Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 4:59 AM AWST
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Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
ACM40418
BED9
Current
Approved
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.00 | 18/02/2022 | Current | Approved |
| 1.00 | 11/12/2018 | Replaced | Approved |
Description
This qualification reflects the role of a veterinary nurse who works under the supervision of a registered veterinarian to provide nursing care to animals, to support veterinarians to carry out medical and surgical procedures, and to support clients to maintain health of animals.
The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing requires access to patients (animals), clients, medical and surgical cases, veterinary staff, and practice policies and procedures.
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 240 hours of work placement 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 relevant legislation and regulations in the development of training and assessment strategies.
Schedule
Packaging Rules
To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in:- twenty one (21) units of competency:
- seventeen (17) core units plus
- four (4) elective units.
Elective units must ensure the integrity of the qualification’s Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome. The electives are to be chosen as follows:
- up to four (4) units from any of the elective groups listed below
- up to two (2) from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course.
See training.gov.au for prerequisite requirements.
1. Core Units
All seventeen (17) units must be completed.
2. Group A - General Elective Units
Four (4) electives must be completed, with at least two (2) selected from Groups A, B, C and/or D.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OAL09 | ACMVET412 | Coordinate practice promotional activities | 40 | Unit of competency |
| OAK93 | ACMVET512 | Develop and implement specific practice policies | 20 | Unit of competency |
| BBD88 | ACMMIC401 | Implant microchip in cats and dogs | 20 | Unit of competency |
| BBE88 | ACMSUS401 | Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices | 30 | Unit of competency |
| OAL10 | ACMVET411 | Prepare, deliver and review animal care education programs | 30 | Unit of competency |
| OCD30 | HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | 18 | Unit of competency |
3. Group B - Small and Large Animal Elective Units
Four (4) electives must be completed, with at least two (2) selected from Groups A, B, C and/or D.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBF04 | ACMSPE305 | Provide basic care of domestic cats | 20 | Unit of competency |
| BBD98 | ACMSPE304 | Provide basic care of domestic dogs | 20 | Unit of competency |
| BBE29 | ACMSPE310 | Provide basic care of mammals | 40 | Unit of competency |
| BBE01 | ACMSPE312 | Provide basic care of rodents and rabbits | 20 | Unit of competency |
4. Group C - Exotic and Captive Animals Elective Units
Four (4) electives must be completed, with at least two (2) selected from Groups A, B, C and/or D.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBD85 | ACMSPE301 | Provide basic care of amphibians | 20 | Unit of competency |
| BBE44 | ACMSPE302 | Provide basic care of birds | 20 | Unit of competency |
| BBF00 | ACMSPE303 | Provide basic care of common native mammals | 20 | Unit of competency |
| BBD43 | ACMSPE307 | Provide basic care of freshwater fish | 20 | Unit of competency |
| BBE04 | ACMSPE306 | Provide basic care of marine fish | 20 | Unit of competency |
| BBE64 | ACMSPE308 | Provide basic care of marine invertebrates | 20 | Unit of competency |
| BBD72 | ACMSPE311 | Provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles | 20 | Unit of competency |
| BBF11 | ACMSPE309 | Provide basic care of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates | 20 | Unit of competency |
5. Group D - Equine Elective Units
Four (4) electives must be completed, with at least two (2) selected from Groups A, B, C and/or D.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBE58 | ACMEQU205 | Apply knowledge of horse behaviour | 55 | Unit of competency |
| BBD56 | ACMHBR304 | Assist with artificial insemination of mares | 65 | Unit of competency |
| BBE15 | ACMHBR312 | Carry out procedures for foaling down mares | 90 | Unit of competency |
| BBD76 | ACMEQU402 | Determine nutritional needs in provision of horse health care | 60 | Unit of competency |
| BBE65 | ACMEQU202 | Handle horses safely | 90 | Unit of competency |
| BBE89 | ACMEQU405 | Maintain and monitor horse health and welfare | 70 | Unit of competency |
| OAL08 | ACMVET414 | Nurse foals | 35 | Unit of competency |
| OAL04 | ACMVET415 | Provide intensive foal care and nursing | 55 | Unit of competency |
| BBD41 | ACMEQU401 | Relate equine anatomical and physiological features to equine health care requirements | 110 | Unit of competency |
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J481 | ACM40412 | Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing | Qualification |
No information
Entry Requirements
Entry into this qualification is open to individuals who:
hold a Certificate II in Animal Studies
OR
hold a relevant Certificate III or higher level qualification in an animal science discipline
OR
can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline to any of the above qualifications.
Refer to the Companion Volume Implementation Guide for details.
Traineeships and Apprenticeships