GOTAFE (Northern Victoria Institute of TAFE)
2 years
Become a qualified Veterinary Nurse with comprehensive training in animal care, surgical nursing, and clinical procedures. This 2-year Certificate IV combines classroom learning with 240 hours of practical workplace experience, preparing you for a rewarding career in veterinary healthcare.
Applicants must be over 15 years of age and have successfully completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or hold a relevant Certificate III or higher qualification in animal science. You'll need to complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to demonstrate required literacy and numeracy levels, and undertake a Pre-training Review interview. Workplace applicants require minimum 15 hours of paid employment in an approved vet clinic. Tetanus immunisation is recommended. You'll need a laptop/computer with internet access, digital camera or video camera for assessments, and general stationery.
The course comprises 21 units: 17 core and 4 elective. Core units cover animal anatomy and physiology, client communication, infection control, daily practice routines, veterinary reception duties, imaging routines, clinical pathology procedures, surgical nursing, animal nursing, medical nursing, nutritional advice, animal care advice, dental nursing procedures, anaesthesia preparation and monitoring, veterinary drug preparation, and workplace health and safety. Elective units include animal enrichment, basic animal first aid, and specific care for domestic dogs and cats. Students complete practical workshops on campus (4 weeks per year), attend online webinars twice weekly, and undertake 240 hours of work placement in a small animal veterinary clinic.
GOTAFE is a registered training organisation (RTO 3094) delivering nationally accredited qualifications with government funding support. The institution offers flexible delivery options including blended learning, traineeship, and workplace-based pathways to accommodate diverse student needs. GOTAFE provides comprehensive student support services including learning support, counselling, disability support, and career guidance. The course pathway allows graduates to progress to the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing or use credits towards the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Charles Sturt University.
Graduates are eligible for roles as Veterinary Nurses, Veterinary Surgical Nurses, Veterinary Receptionists with clinical responsibilities, Animal Shelter or Animal Hospital Assistants, and Veterinary Practice Managers (with experience). The qualification provides a foundation for further study in the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing or progression to university-level qualifications such as the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology. Career opportunities exist across private veterinary practices, animal hospitals, animal shelters, and emergency veterinary clinics throughout Australia.
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