Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Assistance and Animal First Aid
Be ready to help when an animal is unwell.
Animal health, disease and first aid
The Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Assistance and Animal First Aid gives you a sound foundation in animal health, whether you work on a farm, in a veterinary clinic or in a wildlife park. You'll learn to recognise signs of illness, give first aid and understand preventative and routine health care.
An animal diseases module explains how animals are examined and diagnosed. It covers viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, metabolic, nutritional and inherited conditions, as well as poisoning. Clinic roles often prefer or require a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. This course is useful preparation.
What you will cover
- Signs of ill health and common health problems
- Animal first aid
- Preventative and routine health care
- Animal examination and diagnostic testing
- Viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic conditions
- Metabolic, nutritional and inherited conditions
2 modules, 22 lessons
Lessons are made up of reading, videos and step-by-step tutorials, with a self-assessment quiz after each lesson and written assignments marked on competency.
1Animal Health Care
12 lessons
- Introduction to Animal Health Care
- Common Health Problems
- Animal Behaviour
- Signs of Ill-Health
- Veterinary Facilities
- Safety Procedures
- Administration of Animal Health
- Animal First Aid
- Preventative Health Care
- Routine Treatments
- Health Problems in Domestic Pets
- Rehabilitation Care
2Animal Diseases
10 lessons
- Scope and nature of animal disease – learn how an examination is conducted, what information is collected and how samples are taken.
- Diagnostic Testing – understand the information used in diagnostic testing and learn about different diagnostic tests used by veterinarians
- Viruses
- Bacterial and Fungal conditions
- Parasitological conditions – Protozoa, Helminths and Arthropods
- Metabolic and Nutritional Conditions
- Poisoning
- Inherited Conditions (Genetic Disorders)
- Other Conditions and Disorders
- Problem-based Learning (PBL) Project
Where this course can take you
This certificate opens up the gateway for you to seek employment in various businesses, some career outcomes may require further training and /or qualifications.
Some roles need further training or qualifications, such as Police vetting or Children's Act safety checks. Courses4me does not guarantee employment.
Self-paced, with a tutor behind you
Study when you have time and when you are motivated. The course takes about 200 hours from start to finish; most students graduate within 12 months.
Lessons are made up of reading, videos and step-by-step tutorials, so every kind of learner stays engaged.
Enrolling is made simple via our online enrolment form, if you'd prefer you can also enrol over the phone with our team on +64 800 600 548.
You receive an orientation call when you start, then an assigned tutor marks your assignments for the rest of the course.
Multiple-choice self-assessments after each lesson (unlimited attempts) and written assignments marked on competency, with resubmissions.
Receive a hard and digital copy of your certificate and transcript, plus our job-ready program for graduates.
Choose how you pay
Pay upfront and save $500, or start now with an interest-free plan, paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Payment plans need a New Zealand bank account.
Courses4me does not receive government funding. If you are applying for payment assistance, ask us for a Confirmation of Enrolment. On a payment plan, your certificate is released once the plan is paid in full.
$1,960 $1,460 NZD
One payment, full access straight away.
- Credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay
- Logins within 24 hours
- Best total price
$18.85 / week NZD
Interest-free, $1,960 NZD in total. Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly:
- 12 months $37.69/wk · $75.38/fn · $163.33/mo
- 24 months $18.85/wk · $37.69/fn · $81.67/mo
Is Courses4me accredited?
Yes. All of our courses are endorsed by the IARC (www.iarcedu.com) and accredited by ICOES (www.icoes.org). ICOES has an independent board of management and an Advisory Board of independent professors who developed the Accreditation Standards used for the annual review of accredited course providers.
Courses4me is a private education company. It is not a Registered Training Organisation, and its courses are not NZQA-registered qualifications. What this means
Get the course guide by email
Module outline, study plan and payment options for this course.
How long does the Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Assistance and Animal First Aid take?
It takes about 200 hours from start to finish. The course is self-paced with no due dates; most students graduate within 12 months, and you have unlimited access.
Do I need any qualifications to enrol?
No. No prior qualifications or prerequisites are needed, and you do not need to have finished high school. All you need is a computer, laptop or tablet. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must give written permission and act as financial sponsor.
How much does the course cost?
You can pay $1,460 NZD upfront (save $500), or choose an interest-free payment plan totalling $1,960 NZD. Plan options: 12 months: $37.69 a week, $75.38 a fortnight or $163.33 a month; 24 months: $18.85 a week, $37.69 a fortnight or $81.67 a month. Payment plans need a New Zealand bank account.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
Completely online. Lessons are made up of reading, videos and step-by-step tutorials. Each lesson has a multiple-choice self-assessment you can retake, and written assignments are marked on competency with tutor support and resubmissions.
When can I start?
Intake is open now. Enrol with our simple online enrolment form (or over the phone on +64 800 600 548), and you have access to your course the very next day.
What jobs can this course lead to?
Graduates commonly look at roles such as pet rehabilitator, pet shop staff, animal trainer, animal welfare officer, vet assistant. Some career outcomes may require further training or qualifications, and Courses4me does not guarantee employment.
Is the course accredited?
All Courses4me courses are accredited by ICOES and endorsed by IARC. Courses4me is a private education company. It is not a Registered Training Organisation, and its courses are not NZQA-registered qualifications.
Can I change my mind after enrolling?
Yes, within the 3-day cooling-off period (weekends and public holidays included): call +64 800 600 548 or email support@courses4me.com.au. Requests after the cooling-off period cannot be actioned.
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