Associate Degree of Veterinary Nursing

Melbourne Polytechnic, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

About this program

Go from classroom to clinic with a Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing and Technology:
Launch your career in animal care with our cutting-edge Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing and Technology, the first qualification of its kind in Australia.
Delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic in partnership with La Trobe University, this hands-on program produces highly skilled clinicians ready to enter the growing veterinary nurse and technologist workforce.

Cost & duration

Duration2 yr

Tuition (international)A$24,000

Application feeA$0

English test scores

IELTS6 overall

PTE50 overall

Verified Aug 18, 2026melbournepolytechnic.edu.au ↗

Course structure

40 terms of coursework

Credit points are a basic measure of student workload. All subjects are given a credit point value. Most subjects at Melbourne Polytechnic are 12 credit points. A normal full-time annual workload is 96 credit points. The academic year is divided into two main semesters
full-time students usually enrol in 48 credit points each semester, part-time students usually enrol in 24 credit points each semester or less

Foundation Studies For Veterinary Nursing

This subject is designed to enhance a range of foundation academic skills for tertiary study
including academic literacy
referencing techniques
information literacy
scientific literacy and numeracy
so that key threshold concepts are achieved by subject completion. Students will develop and apply a range of academic skills designed to ensure they have the skills required to succeed in an academic environment. Students are introduced to the concept of an evidence based scientific approach
and its application from the perspective of a student and veterinary nurse. Through a work integrated learning (WIL) context
students will be exposed to veterinary nursing applied concepts in mathematics
chemistry and biology. Students will discuss
reflect upon and evaluate the use of evidence-based practice during their placement in the veterinary hospital under the guidance of the academic supervisory staff

Veterinary Clinical Perspectives: Animal Form
Function And Health A

This subject integrates functional animal anatomy and physiology with its intimate relationship with an animal' state of health. Students undertake and/or observe some dissections
and practice safe tissue and instrument handling. A range of common health related case studies are examined for each body system. Knowledge of common breed anatomical abnormalities and their physiological
health and welfare implications are embedded into the case study learning approach. Safe animal handling is included in this subject
ensuring students learn and practice how to safely handle and restrain a range of common animal species before they undertake placement. Work integrated learning (WIL) is included in this subject
allowing students to apply their class based learning to real life contexts with veterinary teams. Students will participate in assessing
running diagnostic tests and nursing patients during placement. This subject is a pre-requisite for Animal Form
Function and Health B

Animal Care And Management

This subject introduces you to the care and management of a range of common animal species. Subject content includes animal husbandry in companion animals and a range of other common species. The areas of nutrition
behaviour
and preventative health care of dogs and cats are covered consistent with the requirements of veterinary nursing practice. You will consider the importance and application of professional codes
animal welfare legislation
animal ethics
the human-animal bond
cultural context and genetics within the veterinary nursing context. You are also introduced to the important role of the veterinary nurse in educating and guiding clients in the care of their animals. During the work integrated learning placement
you will assist with the care and management of animal patients

Introduction To Veterinary Nursing Practice

This subject introduces students to the various roles of a veterinary nurse
other veterinary team members
and their roles and interactions in a veterinary context. Students are also introduced to the different areas of a veterinary hospital/clinic and their layout. The veterinary nurse's role in working with animals
owners
team members
facilities
equipment and supplies within a business environment will be examined. The subject is designed to allow students to begin to develop and practice a wide range of veterinary nursing technical skills required by practicing veterinary nurses. The students are introduced to the important role of reflective practice and develop this approach through the use of a weekly reflective journal. Students participate in regular laboratory workshops which introduce a number of clinical skills required in veterinary nursing practice
which are practiced further during work integrated learning placements. Students further develop their understanding of a veterinary nurse's role
including legal
ethical and work
health and safety (WHS) responsibilities

Communication For The Veterinary Team

This subject introduces students to effective human communication techniques
strategies and their application in a veterinary and global context. Students will learn personal cognitive and coping skills to help them appropriately respond to a range of authentic professional workplace situations in a professional
ethical
caring and empathetic manner. The role of communication in supporting the wellness of all stakeholders in veterinary care is considered. Students will practice and critically review communication methods through the extensive use of role play scenarios
including the development of skills to interact sensitively and effectively with a range of people and in diverse cultural contexts. During placement
students will observe and
under supervision
begin to assist with a broad range of veterinary team communication requirements including
for example
client consultations
patient handover rounds
and patient record keeping. Students will also learn personal cognitive and coping skills to help them appropriately respond to a range of authentic professional workplace situations in a professional
ethical
caring and empathetic manner so that students play an active role in their own professional responsibility and employment satisfaction

