courses/

ACM20121 - Certificate II in Animal Care

DurationThere are multiple durations. Please refer to Course Structure below.
Location
Online and
Next intakeOctober, 2023
Study modeOnline
Total units12
Low-Fee course for eligible applicants.

Overview

Is the animal kingdom your preferred habitat? The Certificate II in Animal Care is an ideal entry point into the animal care and management industry.

This qualification describes the skills and knowledge for entry level and support roles in the animal care and management industry, where workers provide care for animals in workplaces such as animal shelters, boarding/day care facilities, sanctuaries and veterinary clinics. The work activities are routine, performed under supervision and within clearly defined guidelines.



This is a nationally recognised accredited course.

QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.

A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.

A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.

A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.

A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.

Career Opportunities

Students completing ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care can enter the workforce in a supervised role as a Kennel Hand, Pet Shop Assistant, Animal Attendant or similar role

Structure & Availability

Standard Course

Duration:

12 months (example: Commencing February each year - Completing by February the following year / Commence July each year - Completing by July following year)


Cluster One - Introduction to the Animal Care Work Environment

Unit CodeUnit Name
BSBCMM211Apply communication skills
ACMWHS201Participate in workplace health and safety processes
ACMGEN201Work in the animal care industry

Cluster Two - Introduction to Animal Husbandry

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMGEN202Complete animal care hygiene routines
ACMGEN203Feed and water animals
ACMGEN204Assist in health care of animals

Cluster Three - Introduction to Customer Experience and Sustainability

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMGEN205Source and provide information for animal care needs
BSBOPS203Deliver a service to customers
ACMSUS201Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

Cluster Four - Intermediate Animal Knowledge and First Aid

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMGEN314Identify Animal Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Care Work
ACMSPE320Provide general care of mammals
ACMGEN309Provide basic animal first aid

Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 11 only

Duration:

12 months (example: Commencing February each year  - Completing by February the following year / Commence July each year - Completing by July following year)


Cluster One - Introduction to the Animal Care Work Environment

Unit CodeUnit Name
BSBCMM211Apply communication skills
ACMWHS201Participate in workplace health and safety processes
ACMGEN201Work in the animal care industry

Cluster Two - Introduction to Animal Husbandry

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMGEN202Complete animal care hygiene routines
ACMGEN203Feed and water animals
ACMGEN204Assist in health care of animals

Cluster Three - Introduction to Customer Experience and Sustainability

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMGEN205Source and provide information for animal care needs
BSBOPS203Deliver a service to customers
ACMSUS201Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

Cluster Four - Intermediate Animal Knowledge and First Aid

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMGEN314Identify Animal Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Care Work
ACMSPE320Provide general care of mammals
ACMGEN309Provide basic animal first aid

Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 12 only

Duration:

12 months (example: Commencing February each year - Completing by February the following year / Commence July each year - Completing by July following year)

Important: Year 12 students, should not undertake this course for QCE points as the duration of the course exceeds the school year learning period.


Cluster One - Introduction to the Animal Care Work Environment

Unit CodeUnit Name
BSBCMM211Apply communication skills
ACMWHS201Participate in workplace health and safety processes
ACMGEN201Work in the animal care industry

Cluster Two - Introduction to Animal Husbandry

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMGEN202Complete animal care hygiene routines
ACMGEN203Feed and water animals
ACMGEN204Assist in health care of animals

Cluster Three - Introduction to Customer Experience and Sustainability

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMGEN205Source and provide information for animal care needs
BSBOPS203Deliver a service to customers
ACMSUS201Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

Cluster Four - Intermediate Animal Knowledge and First Aid

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMGEN314Identify Animal Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Care Work
ACMSPE320Provide general care of mammals
ACMGEN309Provide basic animal first aid

Trainee Course Structure

IntakeLocations
February, 2023Online
March, 2023Online
April, 2023Online
May, 2023Online
June, 2023Online
July, 2023Online
August, 2023Online
September, 2023Online
October, 2023Online
November, 2023Online
February, 2024Online
March, 2024Online
April, 2024Online
May, 2024Online
June, 2024Online
July, 2024Online
August, 2024Online
September, 2024Online
October, 2024Online
November, 2024Online
December, 2024Online

Standard Course Structure

IntakeLocations
February, 2023Online
July, 2023Online

Start TAFE Now (STN - High School)

IntakeLocations
February, 2023Online
July, 2023Online

RPL Course Structure

IntakeLocations
FY, 2023Rockhampton, RPL/RCC/Credit

Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 12 only

IntakeLocations
February, 2024Online

Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 11 only

IntakeLocations
February, 2024Online
July, 2024Online

This course has no residential schools.

  • Students who are not already working in the industry will be required to undertake work experience to complete their practical assessment. Co-assessment with a supervisor is required.

Requirements

There are no current Training Package entry requirements into this qualification, however, CQUniversity does require students to provide a signed Vocational Placement Agreement as part of the application process.

CQUniversity entry requirements:

• Prior to admission, students are to engage with their local area Animal Industry Care providers to find suitable work placement

• Important information related to Vocational Placement can be found in this document link Vocational Placement Host Employer Pack

• As part of the application process, students must upload a copy of the signed Vocational Placement Agreement (see linked document above, pages 7 and 8)

Students are also required to:

• Complete the bksb (Basic key Skills Builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment unless they have completed an equal or higher-level course.

• Have reasonable reading and writing skills, as well as basic numeracy skills to complete workbooks, assignments, learning activities and assessment tasks.

• Access a computer / tablet / smartphone with internet access, camera, microphone and speakers.

• Access Microsoft Teams, to attend weekly Microsoft Team tutorials.

• Use Microsoft Teams for online assessment components.

• Handle live animals and require a reasonable level of physical fitness to be able to complete the practical components of the course.

Please note: Students may be exposed to injured/deceased animals in photo and video footage during the online learning and may be required to handle them during their work placement.

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative Fees

Fee TypeFees
Fee for service$3,552
Fee for service per unit$296
TAFE Priority Skills Fund/Training Program fee per unit$15.20
Co-Contribution Fee$888
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee$216
Co-Contribution Fee per unit$74
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee per unit$18

2024 Indicative Fees

Fee TypeFees
Fee for service$3,732
Fee for service per unit$311
TAFE Priority Skills Fund/Training Program fee per unit$5
Co-Contribution Fee$948
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee$252
Co-Contribution Fee per unit$79
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee per unit$21

Please refer to the VET student fees price lists, eligibility criteria applies for subsidised funding.

For high school students you may be eligible for the Queensland Government’s VET in Schools (VETiS) program which is fee-free. Course specific costs may be applicable, an example would be high vis clothes and safety boots for trade courses.

If you are unsure, please call us on 13 27 86.

At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and stipends.

Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more.

How to apply

Step 1: Get a Unique Student Identifier (USI)

Visit usi.gov.au to create a USI or find an existing one.

Step 2: Prepare your eligibility documentation

So that we can assess your application and eligibility for Government funding options, you’ll need to upload documentation as part of your application. This includes proof of your:

  • Queensland Residency and Date of Birth. (e.g. Queensland Driver’s License photo must be of the back and front of the license)
  • Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency (e.g. Medicare Card or Birth Certificate)

For further information on eligible documentation, visit Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.

To fast-track your application, make sure you provide a clear photo showing all the information and upload it with your application.

Step 3: Start TAFE Now Application Documents

If you are applying via our Start TAFE Now Program you will need to ensure you attached the following documents to your application:

Step 4: Apply Online

Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way, call us on 13 27 86.

Click on the Apply button below to start your application.

Apply Now