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Certificate III in Companion Animal Services

National Code: RUV30304
Centre: Biotechnology and Animal Sciences
Location: Elgar Campus
Enquiries: 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445)
Email: courseinfo@bhtafe.edu.au
Study Area: Animal Studies
Study Area Sub Category: Companion Animals


Jump to: Units of Competency |

What does this course involve?

This course will give you the recognised industry qualification to work within a companion animal organisation.

You will learn to provide daily care for animals through feeding, maintaining hygiene, preparing housing and grooming.

You will also gain essential communication skills, learn to provide information on products and services, and follow Occupational Health and Safety procedures in an animal care environment.

You will also undertake a four-week work placement at the RSPCA’s main veterinary clinic in Burwood East.

What employment opportunities will I have?

This course may provide you with employment opportunities in pet retail shops, mobile pet grooming, pet boarding facilities, retail aquariums, animal rescue centres, animal training facilities or welfare organisations.


As a student, the Institute’s Employment Service is your first port of call for advice on gaining employment in this field, and can be contacted on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

Accreditation

Nationally Recognised

What further study options will I have?

On completion of this course you may be eligible to continue on and study:

  • Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (Specialising in Pet Grooming) if employed in the pet grooming industry
  • Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing if employed in a veterinary clinic

Can I apply?

  • You must be 16 years or over (or mature age)
  • You must have successfully completed Year 10, or equivalent
  • Applicants with relevant experience either paid or voluntary in the animal care industry will be given preference

How do I apply?

  • Direct Entry

*Supplementary requirements to the application process apply:


    • Applications are taken in October/November each year.

If you have any queries, please contact the Institute on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

How will I be selected for this course?

  • Individual Interview
  • An Information Session will be held, details to be advised.

Length of course

Part time - 1 year (2 days per week)

Where will I study?

Elgar Campus

What costs and other fees should I expect?

Government Funded
This course attracts Victorian Government funding. For information about Fees and Charges please click here. This qualification may also be provided on a fee for service basis to industry.

How will I be assessed?

  • Oral presentation
  • Written assessment
  • Practical assessment
  • Project work
  • Workplace assessment

Will my previous experience or study count?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) takes into account the knowledge and skills you’ve already gained through your previous education and work. This may be through formal or informal training, paid or unpaid work experience, and can earn you credit if relevant to your chosen course.


All fees quoted are the 2009 calendar year indicative fees and are correct at the time of print. In subsequent calendar years, fees may be subject to a small increase in line with annual Institute fee pricing reviews. This qualification may have prerequisites, co-requisite or bridging units from lower or higher level qualifications. For further clarification please seek advice from the Institute.

Units of Competency

Core

RUV2101A Work in the animal care industry 20 hr
RUV2102A Follow occupational health and safety procedures in an animal care environment 40 hr
RUV2103A Assist with general animal care 80 hr
RUV2104A Provide food and water for animals 30 hr
RUV2105A Participate in workplace communications 20 hr
RUV2107A Provide basic first aid for animals 30 hr
RUV3101A Carry out workplace OHS procedures 50 hr
RUV3503A Work effectively in the companion animal industry 40 hr
RUV3504A Monitor and maintain health of companion animals 60 hr

Electives - select 7 from the following:

PSPPM401A Develop a project 65 hr
RUV2601A Carry out veterinary reception duties 30 hr
RUV3501A Provide advice on companion animal selection and general care 50 hr
RUV3502A Provide advice on selection and care of aquatic animals 30 hr
RUV3505A Provide enrichment for companion animals 30 hr
RUV3506A Capture, handle and transport companion animals 30 hr
RUV3507A Carry out companion animal breeding procedure 50 hr
RUV3508A Prepare companion animal diets and monitor feeding 40 hr
RUV3509A Maintain aquascapes and aquatic animals 30 hr
RUV4510A Provide companion animal hydro-bathing services 80 hr


Enquire about this course