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TAFE

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

Not available to international students.

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This course is only available to Domestic students and your preference is currently set to International.

This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

1 year/s

This program is delivered over a period of 6 to 18 months. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.

Intake

Locations

Katherine
Not available to international students.

Course code

ACM20121

Overview

This course is not available for online applications.

This qualification is designed to prepare individuals with 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 course would suit anyone that is passionate about animal care and animal welfare, as well as those wanting to launch their career in the animal industry.

Career opportunities

  • dog groomer assistant
  • animal care or pet shop attendant
  • animal shelter attendant
  • kennel hand or cattery attendant
  • veterinary assistant

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Skill recognition

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:

  • Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
  • Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
  • Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).

RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.

Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.

Pathways

VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.

Fees

2023 Fees

  Fee Type  2023 Course Fees
  NT Government supported*  $657.00
  Full Fee  $6,570.00

*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now.

Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.

For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.

Fee exemptions

Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.

At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:

  • Recipient of a Centrelink payment
  • Recipient of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
  • Enrolled Secondary Students
  • Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status

Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.

If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.

Delivery allowance for VET funded programs

CDU Aquaculture students

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed. 

  • Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses
CDU Aquaculture students

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed. 

  • Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses

What will I study?

To achieve ACM20121 a total of twelve (12) units of competency must be completed comprising seven (7) Core and five (5) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.

Course structure

The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 438.
 

CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyHours
Core units of competency
ACMGEN201Work in the animal care industry30
ACMGEN202Feed and water animals30
ACMGEN203Feed and water animals40
ACMGEN204Assist in health care of animals40
ACMSUS201Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices20
ACMWHS201Participate in workplace health and safety processes40
BSBCMM211Apply communication skills40
 Total nominal hours for core units240
Elective units of competency (Select five)
ACMGEN205Source and provide information for animal care needs40
ACMINF201Handle companion animals safely and follow infection control guidelines60
ACMSPE316Provide general care of domestic dogs40
ACMSPE317Provide general care of domestic cats40
HLTAID011Provide first aid18
 Total nominal hours for elective units198
 Total nominal hours for the qualification438

 

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

There are no formal entry requirements in TGA. However, students will need to demonstrate an appropriate level of language, literacy and numeracy skills and knowledge to undertake a course at this level.

To be prepared for this course, it is recommended that you have:

  • Basic knowledge and a passion for animals and their welfare
  • The ability to lift and restrain animals
  • The ability to follow basic written instructions and complete tasks safely with supervision
  • Access to the internet and a computer or personal device
  • Appropriate clothing, which may include covered non-slip shoes, long sleeve shirts and pants for your placement

Assessment of this course is undertaken in the workplace. 20 days of work placement is required as part of an agreed training plan. Students must arrange a suitable work placement if they are not already employed within the industry. 

I wanted to turn my regular job into my dream job, and the Charles Darwin University course offered exactly what I needed: practical skills.

Yulia

CDU student

Yulila Shche writing at a desk / working from home

CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience

Hema

CDU student

hema giri

I wanted to turn my regular job into my dream job, and the Charles Darwin University course offered exactly what I needed: practical skills.

Yulia

CDU student

Yulila Shche writing at a desk / working from home

CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience

Hema

CDU student

hema giri

Course details

Employability skills

Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au

Location and study mode

Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.

Locations: Katherine

Study Mode: On campus, workplace assessment

Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.

Additional information

Sector
TAFE
Industry groups
PRIMARY INDUSTRY
Occupation types
Animal Attendants And Trainers Nec
Area of study

Contact details

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: 1800 061 963 (free call).

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

How to apply

How to apply for domestic students

CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.

 

Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.

 

Admission requirements for domestic students

Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.

 

CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.

Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?

That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.

 

To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.

How to apply for international students

Applications to CDU must be submitted online.

 

The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.

 

Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.

 

There is no application fee when you apply online.

Find a CDU agent partner

Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.

 

To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.

Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?

That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.

 

To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.

 

Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.

We’re here to help you

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