Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (CRICOS course code 0101518) is a Certificate IV delivered by Department of Training and Workforce Development over 1 year. This nationally accredited qualification (ACM40418) equips you with the skills to assist veterinarians in clinical and surgical procedures, manage animal care, and operate veterinary practice administration. As a CRICOS-registered course (0101518), it meets the rigorous standards required for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. Whether you aspire to work in a small animal clinic, equine practice, or wildlife rehabilitation, this course provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in veterinary nursing. With a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 280 hours, you'll gain hands-on experience in real veterinary settings. Delivered at two campuses in Western Australia — Geraldton and Bentley — this program offers flexibility and practical exposure. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness. HeadStart Academy is your free resource for exploring CRICOS-registered courses across 1,556 providers and 26,433 courses.
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (CRICOS 0101518) is a one-year, full-time program at AQF Level 4. It is delivered by the Department of Training and Workforce Development, a government provider (CRICOS 00020G) that operates TAFE International WA. The course falls under the field of education 061103 - Veterinary Assisting, within the broader Health and Veterinary Studies area. Graduates are prepared for roles such as veterinary nurse, animal care technician, or practice manager. The program includes a substantial work component of 40 weeks at 7 hours per week (totalling 280 hours), allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in clinical placements. This course is single qualification, not a dual or foundation program, and is taught entirely in English. The indicative total cost is A$16,667, comprising tuition of A$15,014 and non-tuition fees of A$1,653. Please note: fees are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register, and subject to change. Always confirm with the provider.
This Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing curriculum covers a range of competencies essential for veterinary nursing practice. You will learn about animal anatomy and physiology, nursing care for various species, surgical assistance and anaesthesia monitoring, diagnostic imaging, pharmacology, and veterinary practice administration. The course emphasises practical skills such as animal handling, wound management, and emergency care. While specific unit details are set by the provider, typical topics include infection control, nutrition, and client communication. The program aligns with national industry standards and prepares you for the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) accreditation pathway. As a VET course, it focuses on hands-on learning and workplace readiness. The field of Veterinary Assisting (061103) encompasses these competencies at a paraprofessional level, ensuring you are job-ready upon graduation. You will also develop soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making in animal care contexts.
The course duration is 1 year, equivalent to 52 weeks on the CRICOS register. It is delivered in English, with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The program is full-time, typically involving a mix of classroom theory, laboratory practicals, and workplace learning. The mandatory work component of 280 hours is integrated into the 52-week schedule, with 40 weeks of placement at 7 hours per week. This structure ensures you gain substantial industry experience without extending the overall course length. Delivery is face-to-face at two campuses: Central Regional TAFE in Geraldton and South Metropolitan TAFE in Bentley. Both locations offer modern facilities including veterinary nursing labs and simulation clinics. Class sizes are kept small to maximise individual attention. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Department of Training and Workforce Development is A$15,014. Non-tuition fees, which may include materials, equipment, and student services, amount to A$1,653. The estimated total cost is therefore A$16,667. Please note: these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For current fees, always confirm directly with the provider at their website. Living costs in Western Australia vary: indicative weekly rent in Perth (Bentley) is around A$250-400 for shared accommodation, while Geraldton is slightly cheaper at A$200-350. Groceries and transport add A$150-250 per week. The Australian Government recommends budgeting at least A$21,041 per year for living costs. OSHC costs approximately A$600-800 per year for a single student. Visa application charge for Subclass 500 is currently A$1,600.
International students must meet English language proficiency and academic requirements. The indicative English requirement is IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent). For this Certificate IV level, applicants are typically expected to have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) in their home country. Some prior study in science or animal care may be beneficial but not mandatory. Foundation or pathway options may be available through the provider, such as a Certificate III in Animal Studies. Contact the Department of Training and Workforce Development for specific entry criteria, as requirements can vary by intake. All applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for the student visa. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent for visa eligibility.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 40 weeks of industry placement at 7 hours per week, totalling approximately 280 hours. This practical experience is typically undertaken in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or shelters. Under supervision, you will assist with consultations, surgery preparation, anaesthesia monitoring, diagnostic testing, and patient care. The placement allows you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, build professional networks, and gain confidence. It also satisfies the workplace training required for VNCA accreditation. The Department of Training and Workforce Development coordinates placements at partner facilities, ensuring you receive appropriate supervision and feedback. This component is integral to the course and assessed through logbooks and supervisor reports.
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is delivered at two TAFE campuses in Western Australia: Central Regional TAFE (Geraldton Campus) and South Metropolitan TAFE (Bentley Campus). Geraldton is a regional city about 420 km north of Perth, offering a lower cost of living and a close-knit community. Bentley is located in Perth's southern suburbs, approximately 10 km from the CBD, with excellent public transport links via bus and train. Perth is home to over 20 CRICOS-registered providers and a vibrant international student community. The city's lifestyle combines urban amenities with access to beautiful beaches and national parks. Students at Bentley can enjoy Perth's cultural attractions, while Geraldton offers a relaxed atmosphere near the Coral Coast. Both campuses have dedicated veterinary nursing facilities, including simulation clinics and animal housing areas.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course and work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The visa also requires you to demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intentions and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The ESOS Act provides consumer protections, including tuition fee refund guarantees and access to complaints processes. For visa application guidance, always refer to the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent. HeadStart Academy provides information only, not migration advice.
Applying for Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Department of Training and Workforce Development is straightforward. Follow these three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's free directory to filter by course level (Certificate IV), field (Veterinary Studies), and location (Western Australia). Confirm the provider is CRICOS-registered (00020G) and the course has a valid CRICOS code (0101518).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the Department of Training and Workforce Development's TAFE International WA website. Submit your application with required documents: academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and a copy of your passport. Check application deadlines and any prerequisite units.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. After visa grant, arrange accommodation and travel.
Ready to start your veterinary nursing journey? Visit the Department of Training and Workforce Development website to apply or learn more about Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
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Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is a CRICOS-registered programme at Department of Training and Workforce Development. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.