Veterinary Clinical Perspectives: Animal Form
Function And Health B

This subject builds on learning in Animal Form
Function and Health A with a continued examination of the functional anatomy and physiology of body systems. Topic areas
including fluid regulation and thermoregulation
will also be introduced where students will integrate the body systems into a whole animal perspective. Case studies will be used to explain an animal's overall physiological response to a number of diseases
and to assist students to further develop their collaborative problem solving skills. Through their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement
students will continue to assist with the care and management of animal patients
including assisting within veterinary teams to assess
undertake diagnostic tests and nurse patients. The WIL placement will enable students to see the relevance of the subject to real-world veterinary practice

Applied Veterinary Nursing Practice A

In this subject
students will develop and practice a wide range of nursing and technical skills required by practicing veterinary nurses. Students' applied learning will be undertaken in a controlled laboratory environment. Nursing approaches taught include: an examination of the nursing process
models
plans
and protocols
and their application in practical veterinary nursing. Students will begin to learn skills required within emergency nursing and ICU areas. Students will consider ways in which a sustainable veterinary practice can be achieved and maintained. The concepts of peer education and peer review will be taught
and students will be guided through their approach to these. Through their work integrated learning (WIL) placement
students will work in a veterinary hospital with an experienced veterinary nurse to further practice and develop a range of level appropriate veterinary clinical skills. During their weekly workshop
students will be guided in how to prepare themselves to gain employment in veterinary nursing
and will be encouraged develop their resume and apply for trainee positions

Indigenous Cultural Literacy For Higher Education

Wominjeka La Trobe is a short one-hour compulsory online subject that introduces all La Trobe students to Indigenous Australian history
culture and customs. A rich and relevant cultural heritage education is important for everyone. This topic highlights the link between Indigenous knowledge and values and broader cultural literacy. It asks you to think critically about your own attitudes
values and beliefs

Veterinary Nursing And Animal Disease

In this subject
you will gain an understanding of disease processes
including common infectious and non-infectious animal disease categories
from a veterinary nursing perspective. You will be taken through the process of animal disease management
including aetiology
investigation
treatment
management and prevention. Students will also acquire skills in performing a range of common clinical pathology tests. You will apply the theory learnt in this subject via their work integrated learning placement

Diagnostic Imaging And Anaesthesia

This subject examines the applied science of imaging
anaesthesia and pain control and it teaches students how to integrate theory with practice. This subject also examines the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a range of common veterinary pharmaceuticals. Students refine these clinical skills through simulated settings and work integrated learning placements. During placement
students will participate in a surgical operating theatre
so that anaesthetic induction
maintenance and recovery of animals can be observed and skills applied. Under supervision of the veterinary team
students will assess the pain levels of medical and surgical patients
as well as assist with imaging procedures
such as radiology and ultrasonography
on a range of veterinary cases

Veterinary Practice Management

In this subject
you will explore essential leadership principles and sustainable practices within the veterinary nursing profession. Emphasis will be placed on developing leadership skills
understanding how relevant legislation influences managerial and clinical decision-making
and implementing sustainable practices in veterinary settings. During on campus workshops
you will apply theoretical concepts in simulated classroom scenarios. You will learn how to assist with stock management
care and maintenance of physical resources
and will understand the financial and practice management aspects associated with the provision of veterinary care and running a sustainable veterinary business. You will also learn advanced professional communication techniques
including conflict resolution methods
to enhance your leadership capabilities and contribute to the overall sustainability of the veterinary nursing profession

Applied Veterinary Nursing Practice B

In this subject
students will deepen their skills
knowledge and application in a range of key areas associated with independent paraprofessional practice in veterinary nursing. Key areas taught include: nursing care plans
the nutrition of unwell patients
professional client communication
client service and career preparation. During their work integrated learning placement
students will be supported by an experienced veterinary team as they develop a range of core veterinary nursing skills with a view to practicing autonomously. Students will develop deeper professional judgement and the ability to manage more complex professional situations

Evidence Based Practice For Veterinary Nurses

In this subject students will further develop their knowledge and application of research and scholarship in a veterinary nursing context. Students are introduced to basic quantitative and qualitative research methods and the concept of validity assessment via basic statistics. This subject teaches students how to search veterinary nursing databases to find relevant published peer reviewed literature
which they then critically assess. Students are supported to further develop their writing skills either through the task of writing a critical literature review
or preparing a case study at a level suitable for publication in a veterinary nursing journal

