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Build Skills in Animal Care and Veterinary Assistance

This diploma covers veterinary assisting and animal welfare over 12 months of self-paced online study, earning an ICOES and CPD-accredited Certificate of Achievement.

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12 MonthsCourse Duration
OnlineDelivery
AvailablePayment Plans
Self PacedStudy Mode
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What You Get

Everything That Comes With This Course

Industry-Accredited Certificate of Achievement

Upon successfully completing your course, you'll be awarded a Certificate of Achievement from The Career Academy, accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office.

Unlimited Tutor Support

Unlimited access to tutor support via phone and email during business hours. Lead tutor Rachel H has over 20 years' experience in the animal industry.

100% Online, Study at Your Own Pace

Study whenever suits you with 12 months access. No fixed class times and no exams, ever.

Career Centre Access

Instant access to Career Centre upon enrolment including latest job opportunities, CV templates, a free personalised CV review, job tips, and interview preparation resources.

Free Student ID Card

Receive a Virtual Student ID Card giving access to over 150,000 discounts in New Zealand and around the world on food, entertainment, travel, and more.

SEEK Pass Verified Credential

Verify your qualification from The Career Academy with SEEK Pass upon completion, so you can share it on SEEK and stand out to employers as a qualified, job-ready candidate.

Industry Network & Expert Connections

Gain access to a network of professionals and industry experts, with endorsements from organisations like SPCA New Zealand and expert input from trainers like Sarah Whitehead.

Certificate in Animal Care

Additional certification issued alongside the course.

360 hours of content, 12 months access, fully self-paced
Skills & Applications

The Skills You'll Build

Practical, job-relevant skills for these roles. As a professional development course, it builds capability in this field rather than guaranteeing a specific role or salary.

Veterinary ReceptionistClinic Surgery AssistantKennel Hand (Veterinary)Veterinary Laboratory AssistantRehabilitation Support Worker (Animals)Veterinary Practice Support OfficerAnimal Care TechnicianShelter Veterinary Assistant

No specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed.

What You'll Learn

The 57 Modules Inside The Course

The modules that make up the course, as published by the provider.

57Total Units
57Core Units

Core Units

Introduction to Animal Care
Anatomy and Physiology
Husbandry of Dogs
Husbandry of Other Species
Common Diseases of Dogs
Common Diseases of Other Species
First Aid, Accidents and Emergencies
Handling and Safety
Veterinary Health Care and Procedures
Training and Behaviour
Introduction to Animal Science
Cellular Structure and Function
Tissues and Organ Systems
Skeletal System
Muscular System
Circulatory System
Respiratory System
Digestive System
Nervous System
Reproduction in Animals
Embarking on Animal Health
Common Diseases in Animals
Nutrition and Diet for Animals
Preventive Care and Vaccinations in Animals
Parasite Control and Management
Animal Behaviour & Stress Management
Reproductive Health in Animals
Emergency First Aid for Animals
Specialised Care of Animals

 

Health and Safety
Advances in Veterinary Surgeries
Medical Interventions
Foundations of Animal Health and Disease
Detecting Disease
Categorising Animal Ailments
Unveiling Disease Origins
Navigating Treatment Strategies
Dynamics of Inflammation
Fever's Role in Animal Immunity
Journey of Healing Care and Recovery
Decoding Cellular Transformations
Natural Approaches to Animal Wellness
Recognising Symptoms of Discomfort
Health through Natural Nutrition
Holistic Health Care
Addressing Health Issues
Common Ailments
Managing Health Challenges
Introduction to Animal Welfare
Animal Psychology
Strategies for Management
Welfare and Protection Services
Welfare and Rescue Services
Promoting Animal Welfare
Welfare needs in Animals
Improving Animal Welfare
Balancing Animal Welfare Needs
Before You Enquire

Eligibility And The First Steps

Before You Apply

No previous animal care study or veterinary experience required
No requirement to have worked in a clinic, shelter, or rescue

How It Starts

01
Click Enrol Now or get the Course Guide
02
Choose payment option (upfront or payment plan)
03
Complete enrolment form
04
Receive instant access to course and Career Centre
The Money Part

Ways To Pay For It

$29 / week

Payment Plan – $29 per week. 10-day money back guarantee.

Pay Upfront

Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Exact fees, plans and any funding eligibility are confirmed by the provider when you enquire. No payment is made through Get Course.

Before You Ask

Questions People Ask First

What are the entry requirements for this course?

There are no formal academic entry requirements listed for this diploma. It is designed to be accessible to motivated learners with an interest in animal care and veterinary assistance. Submit an enquiry to confirm any current requirements before enrolling.

How much does the course cost and are payment plans available?

A weekly payment plan may be available to help spread the cost of this course. Submit a Get Course enquiry to get up-to-date pricing details and confirm current payment options.

How long does the course take to complete?

Students receive 12 months of access and the course involves around 360 hours of study material. Because it is fully self-paced, the time to complete will vary depending on how many hours per week you study.

How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered entirely online by The Career Academy NZ. There are no fixed class times and no exams. Students can log in and study whenever suits them within their 12-month access period.

Is there a work placement component?

This course does not include a formal work placement component. Practical industry context is built into the course content, with endorsements from SPCA New Zealand and expert input from industry trainers. Submit an enquiry if you have questions about how to complement the course with voluntary or work experience.

Is this course accredited or recognised on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework?

This course carries endorsement from ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, and graduates receive a Certificate of Achievement along with a SEEK Pass verified credential. It is not a government-accredited qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). The credential is recognised by employers as evidence of professional development and relevant skills in animal care and veterinary assistance.

About This Course

What This Course Is Really About

This diploma covers the knowledge and practical skills needed to support animal care professionals in veterinary and animal welfare settings. Students learn animal behaviour, welfare principles, clinic procedures, and the day-to-day responsibilities of a veterinary assistant. Around 360 hours of study material is included, with 12 months of access to work through at your own pace.

Delivered by The Career Academy NZ, the course suits people who are passionate about animals and want to move into a support role in the veterinary or animal welfare sector. There are no fixed class times and no exams. Unlimited tutor support is available via phone and email during business hours, led by Rachel H, who brings over 20 years of experience in the animal industry.

On completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, along with a SEEK Pass verified credential to share with employers. Industry endorsements from organisations including SPCA New Zealand and input from expert trainers add real-world context to the programme.

The College Behind It

Delivered By A Training Establishment

TC
The Career Academy NZ
In-house career services: job search, resume and interview preparation
Dedicated career support team offering coaching guidance and advice every step of the way, including after course completion. 24/7 access to career resources. One-to-one coaching available through Career Success Hub and Business Hub.
No Pressure, Just Answers

The Enquiry Is The Eligibility Check

You don't need to have decided to get the answers. One short form, and the provider comes back with your fees and a realistic study plan.

Enquire Now →
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Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on 28 July 2026. Details including pricing, availability, entry requirements and course content may change without notice. Get Course is a directory service that connects students with course providers; we do not deliver courses directly. Contact the provider for the most current information before enrolling.