ACM20121 - Certificate II in Animal Care

Duration

Please refer to Course Structure below.

Location
Online
Next intakeFebruary, 2025
Study modeOnline
Total units12

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

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

Duration:
Full Time DurationPart Time Duration
12 months12 - 18 months

12 months (for 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) Year 12 only

Duration:
Full Time DurationPart Time Duration
1 year full course1 - 2 years full course

Important: Year 12 students should not undertake this course expecting to receive the full QCE points as the duration of the course exceeds the school year learning period.  These students should enter the course with an understanding that they may only complete up to nine (9) units during their school year. Five (5) of the nine (9) units identified under Clusters 1 to 3 have practical assessments connected to vocational placement.  All unit theory and practical assessments must be submitted and deemed satisfactory prior to mid-October to meet the QCE submission deadline.


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

To learn more about the course structure for this course, please visit the handbook.

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

IntakeLocations
February, 2024Online
February, 2025Online

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

IntakeLocations
February, 2024Online
March, 2024Online
July, 2024Online
August, 2024Online
February, 2025Online
March, 2025Online
July, 2025Online
August, 2025Online

This course has no residential schools.

Students who are not already working in the industry will be required to undertake work experience in a relevant field, to complete their practical assessment. Co-assessments with a CQUniversity approved supervisor is required.

 

Requirements

Important note for Year 12 students: Year 12 students should not undertake this course expecting to receive the full QCE points as the duration of the course exceeds the school year learning period.  These students should enter the course with an understanding that they may only complete up to nine (9) units during their school year. Once a student graduates from high school their eligibility for funding changes and they will be required to have their funding eligibility reassessed if they wish to continue study in this course. 

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

Fee for Service/ Full Fee

Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE. 

Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee

Some government subsidies, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee, will require the individual to contribute to the cost of their training through a co-contribution fee. Government subsidies are subject to eligibility.

The fee will vary based on the course chosen and the eligibility of the student for a concession rate. The co-contribution fee represents the total cost to the student for tuition. There are other costs that the student may have to pay, including but not limited to uniforms and course resources. This will vary depending on the training. If you are required to pay Co-Contribution Fees, you may be eligible for partial or full exemption, you can find more information on Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.

As a high school student, 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 clothing and safety boots for trade courses. 

If you are currently enrolled in or have previously completed a VETiS funded course, you will not be eligible for future VETiS funding. 

Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. 

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 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

How to apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your application options

Follow these steps

  1. 1
    Check you meet the course requirements
  2. 2
    Get a Unique Student Identifier

Start your application

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 with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.