You are eligible to enrol for this qualification if you meet one (1) or more of the below requirements;

• Hold a Certificate II in Animal Studies
• Hold a relevant Certificate III or higher-level qualification in an animal science discipline
• Can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline to any of the above qualifications.

Job opportunities include:

• Equine Dental Service Provider
• Veterinary Nurse

For more information about job and career pathways, visit Jobs and Skills WA(opens in a new tab) .

Please note: This list is a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.

We offer a range of further study opportunities, view our course list here.

You will have the opportunity to attend work placement for eight (8) weeks (throughout the qualification) in local vet clinics and other animal care areas such as a wildlife parks, pet shops, dog rescues, farriers or stock feeds. Work placement allows you to gain skills in dealing with rural veterinary practices and animal care. Central Regional TAFE's Vet Nursing places an emphasis on understanding large animal and rural enterprises to help support farmers and station clients dealing with animal care over large distances. 

To successfully complete this qualification students must complete a minimum of 240 hours of work placement. A student will need to have their own transport to enable them to attend the work places, of which some are out of the city centre. 

To be successful in this course you must be well organised, efficient, be able to think on your feet and deal with dirty, smelly and challenging situations, and able to accept and deal with a variety of views and ethical decisions. You should also have well- developed communication skills and basic maths skills. 

Full-time students at the Geraldton campus are required to attend from Tuesday to Friday. Student accommodation is available on campus if needed. Your studies will include practical demonstrations, field trips and excursions off campus.

Attendance requirements may vary for those studying via the Muresk Institute.

For external workplace assessment you need to be working either paid or unpaid in a veterinary clinic to gain practical skills Study is supported with on-line learning, including regular contact with your lecturer which may include visits to their clinic. You can choose electives which are suited to your place of work.

Licensing and Legislation

There is a direct link between this qualification and approval to perform veterinary nursing duties under the Western Australian (WA) Veterinary Surgeons Act 1960 as amended. The WA Veterinary Surgeons Board must approve qualified persons to carry out the duties of veterinary nurses and must authorise persons enrolled in approved courses to perform the duties of trainee veterinary nurses. Students should confirm the regulatory requirements that apply in their relevant state or territory prior to enrolling. 

All enrolled students will be required to apply to the Veterinary Surgeon’s Board of WA for authorisation as a trainee vet nurse during their qualification.  This registration allows students to legally carry out the prescribed duties of a trainee nurse. Application forms will given at enrolment and submission confirmed during orientation week.

Certification

Upon successful completion, students will be issued with a qualification.