Introduction to Advanced Veterinary Nursing

In this subject
students will consolidate the skills they have learnt in previous Veterinary Nursing Practice subjects
as well as being introduced to advanced veterinary nursing knowledge and skills. This introduction will help students to prepare for the advanced veterinary nursing skills which they will learn during third year. Students will become proficient in a range of progressively more complex and demanding veterinary nursing skill requirements. Veterinary nursing skills to be learnt and applied at an introductory advanced level include: emergency and critical care
surgical nursing and care for complex medical cases such as caring for the neurological patient and adopting a holistic animal nursing approach. Students will use an evidence-based and reflective approach to solve problems and to plan for best practice with all aspects of patient care. Through their work integrated learning placement
students will integrate their theoretical knowledge with practice
ensure their proficiency in basic veterinary nursing competencies
and gain introductory exposure to advanced veterinary nursing skills

The Practicing Veterinary Nurse

In this subject
students will undertake an extensive work integrated learning placement
in the form of internships in a number of workplaces. This subject is designed to ensure that students will be ready for practice at the Associate Degree level for a Veterinary Nurse. Topics covered include: reflective practice
employment seeking
preparing for an interview
and registration. Students will continue to apply their theoretical nursing knowledge throughout their placement to refine their clinical skills in veterinary nursing practice

Advanced Equine Health Care

In this subject
students deepen and apply clinically their underpinning equine health knowledge
by learning how to plan and provide for the nursing care needs of equine patients
and to work as an effective team with equine professionals. Students will examine legal and ethical impacts on the equine sector to help prepare them for ethically and legally challenging decisions and for ensuring that the advice they give to owners is appropriate. Students will integrate the husbandry requirements of horses with health and nursing knowledge to plan holistic individually tailored patient care. Students will also plan how to create and implement evidence based infection control protocols
including for serious zoonotic diseases. Finally
students will learn about equine reproduction and the knowledge and skills required for veterinary nurses to play an active role in assisting with equine reproductive care and management

Small Animal Behaviour And Training

This subject offers a thorough and practical introduction to the basics of small animal behaviour and training at a level appropriate for student veterinary nurses. Students will develop the underlying knowledge and basic skills required to conduct puppy classes
and advise owners on common behavioural and training problems. Students will learn to take a thorough history and to perform a careful behavioural "triage" to enable a sound decision as to when veterinary intervention is required. Students will also develop the skills required to assist with behaviour modification as directed by veterinarians in the treatment of behavioural problems. Through a work integrated learning (WIL) placement
students will have the opportunity to observe and assist with the care of a wide number of hospitalised and visiting dogs and cats. An integral part of these interactions will involve applying behaviour and training theory
and critically reviewing how they have seen veterinary team members do the same

Equine Health Systems

This subject aims to develop the knowledge and skills required for successful and economically-rational equine health management. The ability to recognise and evaluate problems early and determine the need for veterinary attention versus treatment by non-veterinary personnel is fundamental to such management. This subject is not designed to develop expert diagnostic skills and does not equip students to prescribe treatments. Upon successful completion of this subject
students will be able to recognise the clinical signs of an ill horse
triage the significance of the presenting clinical problem
seek veterinary assistance when required
and appropriately manage the recovery of the horse. This subject develops the knowledge required for graduates to form a productive working partnership with an attending veterinarian in the health management of the horses under their care

Veterinary Shelter Medicine and Patient Care

In this subject
students will learn how to plan and manage the behavioural
husbandry and health care needs of animals living within an animal welfare shelter or other animal housing facility. . To achieve positive animal welfare outcomes and compliance with the Codes of Practice and legislation around the Management of animals in shelters
pounds and other facilities. Topics covered include: animal welfare and ethics
relevant legislation
animal behaviour and husbandry
quarantine and biosecurity and shelter medicine. Using an evidence-based approach
students will review the design and management practices of a shelter or other animal housing facility they have visited or undertaken placement at
in order to recommend changes and/or improvements. Students will also learn how to present an evidence-based argument regarding a contentious area in animal welfare and ethics. Through their shelter and facility visits and placements
students will be exposed to the emotional and physical challenges faced by staff that work within animal welfare shelters
and will come to learn how to maximise staff well-being within these environments. They will also learn to recognise zoonotic
infectious
notifiable and reportable diseases and how to respond appropriately to limit the spread of infection

Advanced Veterinary Surgical Patient Care

Career & PR pathway

Occupations this degree typically leads to, and their skilled-migration list status

Registered Nurse (Aged Care)ANZSCO 254412

Primary outcomeMLTSSLCSOL

On both MLTSSL and CSOL, supporting 189/190/491 and the employer-sponsored 482/186. Needs registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, assessed against ANMAC's standards.