Program Overview

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418) is a nationally accredited qualification that provides students with the clinical skills and industry knowledge to care for animals and work in veterinary practice.

Program Overview

This industry-based qualification is offered over 18 months, combining online study, on-campus training workshops, and workplace experience. Students will learn how to support hospitalised animals, perform clinical pathology procedures, assist with surgery, prepare equipment and animals for x-rays, and carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures.

How You'll Learn

The program is delivered through a combination of online study, on-campus training workshops, and workplace experience. Teachers will support students via video conference, phone, or online chat sessions. Students can also complete this program as a traineeship.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through written assessments, skills portfolios, online quizzes, and practical demonstrations.

Start Dates

The program starts on the following dates:

• 2 February 2026
• 4 May 2026
• 3 August 2026
• 2 November 2026

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for this program, students must hold either a Certificate II or III in Animal Care Services or another relevant Certificate, or be able to demonstrate equivalent skill and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline.

Work Integrated Learning

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is an essential part of this program, where students complete a placement with an employer related to their field of study. This provides students with the opportunity to put their skills into practice in a real workplace and gain experience for their resume.

Vaccination Requirements

As students will be exposed to animals and agricultural environments, immunisations against tetanus are mandatory. Students may also require vaccination against Q fever, lyssavirus, rabies, or influenza (flu), depending on the work and environment within which they interact with animals.

Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) Testing

Students are required to complete a language, literacy, and numeracy test as part of the enrolment process to identify and plan for any learning or support needs.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Students with recent work experience may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Resources

The 2026 UQ Skills Student Handbook (PDF, 1.4 MB) provides student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal, and other policy information.

Fees

The program fees are as follows:

• Enrolment fee: $1,000 (upfront, non-refundable)
• Subsidised concessional fee: $4,389
• Subsidised non-concessional: $5,313
• Full fee without funding: $10,900

Payment Plans

Students can pay for the program over 6 months as part of a monthly payment plan, incurring a 10% processing fee.

Units of Competency

The program consists of the following units of competency:

• Study period 1: Professional practice A
  • Communicate effectively with clients and team members (ACMGAS308)
• Study period 2: Animal Science and work-ready nursing
  • Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work (ACMGAS307)
  • Contribute to workplace health and safety processes (ACMWHS301)
• Study period 3: Animal care and nursing - cats and dogs
  • Provide general care of domestic dogs (ACMSPE304)
  • Provide general care of domestic cats (ACMSPE305)
• Study period 4: Animal care and nursing - mammals
  • Provide basic care of mammals (ACMSPE310)
• Study period 5: Provide animal care - wildlife (choose one elective)
  • Provide basic care of birds (ACMSPE302)
  • Provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles (ACMSPE311)
• Work placement 1: 72 hours (about 9 days)
• Study period 6: Clinical testing and screening
  • Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work (ACMINF301)
  • Apply imaging routines (ACMVET402)
  • Perform clinical pathology procedures (ACMVET403)
• Study period 7: Advanced veterinary nursing
  • Nurse animals (ACMVET406)
  • Carry out medical nursing routines (ACMVET407)
  • Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons (ACMVET416)
  • Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures (ACMVET410)
  • Carry out daily practice routines (ACMVET202)
• Study period 8: Clinical and surgical nursing
  • Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons (ACMVET416)
  • Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines (ACMVET405)
  • Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia (ACMVET413)
• Work placement 2: 136 hours (about 17 days)
• Study period 9A: Advanced nutrition and care
  • Provide specific animal care advice (ACMVET409)
  • Provide nutritional advice and support for animals (ACMVET408)
• Study period 9B: Professional practice B
  • Coordinate veterinary reception duties (ACMVET401)
  • Perform practice office procedures (ACMVET404)
• Work placement 3: 72 hours (about 9 days)

Credit Transfers

Students can apply for credit transfers for units of competency they have previously completed. If a credit transfer is approved, the student will not need to complete the relevant study period.

Careers

Upon completion of this qualification, students will be able to apply workplace health-and-safety and quality-assurance practices to industry standards and perform the duties of a veterinary nurse working under minimal supervision. Potential career paths include:

• Veterinary nurse
• Equine veterinary nurse
• Equine dental service provider

Disclaimer

Details are correct at the time of upload and are subject to change. The program provider reserves the right to change programs, subjects, or costs or to cancel a program based on consideration of student numbers and resource allocation. Ensure that you understand the program, subjects, associated costs, and fee liability prior to signing an enrolment form.