Course description
This course prepares the student for the role of a veterinary nurse who provides nursing care to animals, supports veterinarians during medical and surgical procedures, and helps clients maintain the health of their animals.
As a participant, you will need access to patients (animals), clients, medical and surgical cases, veterinary staff, and practice policies and procedures completed through Work Placement.
Applicants must hold a Certificate II or Certificate III in Animal Care/Care Services or a higher level qualification in an animal science discipline or demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline.
Information sessions
5:30pm
H1.02
East Geelong
There are two study modes:
- Class Day – face-to-face on-campus delivered two days per week over 12 months. Students must attend classes each week and fulfil practical work placement obligations.
- Class Night – blended, night class format via Zoom, with two evening sessions per week and two on-campus practical days. This class suits students employed in or previously employed in a veterinary practice.
Work placement/industry experience
240 hours of work placement is required for this course. Placement is organised by the students and must be in a veterinary practice. Placement is not paid work and students will not receive payment for undertaking practical placement. *Please note that you may be required to travel outside of your usual location to attend placement. This may include other regional areas or suburbs of Melbourne.
Possible career outcomes
- Vet Nurse
- Working for drug companies
- Pet food companies
- Allied health for pets
- Wild life attendant
- Zoo work
Wondering if this industry will suit you?
We have created a very short course quiz to help you gain a little more understanding of what is required and whether you might enjoy a role in this industry. Take the quiz here.
Applications & attendance
How to apply
- Follow our instructions for how to apply for a course.
- Apply online by selecting an intake from the Applications & attendance table below.
If you need help, visit Customer Service or request application support via email.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants
To become an apprentice or trainee, you will first need to find an employer willing to employ you. An Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider can assist you with this and will also start your application and enrolment process. Find a local provider here
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 February East Geelong Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2024 Close: 1 Feb 2025 |
Class Day | Full Time Thurs & Fri 9 am-4 pm | Apply |
| 2025 February East Geelong Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2024 Close: 1 Feb 2025 |
Class Day | Full Time Mon/Tue or Tues/Wed or Thurs/Fri | |
| 2025 February East Geelong Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2024 Close: 1 Feb 2025 |
Class Day | Full Time Tues & Wed 9 am - 4 pm | Apply |
| 2025 February East Geelong Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2024 Close: 1 Feb 2025 |
Class Day | Full Time Mon & Tues 9 am - 4 pm | Apply |
| 2025 February East Geelong Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2024 Close: 1 Feb 2025 |
Class Night | Full Time Online:Tues&Thur 5.30-9pm/Oncampus: TBA | Apply |
Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.
Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.
An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course.
Many courses have limited spots and may fill quickly, so apply early and ensure your application is fully completed, as only successful applicants will receive offers, issued as soon as possible. If numbers are low, intakes or courses may be cancelled.
Additional attendance information
The following items will need to be purchased for the course and are not included in the course fees. Further details will be sent to applicants on enrolment.
- Text Book: BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing 6th Edition by: Barbara Cooper (Editor), Elizabeth Mullineaux (Editor), Lynn Turner (Editor) – this can be a digital or hard copy.
- Dual Head Stethoscope
- Scrub top (scrub bottom optional) from Hip Pocket Workwear Grovedale – further details will be provided once course offer has been accepted.
Entrance requirements
- Applicants must be 17 years and over at the time of course commencement.
- Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 11 or Year 12 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 3.
- Applicants must:
- 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; OR
- Have the equivalent skills and knowledge for entry into Vet Nursing, based on a combination of the work experience and other qualifications which cover the equivalent skills and knowledge relevant for entry:
- work health and safety risks in an animal care facility
- animal identification, handling and behaviour
- animal nutrition
- animal hygiene routines
- You must reside in Victoria to access Victorian Government Subsidised Fees and any incentive such as Free TAFE. Full fees apply to all non-Victorian residents.
Apprenticeship and traineeship requirements
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants must be currently employed under a training contract and referred by their employer.
Personal Learning Requirements
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.
Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.
Pre-training review
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills.
Units & assessments
| Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Apply imaging routines | ACMVET402 | 90 |
| Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons | ACMVET416 | 60 |
| Carry out daily practice routines | ACMVET202 | 40 |
| Carry out medical nursing routines | ACMVET407 | 70 |
| Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures | ACMVET410 | 40 |
| Communicate effectively with clients and team members | ACMGAS308 | 30 |
| Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work | ACMINF301 | 60 |
| Contribute to workplace health and safety processes | ACMWHS301 | 50 |
| Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines | ACMVET405 | 120 |
| Coordinate veterinary reception duties | ACMVET401 | 70 |
| Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work | ACMGAS307 | 100 |
| Nurse animals | ACMVET406 | 80 |
| Perform clinical pathology procedures | ACMVET403 | 70 |
| Perform practice office procedures | ACMVET404 | 40 |
| Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia | ACMVET413 | 80 |
| Provide nutritional advice and support for animals | ACMVET408 | 90 |
| Provide specific animal care advice | ACMVET409 | 90 |
| Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Assist with capturing, restraining and moving animals | ACMEXH304 | 40 |
| Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces | ACMGEN304 | 40 |
| Provide basic care of rodents and rabbits | ACMSPE312 | 40 |
| Provide First Aid | HLTAID011 | 18 |
Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about CT or RPL here.
Assessment is based on:
- Hands-on projects
- Workplace tasks
- Written assignments
- Industry placement
Fees
This course is eligible for Free TAFE!
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply. Follow the link for further information and to check the eligibility criteria.
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $0.90 | per hour | 1318 | AUD $1,186.00 | AUD $14,070.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $4.52 | per hour | 1318 | AUD $5,957.00 | AUD $14,070.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $14.37 | per hour | 1318 | AUD $18,940.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resources | AUD $400.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Education Levy | AUD $197.70 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Materials Fee | AUD $1,420.00 | Once | charged at enrolment | ||
| Administrative Fee | AUD $80.00 | Once | charged at enrolment | ||
All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.
Which fee will I pay?
Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.
Fee help
Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.
Further study options
Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.