Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms
– George Eliot
This qualification will prepare you for entry-level and supporting roles in the animal care and management industry, where workers provide care for animals in workplaces such as:
- retail pet stores
- animal shelters
- boarding/daycare facilities
- sanctuaries and
- veterinary clinics.
For many students, this qualification assists them in determining whether they are interested in further study or pursuing employment in this industry.
Having a set routine is the best way to ensure you are successful in completing your qualification. To assist you in doing so, a Study Plan template has been developed for this qualification. Please refer to the Orientation unit, under 'Self Paced Learning' for more information on how to complete this planner.
To achieve this qualification, you must have completed a total of 104 Structured work placement hours in an Animal Care Facility in Australia.
Animal Care Modules
| Module Number | Module | Unit Code | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Introduction to Animal Care | N/A | Learn about the course outcomes and career opportunities in the Animal Care industry. |
| 1 | Work in the Animal Care Industry | ACMGEN201 | Learn how to carry out animal care work using ethical and humane practices and contributing to a productive work environment. |
| 2 | Participate in Workplace Health and Safety Processes | ACMWHS201 | Develop an understanding of your responsibilities in the workplace relating to work, health and safety procedures. |
| 3 | Handle companion animals safely and Follow Infection Control Guidelines and Complete animal care hygiene routines | ACMINF201, ACMGEN202 | Develop skills for effective resource measurement and improvements with an emphasis on reducing environmental impacts while also learning the safe handling of companion animals and maintaining hygiene for infection control. |
| 4 | Participate in Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices | ACMSUS201 | Learn the skills and knowledge needed for measuring resources effectively and carry out improvements, including those that will reduce the negative impacts of work practices on the environment. |
| 5 | Apply Communication Skills and Provide Reception Services for an Animal Care Facility | BSBCMM211, ACMGEN310 | Acquire skills in basic workplace communication, including information identification, gathering, and conveyance, along with completing written tasks. Additionally, gain skills in office reception and administration in an animal care facility, covering scheduling and basic financial tasks. |
| 6 | Feed and Water Animals | ACMGEN203 | Develop the skills and knowledge of different animal dietary requirements and how to prepare, present and distribute food and water. |
| 7 | Provide Enrichment for Animals | ACMBEH302 | Understand methods when providing enrichment to all animals. Learn how to stimulate, replenish and maintain appropriate behaviour, including animals that are housed in an animal care facility. |
| 8 | Assist in Health Care of Animals and Source and Provide Information for Animal Care Needs | ACMGEN204, ACMGEN205 | Learn to assist experienced staff with handling and securing animals for assessment, and with the preparation, application, and documentation of health care treatments and first aid. Additionally, acquire skills to source, interpret, and provide information on animal care products and services for workplace tasks and communication. |
| 9 | Provide Basic Animal First Aid | ACMGEN309 | Develop the skills and knowledge required to provide essential first aid for animals. Learn about your responsibilities as a first aider and how to provide an initial response where first aid is required. |
| 10 | SWLA | ACMGEN201, BSBCMM211, ACMWHS201, ACMSUS201, ACMINF201, ACMGEN202, ACMGEN203, ACMBEH302, ACMGEN204, ACMGEN309, ACMGEN310, ACMGEN205 | Once you have completed your Structured Workplace Learning and Assessments (SWLA) requirements for the previous modules, you will submit the following as part of this module:
|
Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment
Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA) is a compulsory part of ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, facilitating the opportunity for students to apply their skills and knowledge gained throughout the course in a workplace environment. The Work Placement commitment is 104 hours in total and is aligned to all twelve (12) units within the course. Work Placement is as follows:
Module SWLA Hours
| Module | Unit Code and Title | SWLA Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | ACMGEN201 Work in the Animal Care Industry | 10 hours |
| Module 2 | ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health and safety processes | 8 hours |
| Module 3 | ACMINF201 Handle Companion Animals Safely and Follow Infection Control Guidelines | 20 hours |
| ACMGEN202 Complete Animal Care Hygiene Routines | ||
| Module 4 | ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | 8 hours |
| Module 5 | BSBCMM211 Apply Communication Skills | 16 hours |
| ACMGEN310 Provide Reception Services for an Animal Care Facility | ||
| Module 6 | ACMGEN203 Feed and Water Animals | 8 hours |
| Module 7 | ACMBEH302 Provide Enrichment for Animals | 8 hours |
| Module 8 | ACMGEN204 Assist in Health Care of Animals | 16 hours |
| ACMGEN205 Source and Provide Information for Animal Care Needs | ||
| Module 9 | ACMGEN309 Provide Basic Animal First Aid | 10 hours |
| Module 10 |
SWLA ACMGEN201, BSBCMM211, ACMWHS201 ACMSUS201, ACMINF201, ACMGEN202 ACMGEN203, ACMBEH302, ACMGEN204 ACMGEN309, ACMGEN310, ACMGEN205 |
Varies (Completion of all previous modules) |
All the above units are linked to Work Placement. You will be deemed 'Competent' only upon the completion of the 104 hours of Work Placement at the end of the course.
Prior to commencing SWLA, you must successfully complete a range of knowledge-based assessments relating to the skills and competencies that are to be applied and developed during your SWL A experience.
For further details about SWLA, please read the Student Guide to Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment document.
Before commencing SWLA:
- Complete the Host Organisation Approval Form providing the required details about your workplace, its facilities and resources and the details of your proposed Workplace Supervisor.
- Once the Host Organisation is approved, provide a copy of the Supervisor Guide to Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment to your proposed Workplace Supervisor.
- Have a general workplace orientation in the Host Organisation.
- Provide all required documentation to the Host Organisation as per their policies and procedures. Confirm the requirements with the workplace! This may include:
- uniform requirements.
For further details, read the Student Guide to Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment document that includes 'Frequently Asked Questions' for your information.