations of the conscious and anaesthetised patient, sub- and supra-gingival tooth scaling and polishing, and the subsequent development of a homecare plan, as well as assisting in the performance of simple dental extractions.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET409
    Provide specific animal care advice
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET409
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide advice to clients (animal owners) about animal health, behaviour, disease and reproduction.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide specific animal care advice

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMWHS301
    Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMWHS301
    Unit description :

    This unit of competency covers the process required by an employee to contribute to workplace health and safety processes where there is responsibility for own work outputs and possibly limited responsibility for the work output of others.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET408
    Provide nutritional advice and support for animals
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET408
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to provide advice to animal owners about the nutritional requirements of specific animals, and support nutritional needs of hospitalised patients across a range of medical and surgical conditions.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide nutritional advice and support for animals

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET407
    Carry out medical nursing routines
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET407
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement medical nursing routines, including the preparation and handling of patients (animals) and equipment for specific routines.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Carry out medical nursing routines

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET401
    Coordinate veterinary reception duties
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET401
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate and undertake patient admission and discharge. It also includes providing initial veterinary nursing care to patients (animals) and grief support to clients (animal owners).
  • UNIT NAME
  • Coordinate veterinary reception duties

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET202
    Carry out daily clinic routines
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET202
    Unit description :

    This unit of competency covers the process of treating patients (animals) on a daily basis, maintaining clinic hygiene and assisting with inventory and clinic security.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Carry out daily clinic routines

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMINF301
    Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMINF301
    Unit description :

    This unit of competency covers the process required to comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care workplaces and relevant field locations.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMGAS308
    Communicate effectively with clients and team members
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMGAS308
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, a supervisor, team members and industry representatives.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Communicate effectively with clients and team members

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET402
    Apply imaging routines
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET402
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement and complete imaging routines, including x-rays, ultrasound and endoscopes, according to established industry sequences and practice policies and procedures.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply imaging routines

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET403
    Perform clinical pathology procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET403
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect biological samples and perform pathology procedures, including maintaining the integrity of samples and preparing consignments for diagnostic laboratories.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Perform clinical pathology procedures

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET406
    Nurse animals
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET406
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide high quality nursing care for patients (animals) treated or housed in a veterinary practice. It includes providing advice to clients (animal owners), monitoring animals and providing animal first aid as required.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Nurse animals

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET405
    Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET405
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate surgery schedules, prepare the surgical environment and provide support for the veterinary surgeon, including before, during and after routine and non-routine surgical procedures and monitoring patients (animals) while they are under anaesthesia.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMVET404
    Perform practice office procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMVET404
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform office procedures in a veterinary practice, including maintaining veterinary supplies, controlling stock, maintaining practice accounts, generating and responding to practice correspondence.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Perform practice office procedures

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMGAS307
    Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMGAS307
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify animal anatomy and physiological functions of animals. It incorporates knowledge of animal classification, animal body systems, physiological functions and external anatomical features of animals to recognise normal health.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work

Ways to study

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Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418)

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Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

COURSE CODE: ACM40418
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

See if you qualify for a subsidy

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Entry into this qualification is open to individuals who:

  • hold a Certificate II in Animal Studies

OR

  • hold a relevant Certificate III or higher level qualification in an animal science discipline

OR

  • can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline to any of the above qualifications.
Selection criteria

Evidence must be provided to confirm completion of a Certificate II in Animal Studies, a Certificate III in Animal Studies, or other equivalent study/experience prior to determining eligibility into Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Some additional training may be required if the recommended pathway from Certificate III in Animal Studies to Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is not followed.

 

Gold Coast
Gap training may be required to complete the Certificate IV Veterinary nursing qualification, which can take up to 21 months, and may require the faculty to be contacted to provide an individualised plan. You must have sufficient language, literacy, numeracy, computing and technical skills to achieve success in this course. Students will be required to complete the bksb English and Maths test prior to course commencement to identify any areas where they may require additional support to help them achieve their goals.

Resources required

You will be required to wear:

  • long, hard wearing pants (no leggings)
  • closed in, comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for most of the day; and
  • minimal jewellery (stud earrings, no necklaces, no acrylic or false nails, facial jewellery must be removed or taped over).

