| Box Hill Institute has been offering accredited training for veterinary nurses since 1975. Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is the nationally accredited qualification offered at Box Hill Institute. When you have completed the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing you can go on to the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing and other advanced studies. What does a veterinary nurse do?Veterinary nurses work closely with their veterinarians to deliver the best medical and surgical care to veterinary patients. They liaise closely with clients, ensuring high standards of communication, practice reception and record keeping. They provide skilled nursing as well as animal care, practice operations, purchasing, cleanliness standards and OH&S compliance. They are often involved in education and training sessions offered by veterinary practices and provide advice to clients on nutrition, worming and preventative dental care. A veterinary nurse is a valued member of a highly professional veterinary team. How do I get a job as a veterinary nurse?You need to be proactive if you want to find a job, as there aren’t many veterinary nursing positions available. You may choose to visit veterinary clinics with your résumé. Some veterinary nursing jobs are advertised in the newspaper, online and New Apprenticeship Centres may be able to help you find employment. You do not need to be qualified to commence work as a veterinary nurse but it is advised that you enrol for training once you start work. Visit 'Jobs' in StudentWeb to view vacancies in the veterinary nursing industry. Can I enrol in veterinary nurse training at Box Hill Institute if I don’t have a job?No. You need to be employed as a veterinary nurse while you are enrolled in veterinary nurse training. Part-time employment is acceptable. We do offer courses that do not have an employment prerequisite. The Certificate III in Companion Animal Services focuses on a range of animal species and is suitable if you are thinking of a career in the animal industry. The Certificate II in Animal Studies is another course that can provide a pathway into veterinary nursing and give you time to find employment in a veterinary clinic. You will receive credit transfers if you complete this course and then enrol in the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. There is also ‘Introduction to Animal Nursing’, an evening short course run over 8 weeks. It provides a general overview of veterinary nursing but you will not receive any credit transfers into the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. If you would like more information, visit the 'Short Courses' area. Why do I need to be employed as a veterinary nurse to be eligible for the training?Veterinary nurse training is very much hands on, that is, much of the training is workplace based. Although Box Hill Institute has a training workplace – veterinary clinic – attendance at clinic days is limited and so it would not be possible to gain competency without your own employment. Can I go on to further studies?Students who have finished the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and are working in a specialist veterinary clinic in Victoria can enrol in the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing in one of the following streams: The diploma costs between $500 and $600 for Victorian students; for interstate students, the diploma costs between $1,300 and $1,600; for overseas students the diploma costs between $1,600 and $2,000 AUD. The course runs part time over one to two years for off-campus students only. Am I eligible for a traineeship or apprenticeship?Traineeships are offered in veterinary nursing. If you do not have a tertiary qualification you may still be eligible. You need to be working a minimum of 15 hours/week in a veterinary clinic and your employer must support your application. There is no age limit. The Australian Apprenticeship Centre can determine your eligibility. Contact the Australian Apprenticeship Centre on 9286 9694. Do I have to attend Box Hill Institute?Veterinary nurse training is offered on campus and off campus. On-campus students attend Box Hill Institute one day a week; off-campus students work at their own pace and do not need to attend the Institute. Overseas students can become off-campus students and are advised to complete a Certificate II in Animal Studies prior to commencing the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. How much does the course cost?The cost of enrolment and materials for the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is approximately $2000, spread over 2 years for Victorian students , $4000+ for interstate students and $5000+ for overseas students. Reference texts, materials costs and workplace visits costs may be additional to these costs. How do I apply?The application forms for the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing are below: Applications for on-campus studies close for January/February intake in mid-December. Applications for on-campus studies close for July intake in mid-June. For off-campus studies no application dates apply; you can start your off-campus studies as soon as you begin your employment at a vet clinic. If you want to start with a Certificate II in Animal Studies on-campus, see general enquiries and contacts below. If you are interstate or overseas, complete the application below for off-campus studies: General enquiries and contactsMs Audith Hendricks
Tel: (03) 8892 2056
Email: Ms Audith Hendricks Dr Susan Maastricht
Tel: (03) 8892 2067
Email: Dr Susan Maastricht Specific enquiries and contactsOn-campus students Ms Patti Mulhall
Tel: (03) 8892 2075
Email: Ms Patti Mulhall Off-campus students: Victorian and interstateMs Erin Robb
Tel: (03) 8892 2058
Email: Ms Erin Robb Off-campus students: OverseasDr Trish Stewart
Tel: +61 3 8892 2088
Email: Dr Trish Stewart TraineeshipsDr Paul Fitz-Gerald
Tel: (03) 8892 2076
Email: Dr Paul Fitz-Gerald |
