If you've ever wondered why animals behave the way they do, this course will help you understand how they react to stimuli, and how this influences their behaviour around humans and other animals.  You will learn to identify common health problems in pets and administer animal first aid as well as carry out routine health checks and rehabilitation care.  This extensive course is ideal for those with no prior experience wishing to pursue a career in vet nursing.

In this Veterinary Assistant Advanced Certificate you’ll learn common animal behaviour and health care terminology, the basics of animal diseases and how to read and understand animals to better care for them.

You’ll also learn how to:

• Identify the factors that affect animal behaviour
• Understand how an animal perceives and responds to stimuli
• Care for pets such as dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, reptiles and rodents
• Identify signs of ill health and problems in domestic pets
• Administer animal first aid
• Understand a variety of animal diseases
• Manage administration services in a veterinary

Industry Facts

There has never been a better time to work in the vet nursing industry. According to the Australian Government's JobOutlook website there is strong growth with around 9,000 job openings over the next 5 years (that's about 1,800 a year).  Veterinary nurses have prospects all over Australia, including strong demand in regional areas.  A career in this industry also offers plenty of part time opportunities with around half of all vet nurses employed on a part time basis.  

Working in veterinary nursing is extremely practical and hands-on.  It's suited to people that are passionate about animals, who enjoy helping or providing a service, but who are also analytical and can search for facts and follow procedures.  The role includes tasks such as holding animals to allow veterinarians to conduct examinations, giving medicines to animals and providing advice and care to both animal patients and owners.