Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

People who are successful in this field have:

• Empathy and compassion for animals
• Great communication skills
• Team work and collaboration skills and like working with people
• An eagle eye for attention to detail
• An ability to remain calm in a crisis
• Drive and be able to work independently

Assessments give you the opportunity to demonstrate what you've learned so far and identify what knowledge or skills need further development.

In this very hands-on and practical course, you will undertake:

• Written assessments such as quizzes, short answer questions, assignments and case studies
• Practical assessments with equipment and animals in simulated and real-life workplace settings
• Onsite assessments performing nursing tasks in your veterinary clinic or through supplying photographs and video evidence

In Australia, the Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing qualification is the minimum qualification you will need to provide competent support in a veterinary clinic. Once you complete the course, youll be recognised as a qualified veterinary nurse.

Unless you meet other entry Training Package entry requirements (explained in the entry requirements section), the Certificate II in Animal Studies is a prerequisite to this qualification.

You can take your career further with a Diploma of Veterinary Nursing once you have had significant industry experience and completed your Certificate IV. You may also be able to apply for a credit transfer if youve successfully completed courses including:

• Certificate II in Animal Studies
• Certificate III in Captive Animals
• Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services

If granted, your individual training plan will include the credit transfer and your qualification will be completed in a shorter time.

If you're a student who studies on campus, you may occasionally go on industry excursions.

Excursions can include tours of veterinary facilities at organisations like RSPCA veterinary hospitals, veterinary specialist hospitals and wildlife hospitals at zoos.

You will gain skills in handling and restraining different species and learn how to conduct physical examinations to determine the health of the animal, providing medications (including injections) where needed.

Plus, youll gain experience in operating medical equipment commonly used in a veterinary practice including pathology equipment, anaesthetic machines, radiography equipment and dental equipment.

You'll work on a range of real world projects, including:

• Case studies of sick animals in the veterinary clinic
• Clinical pathology testing including making blood smears
• Monitoring anaesthetics during patient surgery
• Admission and discharge of patients in the veterinary clinic
• Providing nutritional advice to pet owners
• Carrying out surgical nursing routines
• Providing enrichment for animals
• Assisting dental procedures

You will practice your hands-on skills in the veterinary clinic where you are employed or undertake your work placement.

TAFE NSW campuses also have classrooms and study labs which simulate veterinary practices. They contain many of the machines and equipment you would normally find in a veterinary practice.

Some TAFE NSW campuses even have animals on site that you will care for as part of your course.

With people increasingly treating their pets as fur-babies and spending more money on their care and comfort, employment opportunities are forecast to increase to 2022.

The role of a veterinary nurse is diversifying and expanding. By completing this qualification, you will be in a great position to upskill in emerging areas of the industry.

Over the next several years, complementary veterinary services are projected to expand in areas such as rehabilitation, physiotherapy, massage and premium animal products.