Animal Studies

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 incldues 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. 

Short Courses
Pathways to University
Study Tour
Profiles and Testimonials

"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

Industry and Corporate Training

If you would like to book training for your organisation, please contact 5225 0800 to discuss your requirements.



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About The Gordon

The Gordon Institute of TAFE is one of the largest regional TAFEs in Victoria and has been helping people gain real skills for real jobs for over 125 years. We pride ourselves on delivering a great range of TAFE courses from short courses to nationally accredited training across apprenticeships, traineeships, certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas, which can lead you to a great career or create pathways to university.

Our training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. | Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne.

ABN: 27 241 053 246. | TOID: 3044 | CRICOS Provider No. 00011G | © Gordon Institute of TAFE 2014