You must have a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations, but it is strongly recommended that students have a personal computing device to enable them to participate in online activities and complete assessment tasks in their personal study time.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks at time of enrolment or during orientation. The purchase of these resources will incur additional costs. You may also be required to purchase uniform items including appropriate enclosed footwear and TAFE Queensland branded items. Details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation. The purchase of TAFE Queensland branded uniform items may incur additional costs.

You must have the required Animal Studies shirt prior to attending Vocational Placement or you will be unable to participate.

Placement

If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.

Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You may be expected to travel up to one hour to attend your vocational placement facility and will be responsible for all costs associated with attending that facility. Due to limitations on placement availability, TAFE Queensland cannot guarantee proximity to your location.

You are required to complete 240 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

Please note: prior to placement you may need to complete a Criminal History Check (yellow card); this will be confirmed by your course educator.

If your police check identifies that you have a criminal history, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Vocational Placement Coordinator for further information.

You will be responsible for any costs associated with meeting these placement requirements.

Working in certain jobs increases your exposure to some vaccine-preventable diseases. The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends the following vaccinations in line with the Queensland Government’s occupational immunisations for veterinary students;

  • Rabies
  • Q-fever
  • Influenza
  • Tetanus vaccine

Please note: Vaccination and serology evidence requirements may alter during your studies in accordance with changes to industry requirements and/or Australian Immunisation Guidelines. 

Important information

Those students who have a medical contraindication may be unable to complete the vocational placement component of their course. This means you may not be able to meet all of the requirements of your course and may not be able to graduate or receive your qualification.

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Upgrade to Certificate IV Program
This option is available to students who have successfully completed the Certificate III in Animal Studies and Bridging Program units (if required) and wish to upgrade to the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

This Upgrade Program is delivered over a 12 month duration – classroom delivery for up to three days per week.

To achieve this qualification, the following core units will need to be successfully completed:

  • ACMVET401 Coordinate veterinary reception duties​
  • ACMVET403 Perform clinical pathology procedures​
  • ACMVET405 Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines​
  • ACMVET408 Provide nutritional advice and support for animals​
  • ACMVET409 Provide specific animal care advice​
  • ACMVET416 Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons
  • ACMVET402​ Apply imaging routines​
  • ACMVET404 Perform practice office procedures​
  • ACMVET406 Nurse animals​
  • ACMVET407 Carry out medical nursing routines​
  • ACMVET410 Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures​
  • ACMVET413 Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia

Completion of 240 hours of Vocational Placement is required as part of this qualification.

Fees for this Upgrade Program are as follows:

  • Full fee from $11,450
  • Subsidised fee $6,900
  • Concession fee $6,900

 

Darling Downs and South West Region - Bridging Program
Students who completed the Certificate II in Animal Care with TAFE Queensland or with another Registered Training Organisation, and wish to continue their studies in Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing will be required to complete additional units not listed in the ‘What you will study’ section . The additional units are required to cover essential learning not previously covered in the Certificate II in Animal Care.

  • ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
  • ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
  • ACMGEN312 Provide nutritional requirements for animals
  • ACMSPE304 Provide basic care of domestic dogs
  • ACMGAS307 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
  • ACMGAS308 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
  • ACMSPE302 Provide basic care of birds
  • HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid

There is an additional charge for these units that is not included in the overall course fee listed. Cost per unit is:

  • Full fee - $954
  • Subsidised fee - $575
  • Concession fee - $575

Students may also choose to complete the Certificate III in Animal Care Services prior to commencing the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. This pathway option will see students completing the above listed units under the Certificate III program before they commence studies in the Certificate IV program.

 

Partnership with Greencross Vets
TAFE Queensland has partnered with Greencross Vets to allow you to experience hands on training at various veterinary clinics across Queensland

Students will be provided with a fully interactive learning experience, with a mix of virtual classes, online learning and clinical practice experience to be completed at the various allocated Greencross Vet clinics.

This is a 12 month course delivered 4 days per week as follows:

  • 1 day per week in a TAFE Queensland virtual classroom (virtual class is online, the teacher will be delivering face-to-face at Ashmore campus and streaming).
  • 1 day per week flexible study to suit your schedule 
  • 2 days per week in an allocated Greencross Vet clinic

For further information, visit this website

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

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