ACM 20121
Certificate II
Animal Care Industry Pathways
Information
- Self Paced, up to 12 months
- $2,999
- Nationally Recognised Qualification
- Online & Work Placement learning
- Enrol & start anytime
- Upfront payment or payment plans available
Course Overview
If you love working with animals and would like to pursue a rewarding career in the animal care industry, then this ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care qualification from the National Skills Training Institute could be an ideal course to get you started.
This Certificate II in Animal Care qualification, available online with work placement, serves as an optimal entry point for aspiring individuals seeking to embark on a rewarding career in the animal care and management industry.
It equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in sectors such as pet shops, animal shelters, kennels, catteries, groomers, sanctuaries, and veterinary clinics. Throughout this course, students will gain a foundational understanding of the animal care industry, focusing on ethical and humane practices. From conducting animal care work routines to providing essential first aid and assisting in animal health care, learners will acquire practical skills. The program also emphasises vital workplace competencies, including effective communication, workplace health and safety, and environmentally sustainable work practices.
The Certificate II in Animal Care involves a minimum of 10 full days (80 hours) work placement, which can be conducted at an approved workplace of your choice. Alternatively, practical training can be arranged at the academy at a time that suits you, or on one of a handful of dates specified by the Pet Academy if you’d prefer to do the training on campus.
This course also provides a pathway to further study in the field through courses such as Certificate IV in Vet Nursing, Certificates III in Animal Care Services and Certificate IV Animal Behaviour and Training.
COURSE DETAILS
To be eligible for this course you must;
- be at least 15 years old
- Have Access to a computer, laptop or tablet
- Internet access and Email address
- Proficiency in speaking and writing English
- Physically capable of restraining animals, handling animal feed and standing for extended periods of time.
This course is taught using a blended approach which includes online and work placement. Using our advanced online learning portal, eliminates the need for in-person classes.
You will:
Receive a login to our Online Learning Platform, granting access to all course materials, including interactive content, videos, and assessments.
Receive personal support from our qualified Trainers and Assessors through email, online chat, or phone. Our education team consists of experienced teachers, Master Groomers, veterinary nurses and horse trainers who work in various grooming salons, veterinary practices and animal-related organisations.
Benefit from the assistance of our student support team to help you stay on track.
Assessment methods include:
Online multiple-choice quizzes
Online tests
Written and practical assignments submitted online
Online video assessments (e.g., Zoom)
Video and photographic submissions
In order to acquire the necessary practical skills to successfully complete a Certificate II Animal Care qualification, a workplace-based training program (known as a Work Placement) is mandatory. Work placement can be paid employment OR volunteering. Students are required to complete a minimum of 10 full days of work placement.
It is the students responsibility to search and secure a work placement position that meets their location, schedule, and interests. If a student is currently working or volunteering in an animal- related business, they may be able to use their current employment or volunteering position for the workplace training.
Students are also able to complete their prctical training at the Academy (Gold Coast)
In the animal and pet sectors, work placements are essential for students to acquire critical skills such as animal handling, animal care, effective communication with clients and customers, as well as teamwork.
While completing the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care qualification from the National Skills Training Institute, you will study the following subjects:
Core Units
ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry
ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
ACMGEN203 Feed and water animals
ACMGEN204 Assist in health care of animals
ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health and safety processes
Elective Units
BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills
ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility
ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
The full fee for the course fee is $2,999.
Students have a choice of payment options that best suit their financial circumstances:
Payment Plans
For your convenience the National Skills Training Institute offers two interest free payment plans, choose the one that best suits your lifestyle:
1. Direct Debit Options:
$29 per week (24 months)
$38.50 per week (18 months)
$58 per week (12 months)
2. Instalment Option: Pay in four (4) installments - 1st installment $299 enrolment fee plus 3 x $900 installments
Once enrolled, students will receive a student training pack that includes several important documents that will be using for their study. These include:
Course Checklist – this step-by-step checklist helps the student with guiding them through the process of study and practical training
Student Learning Resource – this resource is the same as the student will complete via the online learning platform.
Practical Assessment Forms – these forms are to be used by the student when completing practical training tasks at the workplace.
COURSE ENROLMENT PROCESS
Please click on the link below to Enrol in your course. Enrolment Form
What is a USI?
