ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care

Kick start your career in the animal care industry and get qualified to work as an assistant dog groomer, veterinary assistant, or animal shelter attendant.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Wide Bay Burnett North Queensland

WAYS TO STUDY TAFE at School International

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

TAFE at School Subsidised Fee

TAFE at School Full Fee

International

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Course overview

Kick start your career in the animal care industry with this entry-level course. This qualification will qualify you to provide care for animals in kennels, catteries, animal shelters, sanctuaries and veterinary clinics.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as animal attendants and trainers is expected to grow strongly in the future. There are likely to be around 12,000 job openings in this growing occupation over the next five years.

This course will give you an introduction to the animal care industry and teach you how to conduct animal care work practices in an ethical and humane manner. Learn how to complete animal care hygiene routines, feed and water animals, provide basic first aid, and assist in the health care of animals. You'll also gain essential workplace skills in effective workplace communication, workplace health and safety, and environmentally sustainable work practices.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to seek work as an assistant dog groomer, veterinary assistant, or animal shelter attendant. You'll also be well positioned to continue with further studies in this area.

What can I do?

Assistant Dog Groomer
Animal Shelter Attendant
Veterinary Assistant

Course outcome:

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

Strong industry partnerships

As part of your course, you get valuable experience in real workplaces. Our strong partnerships mean you will use the skills you are learning to care for animals in different settings within your community, while also getting to know potential future employers.

Upgrade to a dual award

Got a taste for something bigger? Use this course to pathway to to a dual award in Animal Studies. Why not take advantage of our dual award offering and get two qualifications instead of one. By completing additional units you may be eligible to also receive the Certificate III in Animal Care Services. Save time, enhance your job prospects, and add to your skill set with this dual award.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units listed below. You will also be required to undertake 6 days of work experience in an approved setting.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN203

Feed and water animals

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN203

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare, present and distribute food and water for animals according to animal dietary requirements.
UNIT NAME
Feed and water animals

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN204

Assist in health care of animals

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN204

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide assistance to experienced staff in the handling and securing of animals for assessment and the preparation, application and documentation of health care treatments and first aid.
UNIT NAME
Assist in health care of animals

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN201

Work in the animal care industry

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN201

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out animal care work, using ethical and humane practices and contributing to a productive work environment.
UNIT NAME
Work in the animal care industry

UNIT CODE
ACMWHS201

Participate in workplace health and safety processes

UNIT CODE :
ACMWHS201

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work safely and participate in work health and safety processes in an animal care environment.
UNIT NAME
Participate in workplace health and safety processes

UNIT CODE
BSBCMM211

Apply communication skills

UNIT CODE :
BSBCMM211

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply basic communication skills in the workplace, including identifying, gathering and conveying information along with completing assigned written information.
UNIT NAME
Apply communication skills

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN202

Complete animal care hygiene routines

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN202

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide daily care of animals, including the cleaning of animal housing, and grooming or cleaning of animals.
UNIT NAME
Complete animal care hygiene routines

UNIT CODE
ACMSUS201

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

UNIT CODE :
ACMSUS201

Unit description :

This unit of competency covers the process required to measure current resource use effectively and to carry out improvements, including those that will reduce the negative environment impacts of work practices.
UNIT NAME
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

Greater Brisbane / Darling Downs and South West / Sunshine Coast

Greater Brisbane / Darling Downs and South West / Sunshine Coast

UNIT CODE
ACMBEH302

Provide enrichment for animals

UNIT CODE :
ACMBEH302

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide enrichment to stimulate, replenish and maintain appropriate behavioural patterns of all animals, including those housed short-term or long-term in an animal care facility.
UNIT NAME
Provide enrichment for animals

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN205

Source and provide information for animal care needs

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN205

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to source, interpret and provide information on animal care products and services to complete workplace tasks and to provide information to others.
UNIT NAME
Source and provide information for animal care needs

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN309

Provide basic animal first aid

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN309

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide essential first aid for animals. The first aider is not expected to deal with complex cases or incidents, but to provide an initial response where first aid is required.
UNIT NAME
Provide basic animal first aid

UNIT CODE
ACMSPE314

Provide general care of birds

UNIT CODE :
ACMSPE314

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify birds and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.
UNIT NAME
Provide general care of birds

UNIT CODE
ACMSPE320

Provide general care of mammals

UNIT CODE :
ACMSPE320

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify placental mammals and their behavioural and physical needs and provide daily care requirements.
UNIT NAME
Provide general care of mammals

Gold Coast

Gold Coast

UNIT CODE
ACMBEH302

Provide enrichment for animals

UNIT CODE :
ACMBEH302

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide enrichment to stimulate, replenish and maintain appropriate behavioural patterns of all animals, including those housed short-term or long-term in an animal care facility.
UNIT NAME
Provide enrichment for animals

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN205

Source and provide information for animal care needs

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN205

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to source, interpret and provide information on animal care products and services to complete workplace tasks and to provide information to others.
UNIT NAME
Source and provide information for animal care needs

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN309

Provide basic animal first aid

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN309

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide essential first aid for animals. The first aider is not expected to deal with complex cases or incidents, but to provide an initial response where first aid is required.
UNIT NAME
Provide basic animal first aid

UNIT CODE
ACMSPE316

Provide general care of domestic dogs

UNIT CODE :
ACMSPE316

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify dogs and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.
UNIT NAME
Provide general care of domestic dogs

UNIT CODE
ACMSPE317

Provide general care of domestic cats

UNIT CODE :
ACMSPE317

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify domestic cats and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.
UNIT NAME
Provide general care of domestic cats

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

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Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121)

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Certificate II in Animal Care

COURSE CODE: ACM20121

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

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to 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. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations. You are welcome to bring own laptops to class.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.

Clothing requirements:
You must purchase a TAFE Queensland polo shirt which is to be worn on work experience as per industry requirements. You will be required to wear dark long pants e.g. black or dark denim (no holey denim), closed in comfortable shoes, minimal jewellery to all practical classes e.g. watch and one pair of stud earrings with long hair tied up.

Placement

You will be required to undertake 6 days of work experience in an approved setting and will be required to make your own way to and from the work experience site.

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

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.

Prior Experience

I already have an experience, can i get credit?

Fastrack your way to formal education by earning credit for the things you already know.

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Certificate II in Animal Care

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Strong industry partnerships

Upgrade to a dual award

Core units

Elective units

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate II in Animal Care

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

See if you qualify for a subsidy

Payment plan

Upfront payment

Entry requirements

Resources required

Placement

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Course disclaimer

Prior Experience