Are you good with people and animals, with a caring nature and a willingness to work hard in team environments?
Our range of animal studies courses will prepare you for work across the industry including:
- Veterinary clinics
- Animal welfare shelters
- Pet retail shops
- Kennels and catteries
- Animal training facilities
- Pet boarding facilities
- Fixed and mobile pet grooming services.
Starting at Certificate II level, our courses can create pathways into a veterinary nursing career, as well as upgrade skills for current vet nurses. Our range of short courses also provide a great introduction to the industry, and are a great way to boost your own pet and wildlife skills.
Work placement and industry experience
Our animal studies courses are very hands-on, designed to give you the real skills and knowledge you need to develop your career. The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing also includes a work placement component, to ensure you are fully prepared to work in a clinic environment upon completion. This can also open the door to employment opportunities, with many graduates gaining work with their placement hosts.
Career outcomes
|
Salary range
|
| Veterinary nurse |
$35,463 - $54,559 |
| Animal attendant |
$31,936 - $50,975 |
| Dog trainer |
$38,903 - $72,600 |
Source: payscale.com. Criteria based on Australian occupations AUD. Updated 21 May 2018.
Note: salaries are a guide only, and are dependent on a range of factors including your experience, employer, and location.
There are currently no formal pathways to specific universities within this program area.
Visit our pathways to university page for more information on what you could be eligible for upon completion of a Gordon qualification.
There are currently no study tours planned for this program.
"I completed my veterinary nursing traineeship at OurVet Geelong and am now working as a veterinary nurse at the OurVet Geelong and Point Cook clinics. I have had a love for animals all my life and wanted to allow my passion to become my career. I wanted to gain the skills to break into the animal industry and go to work at a job I love, and my certificate has allowed me to do so.
I was told to get as much experience as possible alongside my studies, so I began volunteering at Werribee zoo and Saddle On Horse Riding School working with disability groups. These volunteer opportunities not only gave me hands-on experience with animals, but I started to realise that any experience is good experience, and will help me find direction and further my career.
My teachers at The Gordon were very understanding and would always lookout for me, and provided me with the greatest guidance. To future students interested in veterinary nursing I would say put your whole heart into the job and
you'll reap the rewards."
Jennifer Peart
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Winner, Victorian Vocational Student of Year
Runner up, Australian Vocational Student of the Year
If you would like to book training for your organisation, please contact 5225 0800 to discuss your requirements.