Certificate II in
Animal Studies

Visit RSPCA Certificate II in Animal Studies for more information about start dates.

Please note: before each group commences, there is a mandatory orientation process. You will be advised of the date of orientation when you begin your application for enrolment. You must attend orientation to be able to continue in the course.

Full time: 16 weeks 

Your study pattern is ten days of classes spread over 5 weeks (5 delivered on campus and 5 delivered remotely). These sessions are followed by tutorials and study groups and seven practical sessions. Six practical sessions take place at RSPCA Burwood and one practical session at Box Hill Institute Elgar/Lilydale campus.

Classes and assessments are held on weekdays. Visit RSPCA Certificate II in Animal Studies for the dates of teaching sessions and practical assessment days.

For information regarding dates such as enrolment, orientation and study breaks please visit the Academic Calendars page. 

This is a blended delivery course which will include a combination of online, remote and face to face delivery. Blended learning can involve a range of online programs and resources including StudentWeb, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Skype, specific industry platforms, pre-recorded sessions, assigned reading, tutorials, discussion boards, and online activities. Blended learning also involves face-to-face attendance at classes or practical placements.

Once you've completed our animal studies course you may find employment as an animal care or shelter attendant, kennel hand, cattery or pet shop attendant, or assistant dog groomer.

You must:

• be at least 17 years old (parental/guardian consent is required for students under 18 years of age)
• be able to attend teaching sessions and assessment days at RSPCA Burwood and Box Hill Institute Elgar/Lilydale campus
• bring your own laptop and charger. The laptop must be able to connect to wifi, and must have a working charger, microphone and camera (the camera and microphone do not need to be internal). Tablets and iPads are not suitable.
• meet the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and digital literacy requirements set for this course, during enrolment
• supply evidence of your current tetanus vaccination during the first two weeks of the course
• wear appropriate animal-handling clothing to all practical days, including flat/closed shoes, long pants, and long hair tied back

You must also possess the physical ability to:

• use animal care equipment (for example carry cages, opening kennel latch using reasonable grip and dexterity), and be able to use mops/brooms/pooper scoopers)
• perform manual handling task (for example bending down to capture and restrain a variety of animal species, walking large and boisterous dogs)
• perform repetitive tasks (for example reaching in to cages, bending, squatting, wiping surfaces, washing food bowls, brushing animals)
• perform tasks that require visual and auditory skills (for example observing and identifying signs of disease and distress in animals)

PRE-TRAINING REVIEW

To assist prospective students to determine whether a course is suitable and appropriate for the individual needs, Box Hill Institute will assess all students’ language, literacy and numeracy and digital literacy by asking you to undertake a self-assessment review prior to the enrolment.

A course advisor will discuss the outcomes of the review and make recommendations about whether the course is suitable for you, and identify additional support where required.

Direct entry

Recognition of Prior Learning is available.

After successful completion, you can apply for entry into:

• Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Animal Care)
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

This course is government accredited and has national recognition

The qualification is aligned with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 2

• Government Subsidised Place
• Payment Plan

This training is provided to eligible individuals with funds made available by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments

Retain Course Items are purchased once by the student prior to commencing. Those items then become the property of the student. Fees listed are at 2022 rates and may increase annually over the duration of delivery. The student tuition fees listed are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. For more information please contact our Course Advisors on 1300 BOX HILL.

Completion of 12 units of competency (including 8 core and 4 elective)