A USI is a student's individual education number for life. It also gives the student an online record of their vocational education and training (VET) undertaken in Australia.
To complete nationally recognised training, students need a USI. Without one, they can’t be awarded their qualification or statement of attainment.
How to obtain a USI?
Getting a USI is quick, easy and free. Follow the steps on the USI website. USI Application
When a student enrolls into a course, it is important that the National Skills Training Institute has a form of ID to support the enrolment. This is used to ensure the student matches the USI number. All documents are kept securely in the students file.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
Driver’s Licence
Medicare Card
Australian Passport
Visa (with Non-Australian Passport) for international students
Birth Certificate (Australian) * please note, a Birth Certificate extract is not sufficient
Certificate Of Registration By Descent
Citizenship Certificate
ImmiCard
Copies of the ID can be emailed directly to - [email protected]
We offer upfront payment, payment plans & instalment options.
FAQS
Qualification
Yes, all courses offered by the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI) are nationally accredited in Australia. Our programs meet the rigorous standards set by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), ensuring that our students receive high-quality, industry-relevant education and training that is recognised nationwide.
NSTI is a Registered Training Organisation and our number is 41462. You can view our registration details on the Australian Government’s training website, training.gov.au, which provides information on registered courses and training providers -View our details here
We highly recommend using the RTO website to research any training organisation you are considering.
At the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), we understand the importance of flexibility in education. That's why we allow students to start their course at any time. Enrol today and begin your journey with NSTI at your convenience!
Yes, you can finish the course faster than the set duration. At the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), our courses are designed to accommodate different learning paces. If you are committed and dedicated to your studies, you may be able to complete the course more quickly. Your progress will depend on your individual effort and the time you are able to dedicate to your coursework.
At the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), we understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may need more time to complete your course. We provide course extensions to support our students in these situations.
Course Extensions:
Yes, you can extend the duration of your course if you do not finish it in time. We typically do not charge any fee for this extension, as we believe in supporting our students through their learning journey without added financial stress.
If you find yourself needing an extension, please reach out to our support team, and we will guide you through the process.
Competency-based training is an educational approach that focuses on equipping learners with the specific skills and knowledge required to perform tasks to industry standards. Rather than traditional time-based education, competency-based training allows students to progress at their own pace, ensuring they master each competency before moving on. This method is highly practical and outcome-focused, making it ideal for vocational education and training. By emphasising real-world application and hands-on experience, competency-based training ensures that graduates are job-ready and meet the performance expectations of their chosen industry.
Work Placement
Work placement, also known as Structured Workplace Learning, is an integral part of many of our courses at the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI). This practical component allows students to apply and expand their learning in a real-world setting, providing invaluable hands-on experience.
During your work placement, you will undertake tasks and be assessed on your performance, ensuring you develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge you've acquired in your course. This experience not only enhances your learning but also helps you build professional connections that can be beneficial for your future career. Many of our students find work placement to be one of the most rewarding aspects of their education.
Yes, you can complete your practical training at more than one workplace. This flexibility allows you to gain diverse experiences and insights from different environments, enhancing your learning. However, we recommend limiting your placements to no more than two organizations to maintain a consistent learning experience.
When selecting your workplaces, ensure that your practical placement aligns with the species-specific unit you have chosen as your elective. Additionally, a signed 'Workplace Approval Form' is required for each placement to confirm its suitability for your studies.
Students at the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI) are assessed through a comprehensive Practical Task Portfolio during their work placement. This portfolio includes a logbook and practical assessments such as workplace assignments, which may involve case studies, photographs, written descriptions of workplace procedures, and video evidence of practical tasks. These assessments are designed to evaluate how effectively students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
Each unit also features Practical Task Worksheets that outline specific tasks to be completed during the placement. Supervisors sign off on each task once it is successfully completed. All practical assessments, including the signed worksheets, must be submitted via our online learning platform for evaluation by our tutors. Additionally, students must maintain an attendance record signed by their supervisor to verify the completion of required placement hours. Regular feedback from supervisors is collected and shared with students to ensure continuous improvement and skill development.
