Are you passionate about animal welfare and veterinary science? Whether seeking a career in veterinary services, animal rescue, or rehabilitation, this course provides the foundational knowledge to succeed in the animal care industry.
The Certificate of Animal Health Care is a professional development course that explores ethical and legal considerations, animal health terminology, and basic handling techniques crucial to working in this exciting field.
In this animal health care course, you will learn to identify common health issues in pets and livestock, including diseases, infections, injuries, and malnutrition. You will also learn about zoonotic diseases and recognise early signs of illness to ensure timely intervention. You will explore animal behaviour, understand signs of stress and aggression, and apply safe handling techniques.
You will learn about veterinary procedures and first aid, vaccinations, parasite control, nutrition, dental care, and best practices for maintaining animal hygiene. You will also explore veterinary facilities and equipment, workplace health and safety, infection control, hazardous materials, biosecurity measures, and emergency procedures to ensure safe animal care practices.
On completion of this course, you will have the foundation knowledge to make a real difference in the lives of pets, livestock, and wildlife by ensuring proper medical care, nutrition, and support.
Course Structure
Unit - Animal Health Care
Unit 1 – Introduction to Animal Health Care
- The role of animal health professionals
- The role of veterinarians
- The role of veterinary nurses and technicians
- The role of animal welfare officers
- The role of zoologists and wildlife biologists
- The role of animal nutritionists
- Veterinary services
- Animal welfare organisations
- Ethical and legal considerations
- Understanding animal health terminology
- Basic animal handling techniques
Unit 2 – Common Health Issues in Animals
- Identifying signs of illness in pets and livestock
- Common diseases
- Infections and parasites
- Injuries and malnutrition
- Zoonotic diseases
Unit 3 – Animal Behaviour and Handling
- Body language in dogs
- Body language in cats
- Body language in horses
- Body language in livestock
- Recognising stress and aggression
- Safe animal handling
- Behavioural issues and training
Unit 4 – Veterinary Procedures and First Aid
- Responding to common emergencies
- Basic first aid
- Bandaging techniques
- Wound care
- Safe handling and restraint
- Preventing stress during restraint
Unit 5 – Preventative Health Care
- Vaccinations
- Parasite control
- Essential nutrients for animal health
- Nutrition and disease prevention
- Special dietary considerations
- Best practices for disease prevention
- Dental care
- Grooming
- Hygiene
Unit 6 – Veterinary Facilities and Equipment
- Veterinary services
- Veterinary facilities
- Animal care tools
- Restraint and handling equipment
- Maintaining a safe veterinary environment
- Recordkeeping and patient documentation
Unit 7 – Workplace Health and Safety in Animal Care
- Handling hazardous materials
- Safe handling practices
- Emergency procedures
- Preventing workplace injuries
- Safe lifting
- Infection control
- Biosecurity measures
Unit 8 – Rehabilitative and Palliative Care
- Nursing care for injured and recovering animals
- Managing chronic conditions
- End of life care
- Supporting pet owners
Unit 9 – Animal Nutrition and Feeding
- Nutrition for dogs
- Nutrition for cats
- Nutrition for horses
- Nutrition for livestock
- Nutrition for rabbits and guinea pigs
- Nutrition for birds
- Special diets
- Common feeding mistakes
Unit 10 – Career Pathways in Animal Health Care
- Careers in Veterinary Medicine
- Careers in Animal Welfare and Rescue
- Careers in Livestock and Agriculture
- Careers in Wildlife Conservation and Research
- Careers in Animal-Assisted Therapy and Education
- Careers in Animal Advocacy
- Careers in Animal Health and Welfare
- Essential skills for working in animal health care
- Building experience through volunteering
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
It was helpful and a great way to gain some more knowledge for the career I’m interested in
I.Porpaczy, Harrington Park, NSW | Certificate of Animal Health Care
Learning/training process was neat and enjoyable
D. Taleb, Werrington County, NSW | Certificate of Animal Health Care
It was a good experience, I enjoyed the courses
V. Quinonez, Banyo, QLD | Certificate of Animal Health Care
Very informative experience! There was far more information available to me then I was expecting initially and I found it a fun challenge!
Georgiana | Bellbowrie, QLD | Certificate of Animal Health Care
I liked being able to complete the course online, especially as I live rural and there isn’t a course around here for me.
Stephanie | Merbein, VIC | Certificate of Animal Health Care
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Afterpay: Within 1-2 working days
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional development for:
- Pet owners
- Animal Carers
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