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Bachelor of Veterinary Technology

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BVetTech

  • Course code

    3007400

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology provides the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to operate as a Veterinary Technologist in Australia or New Zealand.

You will graduate job-ready with a solid understanding of veterinary procedures and animal care, supported by ongoing work experience in general veterinary practice settings and comprehensive clinical skills training.

You will develop a strong theoretical understanding of a veterinary health care team philosophy, focussing on areas such as anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition and reproduction, clinical pathology and microbiology, radiography, and pharmacology.

You will apply your knowledge through professional placements which will foster skills in examination and clinical diagnostics, husbandry, therapeutics, pharmacy, anaesthesia, diagnostic imagery and surgical processes, allowing you to hit the ground running.

Important Information:

  • Veterinary Technology students must complete compulsory vaccinations (Q-Fever and Tetanus) prior to commencement of study in Term 1. Other recommended vaccinations (not compulsory) are Lyssa Virus (rabies) and annual Influenza.
  • Students are expected to fund and organise their own travel to external partner locations and may need to provide their own equipment (PPE, boots, overalls). 

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Identify and describe the structure and function of various animal body systems.

Critically review and evaluate the validity of information to practice evidence-based veterinary technology.

Apply knowledge of best practice animal husbandry with due regard to animal welfare to safely and humanely handle and restrain animal patients.

Apply knowledge and practical skills to assist with veterinary diagnostic procedures, sample collection and transport, diagnostic tests, and diagnostic imaging.

Undertake the preparation, administration and monitoring of anaesthesia, assist in surgical planning and procedures, and oversee infectious control through the perioperative period.

Assist and contribute to common clinical procedures, carry out care treatment plans, and ensure compliance with medicine dispensing regulations and guidelines.

Communicate effectively using oral, written, electronic, and innovative technologies to interact appropriately according to the audience and context.

GA2: Creativity

Communicate effectively using oral, written, electronic, and innovative technologies to interact appropriately according to the audience and context.

GA3: Ethical practice

Apply knowledge of best practice animal husbandry with due regard to animal welfare to safely and humanely handle and restrain animal patients.

Apply reflective practice to analyse professional and personal growth, foster lifelong learning, and develop self-awareness through recognition of personal strengths and limitations in a range of cultural contexts.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Identify and describe the structure and function of various animal body systems.

Critically review and evaluate the validity of information to practice evidence-based veterinary technology.

Apply knowledge of best practice animal husbandry with due regard to animal welfare to safely and humanely handle and restrain animal patients.

Apply knowledge of animal behaviour, nutrition, hygiene, biosecurity and disease prevention to undertake patient evaluation, management, and treatments.

Apply knowledge and practical skills to assist with veterinary diagnostic procedures, sample collection and transport, diagnostic tests, and diagnostic imaging.

Undertake the preparation, administration and monitoring of anaesthesia, assist in surgical planning and procedures, and oversee infectious control through the perioperative period.

Assist and contribute to common clinical procedures, carry out care treatment plans, and ensure compliance with medicine dispensing regulations and guidelines.

Communicate effectively using oral, written, electronic, and innovative technologies to interact appropriately according to the audience and context.

Apply reflective practice to analyse professional and personal growth, foster lifelong learning, and develop self-awareness through recognition of personal strengths and limitations in a range of cultural contexts.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Apply reflective practice to analyse professional and personal growth, foster lifelong learning, and develop self-awareness through recognition of personal strengths and limitations in a range of cultural contexts.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Demonstrate knowledge of the legislation, laws, and ethics related to a veterinary practice business.

GA7: Cultural competence

Demonstrate knowledge of the legislation, laws, and ethics related to a veterinary practice business.

Apply reflective practice to analyse professional and personal growth, foster lifelong learning, and develop self-awareness through recognition of personal strengths and limitations in a range of cultural contexts.

This course includes a maximum of 24 weeks core professional placement in general veterinary practice and animal health settings.

Important information about your placements:

  • Veterinary Technology students must complete compulsory vaccinations (Q-Fever and Tetanus) prior to commencement of study in Term 1. Other recommended vaccinations (not compulsory) are Lyssa Virus (rabies) and annual Influenza.
  • Students are expected to fund and organise their own travel to external partner locations and may need to provide their own equipment (PPE, boots, overalls). 

