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  • 02 7252 3611
Contact Us
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
National Course Code: ACM40418
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
National code: ACM40418

About This Course

Duration: 78 Weeks Full Time 20 Hours a week
(Includes 12 weeks of scheduled breaks)

Our nationally accredited ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing provides essential training for those aspiring to work as veterinary nurses under the guidance of registered veterinarians. The curriculum covers extensive nursing care for animals, assistance during medical and surgical procedures, and client education on animal health.

Greenwood Academy of Animal Care and Agriculture offers a comprehensive program that reflects the latest industry practices and adheres to state and territorial regulatory standards, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for their roles in veterinary care.

  • Nationally recognised training

Training Package: ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 5.0

What You'll Gain

Learning Outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • Acquire essential knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, crucial for effective veterinary nursing.
    • Assist in routine and advanced medical and surgical care under the supervision of experienced veterinarians.
    • Develop the ability to communicate effectively with pet owners, providing clear instructions and
      compassionate support.
    • Develop precision in medication administration and adhere strictly to cleanliness and safety standards
      within the clinic.
    • Offer basic nutritional consultations to pet owners to support the health and wellness of their animals.

Course Outcomes

Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.

    • Gain expertise in managing daily clinic tasks such as patient reception, record keeping, and operational support.
    • Become proficient in preparing animals for surgery, ensuring all tools and areas are sterile and operation-ready.
    • Learn to oversee the well-being of animals during and after procedures, ensuring their safe anesthesia and recovery.
    • Build pathways to specialise in multiple areas of the veterinary nursing industry.

Learning Outcomes

Course Outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.

    • Acquire essential knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, crucial for effective veterinary nursing.
    • Assist in routine and advanced medical and surgical care under the supervision of experienced veterinarians.
    • Develop the ability to communicate effectively with pet owners, providing clear instructions and
      compassionate support.
    • Develop precision in medication administration and adhere strictly to cleanliness and safety standards
      within the clinic.
    • Offer basic nutritional consultations to pet owners to support the health and wellness of their animals.
    • Gain expertise in managing daily clinic tasks such as patient reception, record keeping, and operational support.
    • Become proficient in preparing animals for surgery, ensuring all tools and areas are sterile and operation-ready.
    • Learn to oversee the well-being of animals during and after procedures, ensuring their safe anesthesia and recovery.
    • Build pathways to specialise in multiple areas of the veterinary nursing industry.

Is this course right for you?

Entry Requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.

    • be 18 years or older
    • have sound language, literacy, and numeracy skills
    • possess basic computer skills
    • 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
    • must hold a current Student Visa, if you’re an international students
    • (Students from non-English speaking background)
      are required to provide any one of the following evidence of upper intermediate proficiency in English:
      IELTS total band score of at least 6/ TOEFL 64/ PTE 50/ CAE 169
      or equivalent
    • be able to lift and move animals weighing up to 10kg independently

Entry Recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

    • Access to a computer with an internet connection
    • Flexibility to work outside of business hours

Entry Requirements

Entry Recommendations

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

    • be 18 years or older
    • have sound language, literacy, and numeracy skills
    • possess basic computer skills
    • 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
    • must hold a current Student Visa, if you’re an international students
    • (Students from non-English speaking background)
      are required to provide any one of the following evidence of upper intermediate proficiency in English:
      IELTS total band score of at least 6/ TOEFL 64/ PTE 50/ CAE 169
      or equivalent
    • be able to lift and move animals weighing up to 10kg independently
    • Access to a computer with an internet connection
    • Flexibility to work outside of business hours

Future Career and Study Options

Career Pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like veterinary nurse.

ANZSCO Code: 361311

Study Pathways

Take your study further with other courses:

Previous Study

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further Study

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

  • N/A

Related Study

Learn additional skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.

Previous Study

Further Study

Related Study

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Learn additional skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.

  • N/A

Units Included in the Course

This qualification provides the essential skills and knowledge necessary for a variety of roles within veterinary facilities and services across Australia and internationally. It includes 21 units of competency—17 core units and 4 elective units—designed to uphold the integrity of the qualification and align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), ensuring a credible and industry-endorsed vocational outcome.

Core Units

    • ACMGEN314 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
    • ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
    • ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
    • ACMVET202 Carry out daily practice routines
    • ACMVET401 Coordinate veterinary reception duties
    • ACMVET402 Apply imaging routines
    • ACMVET403 Perform clinical pathology procedures
    • ACMVET404 Perform practice office procedures
    • ACMVET405 Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines
    • ACMVET406 Nurse animals
    • ACMVET407 Carry out medical nursing routines
    • ACMVET408 Provide nutritional advice and support for animals
    • ACMVET409 Provide specific animal care advice
    • ACMVET410 Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
    • ACMVET413 Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia
    • ACMVET416 Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons
    • ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

Elective Units

    • ACMSUS401 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
    • ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
    • ACMVET203 Assist with surgery preparation
    • ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid

Completion Requirements

During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

    • Completion of a minimum of 480 hours of mandatory work placement in a veterinary clinic, where you will work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a qualified veterinary nurse

Assessment Method

Students will undertake both theoretical and practical assessments for each unit of competency.

Assessment methods include:

    • Written short answers
    • Case studies
    • Presentations
    • Practical observation tasks

Students must achieve competency in all assessable tasks and demonstrate the required skills, capabilities, performance, and knowledge evidence.

Course Fee

Domestic Students

17,800 AUD

    • Duration: 78 Weeks
    • Tuition Fee: $16,000
    • Enrolment Fee: $300
    • Materials Fee: $1,500

International Students

25,800 AUD

    • Duration: 78 Weeks
    • Tuition Fee: $24,000
    • Enrolment Fee: $300
    • Materials Fee: $1,500

Domestic Students

International Students

17,800 AUD

25,800 AUD

    • Duration: 78 Weeks
    • Tuition Fee: $16,000
    • Enrolment Fee: $300
    • Materials Fee: $1,500
    • Duration: 78 Weeks
    • Tuition Fee: $24,000
    • Enrolment Fee: $300
    • Materials Fee: $1,500

Application Process

Application Process

Make sure you reach the course requirements.

Gather the following documents for your application:

        • Certified highest qualification certificate and transcripts (English version)
        • *Certified English language test results (minimum IELTS overall 6.0 or equivalent)
        • Valid passport
        • Valid Australian visa (If you are not an Australian passport holder)
        • CV
        • *Current/Previous enrolment details with Australian CRICOS providers

Note: Items marked with an asterisk (*) are required for international students only.
Certified copies must be examined, signed, and verified as accurate reproductions of the original documents.

The following professionals can provide this service to validate the authenticity of original documents.

        • An accountant (member of a recognised professional accounting body or a Registered Tax Agent).
        • A person listed on the roll of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory or the High Court of Australia as a legal practitioner.
        • A barrister, solicitor, or patent attorney.
        • A police officer.
        • A postal manager.
        • A principal of an Australian secondary college, high school, or primary school.
        • A medical practitioner.
        • A Justice of the Peace (with a registration number in the State in which they are registered).
        • A minister of religion (registered under Subdivision A of Division 1 of Part IV of the Marriage Act 1961).

Download and fill out the application form.

Domestic Students     |     International Students

Email the completed form to admission@gwacademy.edu.au.

Once your application is processed, you will receive your offer letter. Be sure to check your email for any follow-up communications. If you have any enquiries regarding the application process, feel free to contact us through admission again.