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Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing ACM40418
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Overview

This course will qualify and allow students to perform veterinary nursing duties under the supervision of a veterinarian in a veterinary clinic. This includes but is not limited to; supporting carrying out medical and surgical procedures, supporting clients to maintain health of animals, monitoring anaesthetic, medicating and triaging sick pets, undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, dental procedures and performing office duties.

Qualification:

 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing ACM40418

Next Intake:

 Semester 1 2025

Course No:

 C4-HS33

Campus:

 CIT Bruce 

Duration:

 18 months part time - 2-4 days per week, as well as a mandatory industry placement of 2-4 days per week.

Cost Info:

Enrolment fees for this course are based on the costs per subject as indicated below. The total course cost may vary depending on the choice of elective subjects or if subjects are attempted more than once. Subject costs identified as Standard are partially subsidised by the ACT Government. Concessions may be available to eligible students.

Indicative Cost:

 Standard $3,537
Apprentice/trainee
  • Subsidised fee $1,090

Likely Job Outcome:

 Work in veterinary practices and animal hospitals, animal welfare organisations, research and teaching institutions

Application Type:

 Standard
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Additional Information

Students will need to purchase a nursing kit and scrub top. The BSAVA Veterinary nursing textbook 6th edition ebook will be supplied by CIT on enrolment.

A mandatory industry placement of 240 hours is to be completed, placement will be sourced by the individual student with support from CIT staff.

Entry Requirements

Students must have completed a Certificate II in Animal Care or Certificate III in Animal Care Services, prior to enrolment into this course. Students who have not completed the required prerequisite qualifications but have equivalent knowledge and skills from Industry experience can apply through an interview process.

Skills Recognition

To study any course at CIT (excluding non-accredited training) you must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Literacy Skills Information

We suggest that you will need Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 3 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course. If you do not have this level, you can still enrol and seek support to improve your skills or you may prefer to begin with the lower level course. Please visit Foundation Skills.

Transition Information

Qualifications at CIT are regularly updated or replaced to meet current industry needs and maximise your employment opportunities. If this occurs while you are part way through a qualification, you may need to vary your learning to meet the new national requirements. CIT will aim to make this as smooth as possible for you.

Subject Cancellations/Changes

To ensure positive outcomes for all students, CIT may need to cancel or change classes at short notice. CIT will make every effort to inform students as soon as changes are made and will also make every effort to offer alternative arrangements for students to meet the requirements of the subject and complete their qualification. In an unfortunate instance when this cannot be met, you will receive a full refund. Please ensure you maintain current contact details via CIT Self Service or by contacting CIT Student Services at infoline@cit.edu.au.


Subject Information

Complete 21 subjects

Core: Complete all 17

  • ACMGAS307   Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
    • CIT Code: ANIM269
      Cost: Standard $220.00
      Description: 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. No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMGAS308   Communicate effectively with clients and team members
    • CIT Code: ANIM268
      Cost: Standard $66.00
      Description: 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. No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMINF301   Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
    • CIT Code: ANIM249
      Cost: Standard $160.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care workplaces and relevant field locations.This unit applies to animal care workers who have a duty of care to maintain infection control standards.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET202   Carry out daily practice routines
    • CIT Code: ANIM264
      Cost: Standard $160.00
      Description: 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.Regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET401   Coordinate veterinary reception duties
    • CIT Code: ANIM270
      Cost: Standard $190.00
      Description: 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.Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET402   Apply imaging routines
    • CIT Code: ANIM271
      Cost: Standard $240.00
      Description: 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.Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET403   Perform clinical pathology procedures
    • CIT Code: ANIM272
      Cost: Standard $190.00
      Description: 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.The unit applies to veterinary nurses who work under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who perform clinical pathology procedures need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of laboratory procedures and pathology tests.Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET404   Perform practice office procedures
    • CIT Code: ANIM273
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: 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.This unit applies to a veterinary nurse working under supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources and communicate solutions to a range of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems.Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET405   Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines
    • CIT Code: ANIM274
      Cost: Standard $290.00
      Description: 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.This unit applies to veterinary nurses, who work independently under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who coordinate surgical routines need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, and surgical procedures, typically carried out in a veterinary practice or hospital.Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET406   Nurse animals
    • CIT Code: ANIM275
      Cost: Standard $210.00
      Description: 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.This unit applies to veterinary nurses, who work independently under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who nurse animals need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology and pharmacology.Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET407   Carry out medical nursing routines
    • CIT Code: ANIM276
      Cost: Standard $235.00
      Description: 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.This unit applies to veterinary nurses who work independently, under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who perform medical nursing routines need to hold and apply specialised knowledge animal anatomy and physiology and medical procedures carried out in a veterinary practice.Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET408   Provide nutritional advice and support for animals
    • CIT Code: ANIM282
      Cost: Standard $240.00
      Description: 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.The unit applies to veterinary nurses who work independently, under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who provide animal care advice need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, health and nutrition for different life stages and conditions.Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET409   Provide specific animal care advice
    • CIT Code: ANIM277
      Cost: Standard $240.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide advice to clients (animal owners) about animal health, behaviour, disease and reproduction.The unit applies to veterinary nurses who work independently, under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who provide animal care advice need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, animal health, disease and reproduction, and products available for care.Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET410   Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
    • CIT Code: ANIM278
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: 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.The unit applies to veterinary nurses who work independently, under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who carry out dental nursing procedures need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of anatomy of the animal oral cavity, including teeth, bone and gums.Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET413   Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia
    • CIT Code: ANIM283
      Cost: Standard $210.00
      Description: 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.The unit applies to veterinary nurses who work under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who prepare and monitor patients for anaesthesia and analgesics need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology.Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMVET416   Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons
    • CIT Code: ANIM284
      Cost: Standard $160.00
      Description: 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.Regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMWHS301   Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
    • CIT Code: ANIM267
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: This 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.This unit applies to individuals who have responsibility for maintaining work health and safety as part of their role, including duty of care for other workers. They contribute to work health and safety compliance in addition to their main duties.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 4

  • ACMSPE304   Provide basic care of domestic dogs
    • CIT Code: ANIM253
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify dogs and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where domestic dogs are bred, reared, trained, cared for or housed. This may include animal shelters, pet shops, breeding or boarding kennels, companion animal training or grooming establishments or similar workplaces. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.Regulatory requirements apply to this unit but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMSPE305   Provide basic care of domestic cats
    • CIT Code: ANIM254
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Description: 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.This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where domestic cats are bred, reared, trained, cared for or housed. This may include animal shelters, pet shops, catteries, or grooming establishments or similar workplaces. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.Regulatory requirements apply to this unit but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMGEN304   Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
    • CIT Code: ANIM344
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage personal wellbeing and psychological health and safety in workplaces involving animals. It includes identifying the hazards and challenges of the work, developing a proactive self-care action plan and contributing to positive support strategies. The unit applies to individuals who work with animals in a range of environments and facilities, performing individual and team activities. They work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • ACMSPE303   Provide basic care of common native mammals
    • CIT Code: ANIM252
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify common native mammals and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for native mammals. This may include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, pet shops, zoos and animal technology facilities or similar workplaces. In some cases, animals may have been rescued from the wild, and successful rehabilitation is required to restore animal health and wellbeing before releasing back to their natural environment.This unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.Regulatory requirements apply to this unit but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Related Courses

Certificate III Animal Care Services ACM30122
Certificate II Animal Care ACM20121
Statement Attainment Pet Care Skills
Statement Attainment Skills for Dog Care

More Information

For more information about this course please contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au