Qualification Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:12 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Diploma of Veterinary Nursing

Diploma of Veterinary Nursing

Qualification
National Code:
ACM50219
State Code:
BER8
TGA Status:
Current
DTWD Status:
Approved
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Field of Education
0611 - Veterinary Studies
Original TGA Release Date
10/09/2019
Approved Date
15/11/2019
Stream of Study
VET Act Classifier
C
Nominal Hours
520
Duration
2 Semesters
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/09/2019
VET Act Conditions
—
Releases
Release Version Release Date TGA Status DTWD Status
1.00 10/09/2019 Current Approved
Description

This qualification reflects the role of a senior veterinary nurse who works under the supervision of a registered veterinarian, to provide leadership to staff and advanced nursing care for animals including applying specialist skills and in-depth knowledge to patient assessment, care and management within a veterinary workplace.
The Diploma of Veterinary Nursing requires access and regular exposure to patients (animals), clients, consults, medical and surgical cases, veterinary staff, nursing, and practice policies and procedures.
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 240 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the relevant units of competency.
The scope of practice for veterinary nurses is determined by state and territory legislative and regulatory requirements. Users of this qualification must refer to the legislation and regulations in the development of training and assessment strategies.

Schedule
Packaging Rules
To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in nine (9) units of competency:
- six (6) core units plus
- three (3) elective units.

Elective units must ensure the integrity of the qualification’s Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome. The electives are to be chosen as follows:
- at least two (2) units from Groups A, B, C or D
- up to one (1) unit from any electives listed below or from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course.

Any combination of electives that meets the packaging rules can be selected for the award of Diploma of Veterinary Nursing. Where appropriate, electives may be packaged to provide a qualification with a specialisation area as follows:
- All Group A electives must be selected for award of theDiploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical).
- All Group B electives must be selected for award of theDiploma of Veterinary Nursing(Dental).
- All Group C electives must be selected for the award of the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Emergency and Critical Care).
- All Group D electives must be selected for the award of the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (General Practice).
1. Core Units

All six (6) units must be completed.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
BBE88 ACMSUS401 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices 30 Unit of competency
AUH47 BSBWOR502 Lead and manage team effectiveness 50 Unit of competency
AUM47 BSBCUS501 Manage quality customer service 50 Unit of competency
BBD42 ACMWHS501 Manage workplace health and safety processes 70 Unit of competency
AWY84 TAEDEL402 Plan, organise and facilitate learning in the workplace 25 Unit of competency
OAK97 ACMVET508 Support veterinary practice communication and professional development 60 Unit of competency
2. Group A Surgical Specialisation Elective Units

All Group A electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OAL03 ACMVET502 Carry out post-operative nursing routines 55 Unit of competency
OAL05 ACMVET501 Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures 160 Unit of competency
3. Group B Dental Specialisation Elective Units

All Group B electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing(Dental).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OAL02 ACMVET503 Produce veterinary dental oral cavity images 25 Unit of competency
OAL01 ACMVET504 Provide veterinary dental nursing support for advanced veterinary dental surgery 110 Unit of competency
4. Group C Emergency and Critical Care Specialisation Elective Units

All Group C electives must be selected for the award of the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Emergency and Critical Care).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OAL00 ACMVET506 Perform emergency procedures to sustain life 90 Unit of competency
OAK99 ACMVET505 Prepare for veterinary emergency response 20 Unit of competency
OAK98 ACMVET507 Provide nursing support for critical care surgery 90 Unit of competency
5. Group D General Practice Specialisation Elective Units

All Group D electives must be selected for the award of the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (General Practice).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OAK94 ACMVET511 Apply principles of animal behaviour 90 Unit of competency
OAK95 ACMVET510 Apply veterinary nursing pathophysiology 160 Unit of competency
OAK96 ACMVET509 Manage veterinary nursing procedures 135 Unit of competency
No information
Entry Requirements

Entry into this qualification is open to individuals who:
hold a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or other equivalent veterinary nursing qualification
AND
have extensive experience working at Certificate IV level or above in a veterinary practice, and has demonstrated the ability to:
work autonomously and within an interprofessional team
independently provide nursing care for a broad range of medical and surgical conditions for a variety of species
communicate effectively with a variety of people within the organisation
supervise and direct other staff within the workplace
problem solve and support others within the working environment
independently support clients to maintain animal health
develop and review organisational administration processes
maintain currency of industry skills and knowledge.
Refer to the Companion Volume Implementation Guide for details.

Traineeships and Apprenticeships
No information