This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification is the industry qualification for individuals aiming to operate at a senior technician or managerial level, undertaking animal technology functions within a biomedical research, teaching or production environment.
Job roles covered by this qualification may include:
- Facility manager
- Animal technician (senior)
- Animal house supervisor.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication. However, an individual unit of competency may specify relevant licensing, legislative and/or regulatory requirements. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory body.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are available
See training providers offering VET Student Loans -
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Carry out advanced breeding procedures | Core |
| Carry out post-mortem examination of a research animal | Core |
| Communicate effectively with clients and team members | Core |
| Conduct euthanasia of research animals | Core |
| Conduct non-surgical procedures on animals | Core |
| Manage and maintain the health of research animals | Core |
| Manage compliance in animal technology | Core |
| Manage workplace health and safety processes | Core |
| Monitor and maintain containment and exclusion procedures in animal facilities | Core |
| Perform aseptic techniques | Core |
| Plan for and provide nutritional requirements for animals | Core |
| Prepare for and monitor anaesthesia in animals | Core |
| Provide basic care of rodents and rabbits | Core |
| Provide enrichment for animals | Core |
| Work within an animal technology facility | Core |
| Administer anaesthesia and perform surgery on animals for scientific purposes | Elective |
| Analyse and present research information | Elective |
| Assist to collect and transfer embryos of mice | Elective |
| Develop and maintain laboratory documentation | Elective |
| Develop, monitor and review behavioural management strategies | Elective |
| Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work | Elective |
| Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices | Elective |
| Manage complex projects | Elective |
| Perform caesarean procedures on mice or rats | Elective |
| Perform histological procedures | Elective |
| Perform microscopic examination | Elective |
| Prepare for and assist with aseptic animal surgery | Elective |
| Prepare tissue and cell cultures | Elective |
| Process and interpret data | Elective |
| Provide basic care of amphibians | Elective |
| Provide basic care of birds | Elective |
| Provide basic care of common native mammals | Elective |
| Provide basic care of domestic cats | Elective |
| Provide basic care of domestic dogs | Elective |
| Provide basic care of freshwater fish | Elective |
| Provide basic care of mammals | Elective |
| Provide basic care of marine fish | Elective |
| Provide basic care of marine invertebrates | Elective |
| Provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles | Elective |
| Provide basic care of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates | Elective |
| Review and monitor research proposals for an Animal Ethics Committee | Elective |
| Schedule laboratory work for a small team | Elective |
| Supervise laboratory operations in work or functional area | Elective |
| Undertake environmental field-based monitoring | Elective |
| Undertake scientific/technological research | Elective |
Job prospects
The Diploma of Animal Technology sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Agricultural Technician
ANZSCO 311111
Agricultural Technicians perform tests and experiments, and provide technical support to assist Agricultural Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Life Science Technician
ANZSCO 311413
Life Science Technicians identify and collects living organisms and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of Life Scientists or Environmental Scientists.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Other Animal Attendant and Trainer
ANZSCO 361199
Other Animal Attendants and Trainers includes jobs like Crutching Contractor, and Muleser.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Veterinary Nurse
ANZSCO 361311
Veterinary Nurses care for animals under treatment and in temporary residence at veterinary facilities and assist Veterinarians to perform procedures and operations.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Other Practice Manager
ANZSCO 512299
Other Practice Managers includes jobs like Accounting Practice Manager, Architectural Practice Manager, Legal Practice Manager, and Veterinary Practice Manager.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree
Training providers delivering Diploma of Animal Technology
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Brisbane College of Australia (RTO code 31315)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.