Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Sorry, this course is not available for international students.
If you are a local student you may be eligible.
To find a course that's available to international students, please visit the search page:
Overview
2 years full time
February, July
February
Times are changing for pet ownership in Australia, with more households owning pets than ever which is increasing demand for veterinary services. Over 70% of pet owners now view the role of veterinary services as keeping their pets healthy rather than treating them when they are sick. If you dream of a career taking care of animals, our Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing ACM40418 will set you on the path to becoming a veterinary nurse.
The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing ACM40418 at Melbourne Polytechnic helps you develop a range of animal care skills including clinical and surgical routines. Developed with our veterinary industry partners, the course focuses on practical learning that reflects real life scenarios.
Practice clinical skills in our purpose-built veterinary precinct, Melbourne Polytechnic’s Veterinary Nursing Learning Centre, which includes extensive simulated veterinary practice suites. You’ll be trained by enthusiastic, industry-experienced teachers in a range of areas from reception duties to clinical pathology, radiology, theatre routines, dental nursing and general animal care.
Career Pathways
Where will the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing ACM40418 take me?
As a graduate you may find work in private veterinary clinics offering a diverse range of services and undertaking various tasks and duties. The course also opens doors to working for pet food companies, in animal pharmaceuticals or specialist clinics.
- Veterinary Nurse
Course Details
Delivery methods
This course is delivered primarily at our Fairfield campus and requires a minimum of 240 hours of compulsory practical placement.
Some practical components will take place in our Veterinary Nurse Learning Centre at the Epping Campus. Some theory classes are online.
- Work placements
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus / Virtual classroom
A blend of both face-to-face and virtual learning with scheduled classes taking place on-campus and in virtual classrooms. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods for this course includes workshops written activities, assignments and satisfactory completion of practical skills.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| ACMBEH302 | Provide enrichment for animals | Elective | 40 |
| ACMGAS307 | Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work | Core | 100 |
| ACMGAS308 | Communicate effectively with clients and team members | Core | 30 |
| ACMGEN311 | Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing | Elective | 50 |
| ACMINF301 | Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work | Core | 60 |
| ACMSPE304 | Provide basic care of domestic dogs | Elective | 40 |
| ACMSPE305 | Provide basic care of domestic cats | Elective | 40 |
| ACMVET202 | Carry out daily clinic routines | Core | 40 |
| ACMVET401 | Coordinate veterinary reception duties | Core | 70 |
| ACMVET402 | Apply imaging routines | Core | 90 |
| ACMVET403 | Perform clinical pathology procedures | Core | 70 |
| ACMVET404 | Perform practice office procedures | Core | 40 |
| ACMVET405 | Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines | Core | 120 |
| ACMVET406 | Nurse animals | Core | 80 |
| ACMVET407 | Carry out medical nursing routines | Core | 70 |
| ACMVET408 | Provide nutritional advice and support for animals | Core | 90 |
| ACMVET409 | Provide specific animal care advice | Core | 90 |
| ACMVET410 | Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures | Core | 40 |
| ACMVET413 | Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia | Core | 80 |
| ACMVET416 | Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons | Core | 60 |
| ACMWHS301 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes | Core | 50 |
Attend an Information Session
Fees & Costs
| Free TAFE | Concession | Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $0 | $1270 | $6350 | $18000 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $175 | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $250 | $1445 | $6600 | $18250 |
| Per year | $0 |
| Per semester | $0 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1 November 2021. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Fees explained
The State Government’s Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition (excluding Amenities Fees and Materials Fees) for students who are eligible for government subsidised training and enrol into one of the Priority listed course.
Free TAFE is available to eligible students for one course enrolment in a lifetime.
Free TAFE places are limited. Please call 1300 635 276 and we can advise you whether Free TAFE places are still available.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition fees for students who are eligible. Materials and amenities may still apply.
The Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative will pay your tuition fees for only one course. Once you have commenced in a tuition-free priority course, you are not eligible for further tuition-free places again, even if you do not finish your first tuition-free priority course.
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Concession fees are charged at 20 per cent of the standard fees for enrolments in Certificate I to IV courses. To be eligible students must meet Skills First eligibility criteria and present a valid:
- Commonwealth Health Care card, or
- Pensioner Concession card, or
- Any dependent spouse or dependent child of one of the above cardholders, or
- Veterans Gold card.
The following groups are eligible for concession fees from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- Asylum Seekers and victims of human trafficking
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Veterinary and animal study courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
Important Note: The Associate Degree of Veterinary Nursing will not be taking new enrolments for 2023. All new intakes for 2022 will be into the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (a Latrobe University qualification delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic).
Requirements
This course requires:- the completion of either Certificate II in Animal Care ACM20121
- (or) a relevant Certificate III or higher in an animal science discipline
- (or) can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline to any of the above qualifications.
- (and) you must have at least 8 hours per week of paid or voluntary work placement in a Veterinary Clinic at enrolment and for the duration of the course, evidenced by a minimum of 240 hours.
- You must be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine (or have an exemption) to be able to work or undertake placement in a VET Nursing setting. See coronavirus.vic.gov.au for recommended vaccination doses.
Next Steps
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.
After you complete that form we will send you an email with a link to an application form webpage. If you don’t receive the email, check your spam and junk folders.
Complete the application form on the application form webpage.
You will be required to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.
Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend an enrolment appointment over the phone or on campus.
For certificate-level courses, you can pay by weekly or fortnightly direct debit using our Tuition Payment Plan. Read more about Tuition Payment Plans here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
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Pursuing a Lifelong Dream: Stephanie’s Story
Lead teacher's of Stephanie's Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing program applauded her passion for the vet nursing industry, noting her commitment to pursuing study in the face of numerous challenges. While it might have taken a little flexibility and resourcefulness, Stephanie is certain she made the right choice in pursuing her dream career at Melbourne Polytechnic.
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Learn MoreRecognising Organisations
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.