australian college of veterinary nursing

Become a qualified veterinary nurse

— without leaving your home country.

The ACVN Diploma in Clinical Veterinary Nursing is a fully online, internationally recognised qualification designed for working vet nurses.

Study from home, practice in your own clinic, and earn credentials that travel.

Fill in the form below to check your eligibility — for free & without commitment.


Name(Required)
Are you at least 18 years old?(Required)
Country of residence(Required)

🌏 Students in 10+ countries

📍 Students across Asia & beyond

🕒 3 years to complete

🎓 Meets European nursing standards

🖥️ 100% online — no campus required

This course was built for you

If you’re a veterinary nurse outside Australia, you already know your skills are in demand. But without a formal diploma to your name, there’s a ceiling — on your salary, your responsibilities, and the recognition you deserve.

The ACVN Diploma in Clinical Veterinary Nursing was specifically designed for nurses who live and work outside Australia. It meets international veterinary nursing competencies, including the European Standards, which are widely recognised and respected by employers and professional bodies globally.

You don’t need to travel. You don’t need to take time off work. You study online, complete your practical assessments in the clinic where you already work or volunteer, and graduate with a credential — plus a full transcript and syllabus — that you can use with employers, professional associations, or overseas registration boards.

Check your eligibility — free & no commitment
ACVN diploma veterinary nursing student in clinical practice

What you’ll study

This is a comprehensive, 31-subject diploma covering every core area of clinical veterinary nursing:

Anaesthesia

Surgical Nursing

Pharmacology

Pain Management

Emergency Nursing

Clinical Pathology

Wound Management

Diagnostic Imaging

Animal Nutrition

IV Fluid Therapy

Infection Control

Behaviour Modification

+ 19 more subjects

Every subject is authored and taught by qualified, practising veterinary nurses — not generalists. Current students consistently report being able to apply their learning directly to clinic protocols within just a few months of starting.

The depth of this course is one of its strongest selling points. You’ll receive a printed learner’s guide for each subject, access to an online learning centre, and direct support from nurse educators throughout your studies.

Check your eligibility — free & no commitment

Fits your life — and your job

The course is entirely by distance education. There’s no campus, no fixed timetable, and no requirement to travel to Australia. You complete your practical assessments in your own clinic, using the cases you already nurse day to day.

  • Study at your own pace, around your shifts
  • Most students spend approximately 10 hours per week on coursework
  • You have 3 years to complete — with extension options if needed
  • Practical assessments are completed via skills logbooks and Zoom or video submission
  • One assessment task per week on average
Check your eligibility — free & no commitment
ACVN veterinary nurse in clinical scrubs

No international price premium

Many overseas providers charge international students significantly more than domestic students — sometimes double or triple. ACVN doesn’t do that.

International students pay exactly the same course fee as Australian students, with access to the same pricing options:

  • Pay in full upfront and receive AUD$800 off — plus you can start the following business day rather than waiting for the next monthly intake. Full course fee with pay-in-full upfront discount is AUD$7900.
  • Interest-free payment plan — start with a first instalment of AUD$1,700, then 14 × AUD$500/month or 28 × AUD$250/fortnight.

There are no hidden international surcharges. Bank transfer fees and express international postage of your printed learner’s guides are included in the course fee, so there are no surprise invoices after you enrol.

Check your eligibility — free & no commitment

Are you eligible?

To enrol in the ACVN Diploma, you need to:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have access to a veterinary practice — either as an employee or through an arranged placement (voluntary or unpaid work experience is accepted)
  • Be legally permitted to perform veterinary nursing tasks in your country
  • Have a working command of English (IELTS band 6 or equivalent if English is not your first language)

Not sure if you qualify? That’s exactly what the application process is for — there’s no cost or commitment at that stage. Submit your details and a nurse educator will review your situation and let you know personally. Start with an eligibility check.

Check your eligibility — free & no commitment

What happens after you graduate

ACVN Diploma — flexible and internationally portable veterinary nursing qualification

On completion, you’ll receive:

  • Your ACVN Diploma certificate
  • A full transcript of results
  • A detailed syllabus outline showing how the course meets international competencies — useful for employers, professional bodies, or overseas registration

The course is designed to be portable. Whether you’re seeking career progression in your home country, or considering opportunities elsewhere, your qualification is supported by documentation that makes it easy to demonstrate your depth of training.

You also have the option to add the Australian nationally recognised Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418) as a dual award — no additional study required, just an extra certification fee payable to the Registered Training Provider.

Apply today — no commitment required

If you’re thinking about studying with us, the easiest next step is simply to find out if you’re eligible. Submitting an application is free, takes a few minutes, and doesn’t commit you to anything. There’s no payment at this stage.

We’ll review your details and let you know personally whether we can offer you a place. If you’re accepted, you choose whether — and when — to enrol. There’s nothing to lose, and it could be the start of something great.

Check your eligibility — free & no commitment
cat sitting on laptop

Common questions from international students

Will my qualification be recognised in my country?

Every country has its own rules. We recommend checking with your local veterinary surgeons board or nursing association. We’ll provide you with a full syllabus, transcript, and certificate to support any recognition application.

Do I need to travel to Australia at any point?

No. The course is entirely by distance education. All practical components are completed in your own clinic.

Can I do this while working full time?

Yes — the course is designed for working nurses. Most students spend around 10 hours per week on study.

I don’t currently work in a veterinary clinic. Can I still apply?

Yes — you need access to a veterinary practice, but this doesn’t have to be paid employment. A voluntary placement or unpaid work experience arrangement at a clinic is also accepted, provided you’re able to perform the practical nursing tasks required by the course. If you’re not yet in a clinic in any capacity, speak to us first — we can advise whether your situation is workable or whether our Foundation Certificate might be a better entry point.

What if English isn’t my first language?

You’ll need to provide an IELTS assessment showing a band score of 6 or higher in written and verbal English.

Is there a payment plan?

Yes, an interest-free payment plan is available. A payment of AUD$1,700 is required at enrolment and then there are two options: 14 × AUD$500/month or 28 × AUD$250/fortnight.

When can I start?

Intakes begin on the first Monday of each month. Once you’re enrolled and payment is processed, you can also opt to start the following business day by paying in full.

Check your eligibility — free & no commitment

Veterinary Nursing.
It’s all we do.
Why would you study anywhere else?

Veterinary Nurse Solutions acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first inhabitants of this land. We recognise their rich cultural heritage and deep spiritual connection to the land and waters and that their sovereignty was never surrendered. We pay respect to their Ancestors and Elders who have safeguarded the diverse wildlife and habitats of this beautiful country throughout the generations, and will continue to do so for generations to come.

Privacy PolicyRefund PolicyTerms & ConditionsCookie PolicyStudent Handbook

Copyright © 2026 Veterinary Nurse Solutions. All Rights Reserved. Australian College of Veterinary Nursing is the trading name of Veterinary Nurse Solutions Pty Ltd. ACN 155 687 906 ABN 88 155 687 906