Program Overview

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing Traineeship

The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing traineeship, ACM40418, is a nationally accredited qualification that provides clinical skills and industry knowledge in veterinary nursing. This industry-based qualification will equip students with the skills to care for animals and a foundational knowledge of veterinary practice procedures.

Program Overview

• The program is 18 months long and is a traineeship, combining training with working a real job for a real wage.
• 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 offered through the Queensland Government’s traineeship program.
• UQ Skills offers a blended model, combining online learning with workplace-integrated learning within industry.
• Students can attend optional residential workshop training blocks at the UQ Gatton campus to supplement gaps in workplace experience or for extra practical experience.

Assessment

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

Entry Requirements

• Students must hold either a Certificate II or III in Animal Care Services or a relevant Certificate, or be able to demonstrate equivalent skill and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline.
• Students must also be employed as a trainee in a veterinary clinic or animal hospital.

Vaccination Requirements

• 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.

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) includes student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal, and other policy information.
• Students will need to contribute to the cost of their training through a co-contribution fee.

Fees

• School-based trainees: free
• Concessional fee: $857.60
• Priority Population Group (PPG) fee: $857.60
• Non-concessional fee: $2,144
• Full fee without funding: $8,650

Payment Plans

• Students can pay for the program over 6 months as part of a monthly payment plan.
• Payment plans incur a 10 per cent processing fee.

Units of Competency

• The program consists of multiple study periods, each covering different aspects of veterinary nursing, including:
  • Professional practice
  • Animal science and work-ready nursing
  • Animal care and nursing for cats, dogs, and mammals
  • Clinical testing and screening
  • Advanced veterinary nursing
  • Clinical and surgical nursing
  • Advanced nutrition and care
  • Professional practice

Careers

• On 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.
• Possible career paths include:
  • Veterinary nurse
  • Equine veterinary nurse
  • Equine dental service provider

Credit Transfers

• Students can apply for credit transfers for units they have previously completed.
• If a credit transfer is approved, the student will not need to complete the unit and will have their fee waived for that unit.