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Lismore Term 1 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

In 2023, the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council announced an intention to establish a regulatory framework for the accreditation of undergraduate award courses in veterinary technology. Currently Veterinary Technology Graduates can voluntarily register with the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia’s (VNCA) Australian Veterinary Nurse and Technicians (AVNAT) scheme. Western Australia is the only state that currently requires mandatory registration of Veterinary Nurses and Technologist who work in veterinary practice.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) or a recognised VET or Higher Education qualification (Cert IV AQF4 or higher) that meets the minimum ATAR/rank specified. Incomplete Higher Education qualifications with a passing GPA may be considered for admission.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

Credit for prior learning

Advanced Standing or Recognised Prior Learning will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Course requirements

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, students must complete 24 units (288 Credit Points), comprising:

  • 23 core units (276 credit points) and
  • 1 elective unit (12 credit points)

Fit to Practice

Students are required to be vaccinated with Q-Fever (including results) and Tetanus before starting any units.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

This course includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Pre-requisites to meet professional regulatory requirements must be met prior to attending WIL placement. All WIL learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Progression and Leave of Absence (LoA)

Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of any two (2) units without prior approval from the Course Coordinator

Students who have an approved interrupted study sequence of 12 months or more will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake specified practice or theory remediation activities to ensure currency prior to continuation of the course.

Students’ continuation of the course post approved interruption of study is subject to available places within the cohort and teaching period.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes

Fulltime students are to complete the following units to satisfy the requirements of the Award. Students intending to complete a part-time progression are to contact Client Services.

Any student wishing to take a period away from study of one or more terms must consult with the Course Coordinator.

