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 reflects the role of a senior veterinary nurse who works under the supervision of a registered veterinarian, to provide leadership to staff and advanced nursing care for animals including applying specialist skills and in-depth knowledge to patient assessment, care and management within a veterinary workplace.
The Diploma of Veterinary Nursing requires access and regular exposure to patients (animals), clients, consults, medical and surgical cases, veterinary staff, nursing, and practice policies and procedures.
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 240 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the relevant units of competency.
The scope of practice for veterinary nurses is determined by state and territory legislative and regulatory requirements. Users of this qualification must refer to the legislation and regulations in the development of training and assessment strategies.
-
Financial help
-
Government funding is not available for this course.
-
-
Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
-
VET Student Loans are not available
-
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
-
-
On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
This course has 240 mandatory work placement hours.
-
Entry requirements
This course has entry requirements. See more information at the National Training Register
-
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:
-
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 |
|---|---|
| Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices | Core |
| Lead and manage team effectiveness | Core |
| Manage quality customer service | Core |
| Manage workplace health and safety processes | Core |
| Plan, organise and facilitate learning in the workplace | Core |
| Support veterinary practice communication and professional development | Core |
| Apply principles of animal behaviour | Elective |
| Apply veterinary nursing pathophysiology | Elective |
| Carry out post-operative nursing routines | Elective |
| Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures | Elective |
| Manage veterinary nursing procedures | Elective |
| Perform emergency procedures to sustain life | Elective |
| Prepare for veterinary emergency response | Elective |
| Produce veterinary dental oral cavity images | Elective |
| Provide nursing support for critical care surgery | Elective |
| Provide veterinary dental nursing support for advanced veterinary dental surgery | Elective |
Job prospects
The Diploma of Veterinary Nursing sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
-
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 -
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
Training providers delivering Diploma of Veterinary Nursing
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
This course has a mandatory work placement. Skills Assure Suppliers help you to arrange a work placement. This service may not be available through other training providers.
-
Animal Industries Resource Centre (RTO code 31424)
Contact this provider
-
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.