If you are already working in a role that aligns with your field of study, you may be able to complete your work placement with your existing employer, provided they agree. This option is viable if your current workplace can fulfill all the requirements of the Structured Workplace Learning component of your course. If it cannot, you will need to complete the necessary hours elsewhere. Additionally, your work placement must be supervised by a suitably qualified individual who has been approved by the National Skills Training Institute.
Yes, you can volunteer at an organisation for your work placement for an animal qualification. Many of our Animal Studies and Animal Care students complete their required hours in a voluntary position, whether at an animal or wildlife shelter or an animal-related business.
Before starting your work placement, you will need to submit a Workplace Supervisor Form. Once we receive this form, our teaching team will assess the organisation to ensure it meets the workplace criteria for your course. This process helps ensure you gain relevant and valuable experience in a suitable environment.
Online Study
Online learning at NSTI offers flexibility and convenience that sets it apart from traditional classroom-based courses. With online study, you have the freedom to learn from anywhere—there's no need to be physically present on campus. You can simply log on to our online learning portal, to access all your learning materials and assessment tasks.
Additionally, our online courses are designed without set deadlines, allowing you to build your knowledge and skills at your own pace, as long as you complete your course by the specified expiry date. This self-paced learning model accommodates your personal schedule, making it easier to balance your studies with other commitments.
If you’re new to studying or haven’t done so in a while, it’s natural to feel uncertain about online learning. However, online study is designed to be accessible and flexible, making it a great option for almost everyone.
At NSTI, we provide all your learning materials and assessments through our online campus, so everything you need is in one convenient place. With just a computer and internet connection, you can start your learning journey. Plus, our dedicated Student Support team is here to assist you with any questions, time management tips, or study advice you might need.
With the introduction of our custom-designed learning platform, you can complete your coursework using a computer, laptop, tablet, or even a mobile device. Our platform is mobile responsive and user-friendly, allowing you to study anywhere, anytime.
All coursework is automatically saved, providing you with the flexibility to continue your studies without interruption. Whether you use a laptop or tablet, you’ll have a seamless and engaging learning experience.
At the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), our online courses are designed to be accessible to individuals with varying levels of computer proficiency, from beginners to advanced users. Basic computing skills you will need include the ability to create, save, and edit documents, access and search the web, and upload and save documents.
While these are the essential skills, having additional abilities can enhance your learning experience. These include participating in online discussions and webinars, uploading documents through websites, compressing image files, and creating different file types such as Word documents and PDFs. If you’re comfortable with these tasks, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed in our online courses.
Online study offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to learn when and where it suits you best. By delivering course materials through a customized online learning platform, students can avoid the need for travel to a physical campus, saving both time and money. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for those balancing family, work, or personal commitments, as it enables the creation of a personalized study schedule that fits their unique lifestyle.
Moreover, online study promotes independent learning, catering to various learning preferences and paces. Students can choose alternative study methods that align with their individual learning processes, whether that means working independently or taking more time to absorb content. This mode of learning is ideal for those who need to manage other responsibilities alongside their education and prefer a more self-directed approach to developing their skills.
Recognised Prior Learning
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) is a process used by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in Australia to assess and formally acknowledge the skills, knowledge, and experience that an individual has acquired through previous education, work, and life experiences. RPL allows individuals to gain credit towards a qualification without having to complete the entire coursework. This process helps to avoid redundancy in learning, enabling learners to fast-track their education and reduce the time and cost required to achieve a formal qualification. By recognising the value of their prior learning, RPL ensures that individuals receive the qualifications they deserve based on their existing competencies.
Credit Transfer is a process that allows students to receive formal recognition for the competencies they have previously achieved through other accredited education or training programs. At the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), we acknowledge the qualifications and units of competency you have completed elsewhere, ensuring that your prior learning and achievements are not duplicated. This means you can progress through your course more efficiently, avoiding unnecessary repetition and potentially reducing the time and cost required to complete your qualification. To apply for a Credit Transfer, simply provide your certified transcripts and relevant documentation when you enroll, and our team will assess your eligibility based on national guidelines.
To apply for credit transfer at the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), you need to provide certified copies of your previous qualifications and transcripts, which will be assessed by our academic team. Once submitted, our team will review your application and determine the eligibility of your previous studies for credit transfer. This process ensures that you receive recognition for your past learning and can progress through your course more efficiently.
