Entry into this qualification is open to students who:

• hold a Certificate II in Animal Care or Certificate III in Animal Care Services
• 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.

The demand for this course is highly competitive. When accepting other relevant qualifications or assessing an application of equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline to any of the entry requirement qualifications, the applicants must meet the requirements set out in the training package implementation guidelines. It is also ensuring we set any potential students up for success while studying their Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. 

To demonstrate that you satisfy the entry requirements, please complete the information pack and email the completed form to: admissions@tafe.wa.edu.au 

Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.

Vet nurses are in high demand, and you can find meaningful work in a range of diverse settings such as:

• veterinary clinic
• specialist veterinary practice
• wildlife rescue, care and rehabilitation
• animal welfare, shelters or rescue organisations
• veterinary pharmaceutical, equipment, nutrition or wholesale companies
• zoo or animal sanctuary
• clinical pathology or laboratory
• local council or government – animal welfare
• teaching or research 

To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.

Attendance in class

The full-time study mode course runs over two semesters (1 year). Students will be required to attend campus 4 days per week in semester 1 and 2 days a week in semester 2 for face-to-face classes. In addition to on-campus attendance, students are required to attend an industry work placement for a minimum of 1 day (8 hours) per week as a student veterinary nurse in a private veterinary practice for the duration of the course

Some units of this qualification may be delivered via a blended delivery model, which involves both online and face-to-face learning. In addition to this, the equivalent of 1 day a week (8 hours) will need to be dedicated to at-home study, research and theory assessment work.

At-home study

As well as the in-class component and work placement attendance, you will need to complete approximately 1 day (8 hours) of additional study each week outside of class hours, including pre-reading and preparation prior to attending classes, research and theory assessment work. All resources will be supplied to students through SM TAFE’s learning management system (LMS), Blackboard. 

You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
  

Work placement

In addition to training in our on-site veterinary clinic, students are required to attend a mandatory Industry work placement in a private veterinary practice. With assistance from the SM TAFE health placement team, you will be responsible for organising a suitable work placement within the industry which will involve attendance at a veterinary clinic. 

To achieve this qualification through the full-time study mode, students will be required to complete a minimum of 240 hours (at least one day per week or 8 hours per week) as a student veterinary nurse in a private veterinary practice for the duration of their studies. 

Further information regarding Industry work placement and required documentation is provided at orientation. Before attending an industry work placement, students are required to undergo a risk assessment and provide a National Police Clearance. 

In Western Australia, students are required to be authorised by the Veterinary Practice Board of WA and be supervised by a registered veterinarian to perform the duties and veterinary services of a student veterinary nurse, as set out in the Veterinary Practice Act 2021 and Veterinary Practice Regulations 2022.  The veterinarian who is providing the supervision needs to be approved in writing, prior to students commencing placement, and as advised by the SM TAFE Health Placement team. Students are required to maintain current enrolment in the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing qualification and fulfil the attendance and training requirements of the course to attend an industry work placement. 

The required training involves critical and complex tasks; you must ensure you are fit to perform them safely without risking harm to yourself, others and animals. If you have a condition or are on prescription medication that may cause impairment, please speak with your medical practitioner to discuss if this course is right for you. As part of your risk assessment, if requested, you must be able to provide a letter from your doctor certifying that you are fit to safely engage in the training activities. Your doctor may recommend reasonable adjustments (e.g. modified hours) to ensure you can participate safely.

Reasonable adjustments may be implemented where appropriate to support students' learning, participation and ability to successfully complete the course. However, all students must continue to meet the inherent requirements of the course and the essential outcomes of the relevant training package. Any adjustments must not compromise safety, animal welfare, professional standards or the integrity of assessment outcomes.

Uniform requirements for full-time students attending an industry work placement are: SM TAFE scrub top, pants and cap (available to order at student orientation), enclosed, non-slip black shoes and a stethoscope.

Vaccinations – The Australian Government and Western Australian Government recommend certain vaccinations for individuals who have regular contact with animals; these vaccinations are not mandatory to participate in training. Please note that some industry work placements may require you to be up to date with specific vaccinations before commencing placement. If you are unsure about your vaccination needs, please consult your GP/doctor after speaking with your Industry work placement clinic.
  

What you need for your first day of class

On your first day, you should bring 

• Your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt
• The original copy of your academic statement and certificate of your pre-requisite qualification
• National Police Clearance
• Your student ID, stationery (pen, pencil, exercise book, eraser, ruler and calculator)
• Wear enclosed non-slip footwear and wear sensible and comfortable clothing
• Your own device (laptop or tablet).

Required resources

The following is required to be purchased: 

• SM TAFE scrub top, pants and cap - these can be ordered at orientation (required to be worn at all practical activities)
• Stethoscope (Littmann Classic III Stethoscope or equivalent). An equivalent option is available for order and purchase at orientation.
• Students are also responsible for purchasing: Aspinall's Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing, 3rd Edition.

Students need to supply a National Police Clearance, which was obtained in the last 3 months (certain offences on your police clearance may affect your authorisation with the Veterinary Practice Board).

Students are also responsible for purchasing: Aspinall's Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing, 3rd Edition.

The part-time study option has an application pack (517 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab) that needs to be completed and only has a January intake.