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Animal Sciences

Study Animal Sciences and start your career as a groomer or vet nurse.

Turn your passion for animals into a rewarding career

Whether you dream of owning your own grooming salon or providing critical care in an animal hospital, we have courses to suit every role in the animal care industry. Study online, on-campus, or as a trainee in the workplace, and gain the skills and confidence to reach your goals.

Courses

Get a recognised qualification with one of our accredited courses. We offer a range of courses in different areas, so no matter what your goals are, we have a course for you.

Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121)

This course provides students with the skills and knowledge for entry-level positions in various animal care settings, including animal shelters, veterinary clinics, pet grooming services, and wildlife care facilities.

Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122)

Follow a passion for caring for animals with the Certificate III in Animal Care Services. This course prepares graduates to work as a pet groomer and in other animal care roles.

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418)

Learn the skills to pursue a career as a qualified Vet Nurse with the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing from GOTAFE.

Short Courses

Upskill quickly with our Animal Sciences short courses. Learn the skills you need to succeed at work, and advance your career.

An Introduction to Dog Grooming (SA3GROOM24)

This short course is designed to give participants an introduction to the world of dog grooming.

Basic Dog Grooming Tips and Techniques (SCBGROOM24)

This short course is for those wanting to explore the world of dog grooming and gain some basic hands-on grooming tips.

Basic Dog Grooming Tips and Techniques (SCBGROOM25)

This 2-day short course is for anyone wanting to explore the world of dog grooming and gain some basic hands-on grooming tips.

Microchipping Short Course (SA4MCHIP24)

This is a postgraduate short course and is for students who have completed any one of the 12 qualifications listed in the entry requirements, graduates of these qualifications can apply for their microchipping licence in Victoria.

Microchipping Short Course (SA4MCHIP25)

This is a post-graduate short course and is for students who have completed any one of the 12 qualifications listed in the entry requirements. Graduates of these qualifications can apply for their microchipping licence in Victoria.

FECAL

GOTAFE’s Faecal Egg Count Analysis Laboratory (FECAL) has been established to better monitor and manage parasite infestations in horses, cattle and sheep.

The laboratory is an initiative of the Animal Sciences team and is located at the Wangaratta Regional Study Centre, 218 Tone Road, Wangaratta.

Why study with GOTAFE?

Real-life training environments

Our Trainers are all industry-qualified, with extensive experience in animal care and the practices and techniques you'll use day-to-day in the workplace.

Practice your skills in our campus grooming salon and veterinary clinic, and get exposure to key technologies such as digital radiography, ultrasound, and endoscopy. You'll also undertake a work placement to practice your skills on-the-job and network with professional vets, vet nurses, and pet groomers.

Your training will provide the skills and knowledge employers are looking for, and you'll graduate with the practical experience to make a splash in your workplace from day one.

A world of opportunities

Whether you choose to stay local, or take your career elsewhere, you'll have the skills to take you where you want to go. Our Trainers have strong industry networks, meaning employers often approach them to recommend students for job openings. If you want to take your career further, our courses provide a pathway to university studies in veterinary and animal science.

See what our students have to say

Find out what it’s like to study Animal Sciences with GOTAFE. Get a feel for our campuses and see what our students have to say.