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ENROLMENTS FOR NEXT INTAKE CLOSE IN:
ENROLMENTS & INTAKES
- Intakes start first Monday of every month.
- Enrolments close on the 15th day of the month prior.
Entry Requirements:
- Have successfully completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent) or have significant clinical and surgical experience (>5 years).
- Be employed in a veterinary practice that has a reasonable non-routine case load for a minimum of 15 hrs a week.
- If you don’t have access to all the right equipment and cases to complete the course, work experience will be utilised to fill any gaps (additional fees for insurance apply).
Duration:
12 months
language:
English
Access to our Online Learning Center:
Yes
Printed Learner's Guides:
Yes
Need to attend campus:
No
Schedule type:
Flexible. Study plan provided
DISCOUNT ON WORKSHOPS:
Yes
Do you love the hands on of nursing cases more than anything else?
Our Advanced Certificate in Professional Veterinary Nursing (Clinical) is perfectly structured to enhance your knowledge in clinical nursing, from physical therapy to complex cases requiring intensive nursing.
A course like no other! This course places a large emphasis on developing your advanced clinical nursing skills, from designing nursing care and physical therapy plans to managing feeding tubes. Be your patients’ best advocate and wow the vets with your extensive skills and impressive knowledge. Did we mention it’s all about nursing? 100% hands on clinical nursing!
apply now
Entry requirements:
To be eligible to enrol in this course, you must:
- Have successfully completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or equivalent (including overseas qualifications) or have significant clinical and surgical experience (more than 5 years).
- Be employed in a veterinary practice for a minimum of 15 hrs a week that has a reasonable non-routine case load.
- If you don’t have access to all the right equipment and cases to complete the course, work experience will be utilised to fill any gaps (additional fees for insurance apply).
Enrolling is very simple!
- Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below.
- Fill out the form, it will only take a couple of minutes. Have proof of employment and a copy of your Certificate IV ready.
- Once we assess your application and verify your eligibility, you will receive confirmation via email (allow a few days).
- You then accept the place offered and arrange payment, and get started!
Once your enrolment and payment has been processed, you will receive an email from us with all the information you need to access the portal, then your folders will arrive by overnight courier.
The course is delivered entirely by distance education using our online ‘Learning Centre.’ This allows you the flexibility to study when it suits you.
Frequently asked questions
How is this course different to the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing?
The Diploma of Veterinary Nursing covers more than just clinical nursing. In the Diploma you will also cover team management, training staff, professional communication skills and animal behaviour.
It also requires that you have your current Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40412). For those students who don’t, upgrading or obtaining the Certificate IV can be a costly process costing thousands. If you are more interested in gaining the knowledge and skill, then this course is for you.
Our entry requirements for the Advanced Certificate in Advanced Professional Nursing are more relaxed, as we want all nurses to have access to the best education available to become the most amazing nurse we know you can be.
When does the course start?
We start student intakes off several times a month. Spaces are limited on each intake, so it’s advisable to get your application and enrolment in quickly if you’re keen to start asap.
We look at applications every day and process acceptance emails. Once you receive your enrolment pack, the enrolment process can take a few days to complete. You can scan and email your enrolment form to speed it up.
How much study will I need to do?
Each student studies differently.
Most students need to dedicate around 8-10 hours per week to their studies.
We’ll give you a suggested timetable to guide you through completing your studies within the 12 months allocated. If you need, you’re able to extend your course past this, but be aware a fee will apply.
Some students finish the course in under 12 months, you can too if you wish. The trick is time management. Put dedicated study time aside each week and it’s achievable.
How is the course delivered?
The Advanced Certificate in Professional Veterinary Nursing is a ‘blended’ course. This means there is an online or distance component as well as a practical hands-on component in a veterinary clinic.
Our online student ‘Learning Centre’ along with our printed resources means you can study from where you like. Sunny day? Pop outside and study whilst watching the dogs play.
We’ll give you a timetable to help you structure your study plan. We recommend allowing dedicated time each week to ensure you stay on track, but it is self paced. So there is no stress of missing a deadline.
In the Learning Centre, you’ll find:
- Learning activities to help you remember everything
- Interactive learning modules
- Videos showing you how to perform tasks
- Recorded lectures to learn even more
- Links to upload your assessments.
In your printed resources, you’ll find all the reading material and references you need to successfully pass the course and become an amazing veterinary nurse.
We also run optional workshops around the country, where you can get more practice and experience. Boost your resume and learn more towards your qualification at the same time.
How is the course structured?
Our Advanced Certificate of Professional Veterinary Nursing is made up of a series of subjects designed to teach you everything you need to know to be successful.
You’ll still be required to undertake your own research for some assessments. However, we’ll guide you through what you need to know via ‘knowledge checklists,’ set textbooks, and structured self-assessment tasks to ensure you have the required knowledge before completing any exams or assessments.
What kind of assessments will I need to do?
Assessments are not only about assessing you, they are a valuable learning tool. As you complete them, you’ll learn more than just going through the reading materials alone.
We use a range of assessment types and match these to what is the best way to capture your new skills and knowledge.
