TAFE NSW
12 months to 1 year 6 months
Gain practical skills to work with animals in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, and aquariums. This nationally recognised qualification combines theory and hands-on training in animal care, habitat maintenance, health monitoring, and public education, preparing you for careers in the exhibited animal care industry.
You must have successfully completed Certificate II in Animal Care or equivalent, as evidenced by your certificate or transcript, or demonstrate extensive work experience and knowledge in animal care through your resume and portfolio. We recommend a calm nature, reasonable fitness level to handle animals and perform manual lifting, access to a computer or device with video recording capability and reliable internet, and Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills at Year 12 level. TAFE NSW may request you complete an LLN skills test to support your study success.
Core units cover workplace health and safety, environmental sustainability, animal welfare assessment, animal behaviour and interaction, capturing and restraining techniques, nutritional requirements, habitat preparation and maintenance, animal health monitoring, enrichment provision, and communication skills. Specialty units allow customisation and include marine wildlife care, native wildlife rehabilitation, species population management, animal reproduction monitoring, infection control, veterinary nursing assistance, and care for specific animal groups including birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and mammals. Additional specialty units cover wildlife emergency response, exhibit design, husbandry guidelines development, and animal first aid.
TAFE NSW is a nationally recognised training provider offering vocational education with strong industry connections. The course is delivered across 14 locations with flexible study options including on-campus, online, combination, and workplace-based learning. TAFE NSW provides comprehensive student support services including disability support, language and literacy assistance, counselling, and career pathways guidance. The provider recognises prior learning and offers credit transfers to accelerate your qualification.
Graduates pursue careers as zookeepers, exhibited animal keepers, wildlife animal carers, wildlife rehabilitators, marine animal attendants, aquarists, and wildlife presenters. The zookeeper role offers strong growth prospects with median weekly earnings of $940 and average full-time hours of 40 per week. Career pathways include advancement to Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or specialised roles in wildlife rescue, conservation, and education. The course provides a strong foundation for further study and career development in the animal care industry.
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