Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services ACM40310

About this course

The Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services program offered by the Animal Industries Resource Centre through Open Colleges will give you a nationally recognised qualification and high quality training in companion animal services and care.

Completing this certificate IV course will give you specialised skills and knowledge in animal services. You will develop the skills required for hands-on animal care and learn how to manage teams and small businesses that specialise in animal and pet services.

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Eligibility

Applicants must also meet the criteria to be eligible for this program:

• Have completed Year 10 or equivalent

OR

• Have a relevant qualification

OR

• Have relevant vocational experience.

AND

• Be at least 16 years of age.

Practical work placement

The Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services includes a practical work placement component to ensure that you graduate job-ready, with a strong mix of practical work experience and academic foundation. The requirements of this course include 140 hours of paid employment or work experience in a companion animal workplace (veterinary practice, animal welfare organisation, pet shop, kennel or cattery).

The workplace must also provide an industry experienced mentor (with at least three years of professional experience) to supervise and guide you. You must be able to access animals and the equipment required to complete your electives, and this might involve completing your work placement at more than one organisation.

Areas of study

In this online animal services program, the subjects you’ll study include:

Core units:

• Manage compliance in the companion animal industry
• Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
• Maintain occupational health and safety processes

Electives:

• Manage and maintain aviaries and bird rooms
• Design, construct and maintain aquascapes
• Develop enrichment strategies for companion animals
• Provide training advice to companion animal owners
• Conduct companion animal training classes
• Provide basic care of birds
• Provide basic care of common native mammals
• Provide basic care of dogs
• Provide basic care of domestic cats
• Provide basic care of freshwater fish
• Provide basic care of mammals
• Provide basic care of rodents and rabbits
• Market the small business
• Monitor and manage small business operations
• Manage a small team
• Manage merchandise and store presentation

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Want more information about this course? Fill out the enquiry form to the right and a study consultant will contact you with the details you need.

Finance options

Various payment plans are available – enquire for more information.

Student support

As a student of Open Colleges, you will have access to a range of student and administrative support options. Your course trainers are available via email, messaging and through your online course forums in OpenSpace. You will also have access to help with study skills such as time management, essay writing and referencing.

Access to an experienced trainer will also give you the support you need to become a skilled animal carer.

Get more information

Want more information about financial and student support? Fill out the enquiry form to the right and a study consultant will contact you with the details you need.

How will this course advance my career?

This online animal care and services course will not only equip you with companion animal care skills, but will also give you training in how to manage a small business. With this qualification under your belt, you can work in a variety of animal services and pets contexts.

How else will I benefit from this certificate?

• Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a nationally recognised, accredited Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services ACM30410 from the Animal Industries Resource Centre through Open Colleges.
• Studying by distance means you can study when and where you want, at your own pace.
• Receive career-focused training with practical workplace experience.
• The Animal Industries Resource Centre has a reputation for excellence in education and animal care practice development.

Get more information

Want more information about the career benefits of this course? Fill out the enquiry form to the right and a study consultant will contact you with the details you need.