Written Assessments
Every subject has some form of written assessment. We use short answer questions, scenarios and short case studies about the patients you nursed in your clinical placement.
Our Nurse Educators will provide thorough feedback on your assessments, including hints and tips and further learning opportunities. Anytime you need help with an assessment, you just contact the Nurse Educators through our Student Assist options.
Clinical Skills Assessment
Veterinary Nursing is a practical job, so we must assess your clinical skills.
In the clinic, you’ll be recording your participation in various tasks and nursing care through short forms called Key Skills. These showcase what you’ve been learning in the clinic and will be ‘signed off’ by your Clinical Mentor. You’ll also complete some case diaries, with photos of you performing skills and short descriptions.
Lastly, to ensure you graduate with the quality expected of ACVN Nurses, you’ll also submit some short videos of you performing vet nursing tasks. Again, Nurse Educators will provide thorough feedback on your learning and skills. Don’t be daunted by video assessment, they are a relaxed form of assessment. We love it when students leave in their bloopers. We provide full instructions. Some can be done at home to free up clinic time for more learning.
Alternatively, we can send in a Nurse Educator to perform a workplace assessment. This option does attract extra fees and you may need multiple visits across the course. Unlike video assessments where you can restart and try again if something doesn’t go to plan, your workplace assessment is a final assessment. Many students find video assessment less daunting than having a Nurse Educator watching their every move in clinic.
I don't work in a veterinary clinic. Can I still take this course?
This course is designed for nurses working in a clinic looking to develop their skills further. You need access to patients and equipment to complete this course, so it’s not generally suitable for people not in a clinic. However if you have a unique situation, please ensure you contact us to discuss.
How is ACVN different to other colleges?
We’re about veterinary nursing. Full stop. We live and breathe it.
For us, training veterinary nurses is not just about money. It’s how we can ensure best practice nursing care for animals everywhere. We’re here for the animals.
At ACVN, you have a name not a student number. We get to know all our students really well and love sharing in your achievements.
We care about you and your career. We want you to be job ready, employable and enjoying a long career in veterinary nursing. Some of our graduates love us so much, they’ve come to work for us.
Our student to educator ratio is the envy of many colleges. Because of this, your assessments are marked quickly and the feedback you receive is specific to you and designed to help you learn.The Nurse Educators are available to help you when you need it.
At our college, you’ll be a part of a group of students who are considered amongst the best in the country.
Do you accept international/overseas students?
Yes! We absolutely welcome overseas students, as long as you are remaining in your home country. If you wish to come to Australia to study, you’ll need to find a CRICOS registered provider. These are the only institutions approved for international student visas.
We have had students in many countries including America, Canada, Singapore, Japan, China, Portugal, Cyprus and South Africa, just to name a few.
Please check out our Overseas Student Information page for more details.
learn moreWhat support do you offer?
Email
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We’re here for you, for your entire course and beyond graduation. Once you graduate with us, you become an ACVN Nurse. The most trusted veterinary nurses out there.
Once you enrol, we’ve made it very easy to get help.
As a student, you’re our number one priority. It’s why we’re here.
Student Assist is our student support program and it’s manned by Nurse Educators. This means if you need help – you’ll get it quickly. You won’t have to wait days or weeks for an educator to help you.
We can help you understand something that you’re not sure about, help you find things, give you motivational support, help with an assessment or feedback. Basically anything you need course wise, we can help you with.
Phone
Student Assist has dedicated phone lines that go straight through to the Nurse Educators. You can call for help on weekdays between 8am and 5pm.
Send us an email any time to the dedicated student support email, and we’ll answer it when we’re in the office. We check this email several times throughout the day, so most emails are replied to in under 24 hours. Weekends we even pop in to check for urgent problems.
Live Chat
Perhaps you have a super fast question and don’t want to call? We have Live Chat! This is like an instant messenger service where you can type your questions and we can reply in real time during business hours.
If social media is part of your life, we have an active student Facebook group for you. It’s exclusive to our current students and grads. Our Nurse Educators are also in there and are known to answer questions at all times of the day or night.
Is this course accredited?
No, the Advanced Certificate in Professional Veterinary Nursing is a non-accredited professional development course. This does not mean it is a lower quality than accredited courses, it just means it does not have to follow the set training package like the Cert IV or Diploma does.
Is there government funding for this course?
Unfortunately there is no government funding or assistance for this course as it is a non-accredited professional development course.
Can I change the subjects in the course?
You must undertake the 2 core subjects, however your electives can be chosen when you first start. If you change your mind on a subject before starting it, there is a replacement fee for a new learner’s guide to be sent out for a different subject.
Add ACPVN to your name and show employers that vet nursing is ABSOLUTELY you.
What will I study in the ACPVN?
Our course is divided into two main sections:
1. Core Units
These set you up for the remainder of the course, and give you 20 of the required 70 units credits.
2. Advanced Clinical Nursing Subjects
Pick the subjects that suit you. You’ll need to complete 50 credit points (it’s ok if one of your subjects pops you a little over).