First Year

VETS1001 Foundations of Veterinary Professionalism and Communication
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites Admission to 3007400 - Bachelor of Veterinary Technology OR 3508006 - Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours); OR Admission to 2127298 - Diploma of Science (Animal Health Specialisation) AND successful completion of EDUC1001 - Language and Learning in Your Discipline.
Enrolment information Students must be vaccinated against Q-Fever (including result testing) and Tetanus before starting this unit. Study Abroad students are not able to enrol in this unit. 1. To pass the unit, students must submit all assessment tasks. 2. Attendance: It is important to recognise the relationship between attendance, participation, student success and retention. Please take advantage of all classes and engagement activities as it will increase your opportunity for learning, progression in the course, and success as a veterinarian or veterinary technologist. For units with practicals and other learning activities that directly relate to developing AVBC day one competencies that are required for veterinary accreditation, additionally VNCA day one competencies required for AVNAT registration, attendance is required. These will be identified within each unit and attendance requirements clearly communicated to students.
ANIM1001 Animal Husbandry, Handling and Behaviour
Term1
12 Note 2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites Admission to 3007400 - Bachelor of Veterinary Technology OR 3508006 - Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours); OR Admission to 2127298 - Diploma of Science (Animal Health Specialisation) AND successful completion of EDUC1001 - Language and Learning in Your Discipline.
Enrolment information Students must be vaccinated against Q-Fever (including result testing) and Tetanus before starting this unit. Study Abroad students are not able to enrol in this unit. 1. To pass the unit, students must submit all assessment tasks. 2. Attendance: It is important to recognise the relationship between attendance, participation, student success and retention. Please take advantage of all classes and engagement activities as it will increase your opportunity for learning, progression in the course, and success as a veterinarian or veterinary technologist. For units with practicals and other learning activities that directly relate to developing AVBC day one competencies that are required for veterinary accreditation, additionally VNCA day one competencies required for AVNAT registration, attendance is required. These will be identified within each unit and attendance requirements clearly communicated to students.
CHEM1001 Chemistry
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2
Term2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
Enrolment information There will be a 2-day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore Campus (Terms 2 and 4) or the National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour (Term 2 only). Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.
BIOL1005 Cells and Molecules
Term2,3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term2
Term2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Enrolment information There will be a 2-day compulsory residential for online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to https://www.scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.
ANIM1002 Animal Production, Husbandry and Handling
Term3
12 Note 2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites ANIM1001 - Animal Husbandry, Handling and Behaviour
Enrolment information Students must pass this unit to be able to start Animal Handling WIL (AHWIL-1) before starting 2nd year. Students will be required to attend practicals at external sites. 1. To pass the unit, students must submit all assessment tasks. 2. Attendance: It is important to recognise the relationship between attendance, participation, student success and retention. Please take advantage of all classes and engagement activities as it will increase your opportunity for learning, progression in the course, and success as a veterinarian or veterinary technologist. For units with practicals and other learning activities that directly relate to developing AVBC day one competencies that are required for veterinary accreditation, additionally VNCA day one competencies required for AVNAT registration, attendance is required. These will be identified within each unit and attendance requirements clearly communicated to students.
VTEC1001 Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technologists
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Enrolment information 1. To pass the unit, students must complete and satisfy requirements for all assessment tasks. 2. Attendance: We recognise the relationship between attendance, participation, student success and retention. Any engagement opportunity missed, regardless of the reason, can decrease the opportunity for learning. It is expected that students will attend and participate in all scheduled classes and activities for this unit. Whilst many learning sessions may not include direct assessment, many will be linked to a summative assessment task in some way.
VTEC1002 Principles of Animal Health Assessment for Veterinary Technologists
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites ANIM1001 - Animal Husbandry, Handling and Behaviour AND VTEC1001 - Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technologists
Enrolment information 1. To pass the unit, students must complete and satisfy requirements for all assessment tasks. 2. Attendance: We recognise the relationship between attendance, participation, student success and retention. Any engagement opportunity missed, regardless of the reason, can decrease the opportunity for learning. It is expected that students will attend and participate in all scheduled classes and activities for this unit. Whilst many learning sessions may not include direct assessment, many will be linked to a summative assessment task in some way.
VTEC1003 Surgical Theatre and Dental Care for Veterinary Technologists
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites VTEC1001 - Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technologists
Enrolment information 1. To pass the unit, students must complete and satisfy requirements for all assessment tasks. 2. Attendance: We recognise the relationship between attendance, participation, student success and retention. Any engagement opportunity missed, regardless of the reason, can decrease the opportunity for learning. It is expected that students will attend and participate in all scheduled classes and activities for this unit. Whilst many learning sessions may not include direct assessment, many will be linked to a summative assessment task in some way.
Students must have completed Year 1 WIL (VTWIL-1) before commencing Year 2. Note 1

