Choose an RTO
25 providers can deliver ACM40418. Availability, fees and start dates are set by each provider.
About this qualification
ACM40418 is the veterinary nursing qualification. The register describes “a veterinary nurse who works under the supervision of a registered veterinarian to provide nursing care to animals, to support veterinarians to carry out medical and surgical procedures, and to support clients to maintain health of animals”.
Twenty-one units, and seventeen are core. You choose four. Surgical nursing routines, medical nursing routines, clinical pathology procedures, imaging routines, nursing animals, nutritional advice, veterinary reception and practice office procedures — the whole job, prescribed.
It has entry requirements, and they are unusual in wording: entry is open to those who hold a Certificate II in Animal Studies, or a relevant Certificate III or higher in an animal science discipline, or can demonstrate equivalent skills.
The register also states plainly that the qualification “requires access to patients (animals), clients, medical and surgical cases, veterinary staff, and practice premises”. You cannot do this one at arm's length — a clinic placement is structural, not optional.
Twenty-five providers nationally, the smallest field of any qualification in this directory outside the jewellery ladder.
Roles it maps to
Roles described on the national register for ACM40418.
Where it sits
Where ACM40418 sits in the animal care package.
- Certificate IIACM20121 Animal Care
- Certificate IIIACM30122 Animal Care Services
- Certificate IV · you are hereACM40418 Veterinary Nursing
- Certificate III · related fieldHLT33021 Allied Health Assistance
What it covers
Twenty-one units in total: seventeen core plus four electives, chosen so they maintain the integrity of the AQF alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
Seventeen core units. The first thirteen:
- ACMGAS307 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
- ACMGAS308 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
For a full list of elective units, visit training.gov.au →
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements?
- The register opens entry to those holding a Certificate II in Animal Studies, or a relevant Certificate III or higher in an animal science discipline, or who can demonstrate equivalent skills. Providers assess the equivalent-skills route individually.
- Do I need to be working in a clinic?
- Effectively yes. The register states the qualification requires access to patients, clients, medical and surgical cases, veterinary staff and practice premises. Ask any provider how placement is arranged before enrolling — it is the hardest part to organise.
- Is veterinary nursing a registered profession?
- Registration requirements differ by state and territory, and some jurisdictions have registration schemes for veterinary nurses while others do not. Check with your state veterinary board.
- Why only twenty-five providers?
- Seventeen core units of clinical practice requiring live patients and a working veterinary practice. The delivery requirements are demanding and the field is small.
- What does it cost and how long does it take?
- Both are set by each provider and are not published on the national register.
Other registered providers
Filtered by where each provider is based, not where they can deliver.
-
NSW
TAFE NSWRTO 90003
Deliver and assess · NSW, QLD, NT -
QLD
TAFE QueenslandRTO 0275
Deliver and assess · National -
WA
South Metropolitan TAFERTO 52787
Deliver and assess · WA -
QLD
Halo Nation TrainingRTO 32485
Deliver and assess · National -
NSW
Open CollegesRTO 90796
Deliver and assess · National -
QLD
Brisbane College of AustraliaRTO 31315
Deliver and assess · QLD -
QLD
National Skills Training InstituteRTO 41462
Deliver and assess · National -
QLD
ProvetRTO 31424
Deliver and assess · National -
VIC
Australian Animal Care InstituteRTO 45823
Deliver and assess · National -
WA
The Animal AcademyRTO 45907
Deliver and assess · National -
NSW
Enlighten TalentRTO 45916
Deliver and assess · National -
WA
Applied Vocational TrainingRTO 5273
Deliver and assess · National -
Find more providers
12 of 25 providers shown — search the register for the rest
training.gov.au →
More in Animal Care
Other qualifications in the ACM training package, nearest level first.
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