Pain Management
Indepth analgesia knowledge and the ability to recognise pain is vital in so many different aspects of veterinary nursing. This subject will teach students about the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, pain pathways, and the drugs we use to control pain. It will look at recognising pain and pain scoring, and alternative methods of controlling pain in our patients including nursing interventions.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an essential part of the post op recovery period and an area of care where nurses can be actively involved. Providing physical therapy is a great way to improve owner compliance with post op care, and allow regular contact with the clinic to monitor the patient’s progress. This subject will prepare students to discuss physical therapy with clients, devise routines they can follow, and recognise when to refer to a Veterinary Physiotherapist. It also covers techniques they can implement in clinic to help speed up the recovery of the post op patient. This subject will also teach students about the various muscles and muscle groups.
Fluid Therapy
Fluid therapy is an integral part of the modern veterinary clinic. This subject will teach students about the various types of fluids available, their indications and contraindications and how to monitor patients receiving fluid therapy. Students will also learn about osmosis, and how to correctly calculate fluid rates and influencing factors on fluid rates.
Advanced Critical Care Nursing
You’ll learn more advanced nursing skills such as how to map out patient care plans and specific nursing interventions for individual patients. Students also learn about correct urinary catheter care and physiology and anatomy of the urinary system itself. Feeding tube maintenance is also covered along with managing recumbent patients, neonates, blood transfusions, and the provision of oxygen therapy.
Wound Management & Dressings
Wound Management is an area that nurses can be actively involved in. This subject starts off with learning about the integument system; it then branches into the physiology of wound healing. Students will learn about different dressings and bandages (both techniques and materials), which to use when, and how to decide on a wound care plan in conjunction with the veterinarian.
Infection Control
Infection control is extremely important in any veterinary clinic. This subject is structured to get the students to look at their current clinic policies and procedures for infection control and then with guided research, evaluate and improve their clinic policies. Students will also learn more about barrier nursing (first touched on in Nursing Patients), setting up and using an isolation facility and how to adjust this to suit clinics that do not have a dedicated isolation area. We also cover how to assemble and maintain an Infectious Disease Control Kit, and notifiable diseases including the procedure for notifying government departments.
Emergency Response & ECPR
Emergency nursing can be exciting and very daunting. This subject will teach students about how to effectively triage cases over the phone, and in clinic; first aid advice to provide to owner, how to prepare for the arrival of the emergency patient and how to assist the veterinarian in the management of these cases. Setting up and maintaining crash-carts is also covered along with cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
Nursing Management of Clinical Cases
Having an understanding of the common diseases in cats and dogs is essential for veterinary nurses, not only to assist the vet in their treatment, but to educate the client accurately and also to provide appropriate nursing support to patient. This subject covers the common diseases found in companion animals, zoonotic and infectious diseases, vaccinations, how the immune system works and the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system.
Expand your nursing talents!
Grab some savings!
interest free payment plan
Enrol now with a first instalment of $595
Then simply pay 10 x $280/month
That’s an affordable $70/week.
Total:
$3395
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Important notes:
- Please budget approximately $200 to $400 for additional textbooks, although many will already be on your clinic shelves, saving you money.
- Graduates of other ACVN programs may receive a lower course fee due to internal credits for subjects already studied.
- Prices include resource fees, tuition, and administration fees.
- Additional fees may apply if you do not pass a subject, you need to re-enrol in a subject for any reason, or you extend your enrolment period
- Payment in Full Discount does not apply to international students. Instead we will cover bank transfer fees at our end, and send out your learner’s guides via international express post at no additional charge.
Notes on Payment Plans:
- Even if you have completed your studies, you’ll not receive your certificate until you’ve paid for your course in full.
- You are also responsible for paying the entire course cost, even if you decide to not complete the full course.
- Instalments will start from the month your course commences. Payments are by direct debit or credit card only, and to make your life easier, you can elect the day the automatic payment is debited from your account.
- If you fall behind in your instalments by more than 14 days without arranging an alternative payment, you may be withdrawn from the course. So it’s important to contact us if you are struggling.
- International students are not eligible for instalment plans.
Our students are raving about our courses!
I liked that I didn’t have to move away from the country to study and the ACVN Nurse Educators are so helpful and encouraging.
The staff are all so knowledgeable and really bring out the best in their students. The response rate for assessment is also fantastic!
I’ve been a vet nurse for over 12 years and it’s pretty much my life! When it came to studying for my Diplomas, I didn’t want to do them somewhere that would be easy. I wanted to study them somewhere that would challenge me and add to my knowledge and skillset.
ACVN trains me to be a truly good veterinary nurse.
I enrolled with ACVN to upgrade my Certificate IV and study for my Surgical Diploma. I have really enjoyed the in depth learning. The learners’ guides are easy to read and the educators are always available to help with any questions I have. I often find the educators go the extra mile to help and many of them work afterhours on the student Facebook group too.
OVERSEAS STUDENTS WELCOME!
You don’t need to be living in Australia to study with us. We welcome students from all over the world! You have the same student benefits as a local student, and we don’t charge you huge fees for being overseas. There are however, some considerations you need to factor in before enrolling with us. Please read the Overseas Student Information by clicking the button below.
Learn more