Second Year

Students must have successfully completed all units in the first year progression before commencing second year units.
VTEC2001 Medical Nursing for Veterinary Technologists 1
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites VTEC1002 - Principles of Animal Health Assessment for Veterinary Technologists AND VTEC1003 - Surgical Theatre and Dental Care for Veterinary Technologists
Enrolment information Students must have completed all units in Year 1 AND VTWIL-1 (4 weeks) before enrolling in this unit. Attendance Requirements - Due to the requirements for experiential learning as well as compliance with professional accreditation standards, attendance at tutorials, workshops, practicals and field trips is expected. Some learning experiences will be hybrid, but daily attendance at the Lismore campus will be typically expected. Students must attempt all assessments as per the Assessment Teaching and Learning Policy.
VTEC2002 Diagnostic Procedures, Laboratory Techniques and Imaging for Veterinary Technologists
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites VTEC1002 - Principles of Animal Health Assessment for Veterinary Technologists AND VTEC1003 - Surgical Theatre and Dental Care for Veterinary Technologists
Enrolment information Students must have completed all units in Year 1 AND VTWIL-1 (4 weeks) before enrolling in this unit. Attendance Requirements - Due to the requirements for experiential learning as well as compliance with professional accreditation standards, attendance at tutorials, workshops, practicals and field trips is expected. Some learning experiences will be hybrid, but daily attendance at the Lismore campus will be typically expected. Students must attempt all assessments as per the Assessment Teaching and Learning Policy.
VETS2002 Applied Veterinary Microbiology
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules
Enrolment information 1. To pass the unit, students must submit all assessment tasks. 2. Attendance: It is important to recognise the relationship between attendance, participation, student success and retention. Please take advantage of all classes and engagement activities as it will increase your opportunity for learning, progression in the course, and success as a veterinarian or veterinary technologist. For units with practicals and other learning activities that directly relate to developing AVBC day one competencies that are required for veterinary accreditation, additionally VNCA day one competencies required for AVNAT registration, attendance is required. These will be identified within each unit and attendance requirements clearly communicated to students.
BIOL2007 Biochemistry
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
VTEC2004 Pharmacology for Veterinary Technologists
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Enrolment information Attendance Requirements Due to the requirements for experiential learning as well as compliance with professional accreditation standards, attendance at tutorials, workshops, practicals and field trips is expected. Some learning experiences will be hybrid, but daily attendance at the Lismore campus will be typically expected. Students must attempt all assessments as per the Assessment Teaching and Learning Policy.
VTEC2003 Medical Nursing for Veterinary Technologists 2
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites VTEC2001 - Medical Nursing for Veterinary Technologists 1
VTEC2005 Anaesthesia and Analgesia for Veterinary Technologists
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites VTEC2004 - Pharmacology for Veterinary Technologists
VETS2011 Animal Nutrition for Health, Performance and Production
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites ANIM1002 - Animal Production, Husbandry and Handling
Enrolment information 1. To pass the unit, students must submit all assessment tasks. 2. Attendance: It is important to recognise the relationship between attendance, participation, student success and retention. Please take advantage of all classes and engagement activities as it will increase your opportunity for learning, progression in the course, and success as a veterinarian or veterinary technologist. For units with practicals and other learning activities that directly relate to developing AVBC day one competencies that are required for veterinary accreditation, additionally VNCA day one competencies required for AVNAT registration, attendance is required. These will be identified within each unit and attendance requirements clearly communicated to students.
Students must have completed Year 2 WIL (VTWIL-2) before commencing Year 3. Note 1

Third year

Students must have successfully completed all units in the second year progression before commencing third year units.
VTEC3006 Medical Nursing for Veterinary Technologists 3

Not currently available

 12
VETS2013 Veterinary Professionalism and Communication 2

Not currently available

 12
VTEC3010 Animal Emergency Management in Natural Disasters

Not currently available

 12
Elective
VTEC3007 Clinical Placements 1

Not currently available

 12 Note 1
VTEC3008 Clinical Placements 2

Not currently available

 12 Note 1
VTEC3009 The Professional Veterinary Technologist

Not currently available

 12
VBIO1005 Anatomy and Physiology 5

Not currently available

 12
Students must have completed Year 3 WIL (VTWIL-3) before completing. Note 1

Note 1:

Work Integrated Learning

Note 2:

Students will be required to attend practical sessions at external venues.

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
ANIM1001 Animal Husbandry, Handling and Behaviour Note 2
VETS1001 Foundations of Veterinary Professionalism and Communication
CHEM1001 Chemistry
BIOL1005 Cells and Molecules
ANIM1002 Animal Production, Husbandry and Handling Note 2
VTEC1001 Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technologists
VTEC1002 Principles of Animal Health Assessment for Veterinary Technologists
VTEC1003 Surgical Theatre and Dental Care for Veterinary Technologists
VTEC2001 Medical Nursing for Veterinary Technologists 1
VTEC2002 Diagnostic Procedures, Laboratory Techniques and Imaging for Veterinary Technologists
BIOL2007 Biochemistry
VTEC2004 Pharmacology for Veterinary Technologists
VETS2002 Applied Veterinary Microbiology
VTEC2003 Medical Nursing for Veterinary Technologists 2
VTEC2005 Anaesthesia and Analgesia for Veterinary Technologists
VETS2011 Animal Nutrition for Health, Performance and Production
VTEC3006 Medical Nursing for Veterinary Technologists 3
VETS2013 Veterinary Professionalism and Communication 2
VTEC3010 Animal Emergency Management in Natural Disasters
VTEC3007 Clinical Placements 1 Note 1
VTEC3008 Clinical Placements 2 Note 1
VTEC3009 The Professional Veterinary Technologist
VBIO1005 Anatomy and Physiology 5

Elective Units
Select 1 university wide elective unit (12 credit points)