ACM40418 Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is tailored for those passionate about providing top-notch care for animals. Delivered by experienced veterinary professionals, this course combines small class sizes with hands-on placements in carefully selected veterinary practices. 

You'll gain expertise in animal health, surgical assistance, and client communication while immersing yourself in real-world experiences from day one. 

With a focus on practical training and personalised mentoring, this program prepares you to confidently step into the veterinary field upon graduation.

• Hold a relevant Certificate III or higher qualification in an animal science discipline
  OR
• Demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a related field, assessed on merit with supporting evidence.

Unsure if you meet the criteria? Contact us for guidance!

No matter where you’re based in Australia, we’ve got you covered with flexible delivery options.

This course is designed to be completed within 12 months.

We offer four intakes per year: January, April, July, and October.

Core Units:

ACMVET202 Carry out daily practice routines

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist in providing treatments for patients (animals) on a daily basis, to maintain practice hygiene and assist with inventory and practice security. This unit applies to new entrants to the veterinary industry who work under the supervision of a qualified veterinary nurse or registered veterinarian, in a veterinary practice.

ACMGEN314 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify animal anatomy and physiological functions of animals. It incorporates knowledge of animal classification, animal body systems, physiological functions and external anatomical features of animals to recognise normal health. The unit applies to individuals who work primarily with mammals, but also birds and reptiles, in animal care environments.

ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, a supervisor, team members and industry representatives. The unit applies to individuals who work in organisations in operational roles with some supervision.

ACMVET401 Coordinate veterinary reception duties

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate and undertake patient admission and discharge. It also includes providing initial veterinary nursing care to patients (animals) and grief support to clients (animal owners). This unit applies to individuals who work as veterinary nurses under the supervision of a registered veterinarian. Veterinary nurses who coordinate admissions and discharges need to hold and apply knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology and veterinary procedures, to triage patients, and use effective communication skills to support animal owners in grief.

ACMVET402 Apply imaging routines

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement and complete imaging routines, including x-rays, ultrasound and endoscopes, according to established industry sequences and practice policies and procedures. It applies to individuals who work as veterinary nurses, under the supervision of a registered veterinarian or qualified veterinary nurse with radiation operator licence in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who perform imaging routines need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology.

ACMVET403 Perform clinic pathology procedures

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect biological samples and perform pathology procedures, including maintaining the integrity of samples and preparing consignments for diagnostic laboratories.

ACMVET404 Perform practice office procedures

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform office procedures in a veterinary practice, including maintaining veterinary supplies, controlling stock, maintaining practice accounts, generating and responding to practice correspondence.

ACMVET405 Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate surgery schedules, prepare the surgical environment and provide support for the veterinary surgeon, including before, during and after routine and non-routine surgical procedures and monitoring patients (animals) while they are under anaesthesia.

ACMVET406 Nurse animals

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide high quality nursing care for patients (animals) treated or housed in a veterinary practice. It includes providing advice to clients (animal owners), monitoring animals and providing animal first aid as required.

ACMVET407 Carry out medical nursing routines

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement medical nursing routines, including the preparation and handling of patients (animals) and equipment for specific routines.

ACMVET408 Provide nutritional advice and support for animals

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to provide advice to animal owners about the nutritional requirements of specific animals, and support nutritional needs of hospitalised patients across a range of medical and surgical conditions.

ACMVET409 Provide specific animal care advice

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide advice to clients (animal owners) about animal health, behaviour, disease and reproduction.

ACMVET410 Carry out dental nursing procedures

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform dental prophylaxis and assist with simple extractions. Dental prophylaxis involves oral examinations of the conscious and anaesthetised patient, sub- and supra-gingival tooth scaling and polishing, and the subsequent development of a homecare plan, as well as assisting in the performance of simple dental extractions. Veterinary dental nursing procedures are most often carried out on dogs and cats.

ACMVET413 Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and monitor anaesthesia and analgesics in animals for surgical and medical procedures.

ACMVET416 Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons in a veterinary practice. The unit applies to veterinary nurses who work under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons for animals need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of animal pharmaceuticals, and the relevant legislation and regulations that apply to working with veterinary drugs and poisons.

ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

his unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, support and contribute to work health and safety processes in an animal care environment.

ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to comply with biosecurity and infection control policies and procedures in animal care workplaces and relevant field locations. Workplaces may include veterinary practices, catteries/kennels/shelters, pet grooming and equine services.

Small animal elective units*

ACMSPE314 Provide general care of birds

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify birds and their behavioural and physical needs and provide daily care requirements.

ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify dogs and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.

ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify domestic cats and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.

ACMSPE322 Rabbits and rodents

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify rodents and rabbits and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.

*Additional information
You will most likely have eligible credits for these electives if you have studied with The Animal Academy - we will automatically apply these for you at the time of your application.

Through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, your previous skills and knowledge can be assessed to fast-track your qualification. Contact us for detailed information on the process and associated fee schedule.

If you have prior course credits, please submit them during your application. This allows us to assess and adjust your course fees accordingly. For those who have completed the Certificate III in Animal Care Services, we automatically apply the maximum available credits at enrolment. Additional credits will be reflected in your fee structure as outlined in your enrolment offer.

• Expert Training: Learn from internationally experienced veterinary nurses and leaders in the field.
• Exclusive Placements: Gain hands-on experience in hand-picked veterinary practices in Perth and Sydney.
• Workplace Insurance: Be fully covered during your practical training and placements.
• Personalised Learning: Enjoy small group classes designed for tailored mentoring and focused support.
• Ongoing Support: Receive regular one-on-one progression meetings and mentoring throughout your training.
• Industry Networking: Build valuable connections with veterinary professionals to kickstart your career.

• Digital textbooks and comprehensive study resources.
• Additional materials to enhance your learning experience.