HomeCoursesVeterinary studiesCertificate IV
Certificate IV · national qualification
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
A veterinary nurse works under the supervision of a registered vet, nursing animals through illness and surgery and helping owners keep them healthy.
- How long it takes
- 18 to 24 months
- full time at TAFE NSW
- What it costs
- From $2,770
- Subsidised at TAFE NSW, full fee up to $21,708
- How you can study
- Online or on campus
- Includes a work placement
- Taught by
- 18 providers
- Every state and territory
Is this course right for you?
What the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing asks of you, and what you might want to check first.
It helps to have
- a genuine care for animals and their wellbeing
- good communication skills with clients and colleagues
- an interest in anatomy, surgery and clinical care
- the ability to stay calm and organised under pressure
Before you start
Entry into this qualification is open to individuals who: hold a Certificate II in Animal Studies OR hold a relevant Certificate III or higher level qualification in an animal science discipline OR can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline to any of the above qualifications. Refer to the Companion Volume Implementation Guide for details.
Where this course can take you
The study that can follow this course.
If you study further
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
Leads to work as a, median pay $125,500.
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, and “In demand” means the job is on the national shortage list.
What it costs
Subsidised place
From $2,770
at TAFE NSW. Whether you get a subsidised place depends on your state, residency, age and earlier study.
Paying the full fee
$12,075 to $21,708
across the TAFEs listed below. Private providers set their own fees.
| TAFE | State | Subsidised | Concession | Full fee | How long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAFE NSW | NSW | $2,770 | $240 | $14,710 | 18 to 24 months |
| GOTAFE | VIC | $7,638 | $1,528 | $21,708 | |
| The Gordon | VIC | $6,102 | $1,226 | $18,940 | |
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | $6,955 | $5,420 | $12,075 |
TAFE NSWNSW
- Subsidised
- $2,770
- Concession
- $240
- Full fee
- $14,710
- How long
- 18 to 24 months
GOTAFEVIC
- Subsidised
- $7,638
- Concession
- $1,528
- Full fee
- $21,708
The GordonVIC
- Subsidised
- $6,102
- Concession
- $1,226
- Full fee
- $18,940
TAFE QueenslandQLD
- Subsidised
- $6,955
- Concession
- $5,420
- Full fee
- $12,075
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, read 20 September 2026. Private providers set their own fees.
Where you can study this course
There are 18 places you can study this course. When you compare them, check they teach it the way you want to study, how far you'd be from a campus, what it will cost you and what past students say about the teaching and support. They're listed by how often people search for them, and none of them pays to be here or to move up.
- Website for Melbourne Polytechnic (opens in a new tab)
Melbourne Polytechnic
13 campuses, VIC
3.7from 485 Google reviews
What students like
- Some teachers are supportive and go out of their way
- Student services offer understanding and compassion
What to weigh up
- Messages to staff can go unanswered
- Enrolment mistakes can take time to fix
- Course page for TAFE NSW (opens in a new tab)
TAFE NSW
13 campuses, NSW
4.0from 2,410 Google reviews
- How you study
- Online or on campus
- How long
- 18 to 24 months
- Fee
- From $2,770 subsidised
What students like
- Teachers are supportive and ready to help
- Staff are helpful and friendly
- Course content is practical and industry relevant
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Some find front desk staff less helpful
- Website for Charles Darwin University (opens in a new tab)
Charles Darwin University
12 campuses, NSW, NT
4.2from 619 Google reviews
What students like
- Admin and support staff are helpful
What to weigh up
- Units vary depending on the lecturer
- Feedback on assessments can vary
- Website for TAFE Gippsland (opens in a new tab)
TAFE Gippsland
11 campuses, VIC
3.9from 113 Google reviews
- Course page for TAFE Queensland (opens in a new tab)
TAFE Queensland
4 campuses, QLD
4.1from 2,040 Google reviews
- How you study
- Online or on campus
- Fee
- From $6,955 subsidised
What students like
- Teachers are helpful and supportive
What to weigh up
- Poor communication from admin
- Website for TAFE SA (opens in a new tab)
TAFE SA
26 campuses, SA
4.4from 1,339 Google reviews
What students like
- Lecturers are nice and helpful
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Course information can be unclear
- Website for Box Hill Institute (opens in a new tab)
Box Hill Institute
4 campuses, VIC
3.0from 372 Google reviews
What students like
- Teachers are friendly and supportive
- Course content is practical and relevant
What to weigh up
- Admin replies can be slow
- Course organisation can be inconsistent
- Course page for The Gordon (opens in a new tab)
The Gordon
2 campuses, VIC
4.0from 168 Google reviews
- Fee
- From $6,102 subsidised
What students like
- Teaching staff are supportive and highly professional
- Staff are friendly and helpful
What to weigh up
- Courses can feel loosely organised
What you’ll learn
21 units: 17 that everyone takes and 4 you choose.
- Animal anatomy and physiology
- Infection control procedures
- Surgical nursing routines
- Anaesthesia and pain monitoring
- Clinical pathology tests
- Veterinary dental nursing
See all 17 core units
Core units
Everyone completes these. Select a unit to see what it covers.
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Questions to ask before you enrol
Providers run this course differently, so the answers change from one to the next.
- When is the next intake, and how many are there each year?
- What is the total cost, including materials, checks and any placement costs?
- Can I study part time or online, and how does that change the length?
- Who arranges the work placement, and how many hours does it involve?
- Do the units count towards a higher qualification if I go on to study further?
Questions people ask
Who is this qualification for?
It prepares you to work as a veterinary nurse or veterinary technologist. You will nurse animals under the supervision of a registered vet, assist with medical and surgical procedures, and support clients in keeping their animals healthy.
Do I need experience or other qualifications first?
Entry is open to individuals who hold a Certificate II in Animal Studies, hold a relevant Certificate III or higher in an animal science discipline, or can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge. Individual providers can set their own conditions, so check with the provider you choose.
Is a licence, registration or check required to work in this area?
The scope of practice for veterinary nurses is determined by state and territory legislative and regulatory requirements. You should refer to the relevant legislation and regulations for your state or territory.