What does this course involve?
This course will give you the skills and knowledge to work as an animal technician in a scientific facility using animals for research and teaching.
You will learn:
- routine husbandry procedures for the maintenance of health and breeding of colonies of research animals
- common procedures used to prevent entrance of microbial pathogens to colonies of research animals
- skills and knowledge to monitor animals for signs of ill health and sampling methods used to detect the presence of diseases in a colony of animals
- skills and knowledge to monitor animals during anaesthesia and surgery
- compliance with relevant legislation and codes of practice controlling the use of animals for scientific purposes.
The course is directed at developing an empathic understanding of animals and the development of skills and knowledge that enables animals to be handled gently and calmly, ultimately to ensure the well being of all animals used for scientific purposes.
What employment opportunities will I have?
This course will principally provide you with the opportunity to be employed as an animal technician at an animal research or breeding facility associated with major research institutes, hospitals and universities. The course will also provide the employability skills required in other animal related industries e.g. animal welfare, animal pounds and shelters, veterinary nursing, pet shops, animal boarding facilities and captive animals.
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?
You may wish to progress into related courses at higher education providers.
Can I apply?
- You must have successfully completed Year 12
- You must have a current tetanus vaccination
- Preference is given to students with passes in Year 12 mathematics, chemistry or biology
How do I apply?
Current Year 12 applicants:
- To apply for a full time position in this course you must use the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) process. Details of the VTAC application process are at www.vtac.edu.au and in the VTAC Guide, which is available from leading newsagents and libraries from August. If the Institute still has vacancies after the VTAC places have been offered, you will be able to apply directly to the Institute.
Mature age applicants:
*Supplementary requirements to the application process apply:
- Mature age students must contact Box Hill Institute for an application form and will be contacted for an interview in October/November
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
- Assessment of Application
- Assessment of Application (VTAC)
Length of course
Full time for the first year and subsequent year's part time
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.
Click here to learn about scholarships that may be relevant to this course.
How will I be assessed?
- Oral presentation
- Written assessment
- Practical assessment
- Project work
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.