ACM10 Animal Care and Management Training Package
CONSULTATION PAPER - November 2011
1.5 Equine Nursing and 1.6 Veterinary Nursing Continuous
Improvement Project
Responses in relation to this consultation paper may be forwarded to Michele Jackson, AgriFood Project
Consultant via email: mjackson@allevents.com.au. It would be appreciated if responses could be
received by COB Tuesday 6th December 2011.
CONTENTS
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 1
2. Equine Nursing .......................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Veterinary Nursing - Diplomas .................................................................................................................. 5
CONSULTATION QUESTION RESPONSES ....................................................................................................... 7
APPENDIX 1 - Current Equine Nursing Accredited Course ............................................................................ 9
APPENDIX 2 - Current ACM10 Veterinary Nursing Diploma ....................................................................... 10
APPENDIX 3 - General practice course outlines .......................................................................................... 12
APPENDIX 4 - Practice Management Courses ............................................................................................. 14
1. Introduction
As part of the ACM10 continuous improvement work plan, AgriFood Skills Australia has initiated a
project to:

review the current NSW equine nursing accredited course and units of competency to develop a
new AQF level 3 equine assistant qualification for inclusion in the ACM10 Animal Care and
Management Training Package

determine industry stakeholder demand for, and develop AQF level 4 qualifications in equine
nursing

evaluate the potential industry requirement for a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing General Practice
and reassess the current three Veterinary Nursing Diploma outcomes.
The project will be conducted in line with AgriFood Skills Australia Continuous Improvement Process as
follows:
Page 1 of 14
Phase
Anticipated timeline
Initial Drafting
October - December 2011
Consultation
January - February 2012
Final Drafting
February - March 2012
Industry Validation
March 2012
STA Agreement
April 2012
Endorsement Submission
May 2012
This Consultation Paper will form the basis for the initial drafting and following consultations planned
for January/February 2012.
If you wish to be placed on the project consultation database and to receive project notifications, please
email Michele Jackson: mjackson@allevents.com.au .
2. Equine Nursing
Equine nursing is a specialised occupational field which predominately caters for the thoroughbred
sector of the horse industry as well as veterinary practices that specialise in equine services. The
underpinning knowledge, practical and technical skills required of an equine nurse include carrying out
equine medical, surgical and anaesthetic nursing, as well as equine clinical pathology and radiographic
procedures. Equine nurses also provide intensive care for foals and horses, as well as clean and maintain
an equine facility, and adhere to quality assurance methods and OHS procedures.
The first iteration of the TAFE NSW Certificate III in Equine Nursing was developed in response to a
strong demand from the thoroughbred horse breeding industry and accredited in 2000. Extensive
consultation by TAFE NSW in 2003 with the industry established that it was adequately meeting the
needs of industry, and that a demand for a discrete course in equine nursing still existed.
In 2006 the TAFE WA Animal Care and Management Curriculum Advisory Group identified an industry
need for a Training Package qualification which addressed the special skills required to work with larger
creatures such as horses, and that there should be more content in this area or perhaps a separate
Certificate IV in Equine Nursing.
The 2009 scoping study conducted as part of the TAFE NSW Accreditation Review1 confirmed there was
a high demand from both students and employers for a equine nursing qualification, possibly at AQF
level 4 to be included in the ACM10 Animal Care and Management Training Package. This review
identified overlapping job outcomes at AQF level 3 for the horse breeding stud assistant or equine
enterprise assistant and at AQF level 4 for the equine veterinary nurse working in a veterinary practice
which provides specialist equine veterinary services.
1
2009 TAFENSW Accreditation Review - 3726 Certificate III in Equine Nursing - Phase 1: Training Needs Analysis
Report
Page 2 of 14
The review also highlighted the growing performance horse workforce demand and emerging
competency requirements including: equine reproduction, embryo transfer and artificial breeding
programs.
The current equine nursing Accredited Course utilises individual units of competency from the
superseded RUV04 Animal Care and Management Training Package, the superseded RGR02 Racing
Industry Training Package and the superseded RTE03 Rural Production Training Package contextualised
for equine nursing, and Accredited Units developed by TAFE NSW. There is no national Training Package
with a single qualification which meets the requirements of the industry which employs equine nurses.
91165NSW Certificate III in Equine Nursing Accredited Course is due for re-accreditation by the end of
2011. Therefore, TAFE NSW and Goulburn Ovens TAFE Victoria have requested AgriFood Skills Australia,
in consultation with industry, conduct a continuous improvement project to develop appropriate
competency standards to meet the industry equine stud assistant and equine nursing requirements at a
national level.
Refer to Appendix 1 - 91165NSW Certificate III in Equine Nursing packaging rules
Subject to confirming the required industry job outcomes, the following presents a hypothetical
qualification packaging structure as a starting point for discussion and consideration.
Hypothetical packaging structure
Qualification / Job outcome
Comments
Certificate III in Animal Care
(Equine Attendant)
Horse breeding stud assistant
Re-structure TAFE NSW Certificate III. Import units where available
for some of the TAFE developed units of competency eg. horse care,
horse health. Transpose other units eg. care for foaling mares and
newborn foals, nurse foals etc.
Equine enterprise assistant
Remove some of the AQF level 4 units packaged.
Job Role:
Introduce additional equine reproduction units. These may be
imported from the Rural Production Training Package or new units
may be required.
Consider introducing elective units to provide flexibility to cover the
various job outcome.
Ensure advanced standing to Cert IV is provided.
Certificate IV Veterinary
Nursing (Equine)
Job Role:
Equine Veterinary Nurse
Maintain current Certificate IV structure and introduce equine
contextualisation requirement for generalist technical units of
competency. (This approach has been adopted by the British equine
nursing qualification – Refer Appendix B)
Introduce additional elective units to cover emerging trends, eg.
artificial breeding etc.
Page 3 of 14
Consultation questions:
1. From your industry understanding is there a demand an equine qualification at AQF level 3 for horse
breeding stock assistant/equine enterprise assistant job role?
If so, what are the required industry job outcomes? eg. provide basic care for horses; clean and
maintain an equine facility; assist with equine parturition and reproduction; intensive care for foals
and horses within the enterprise
2. From your industry understanding is there a demand for an AQF level 4 equine nursing
qualification?.
If so, which of the following two options will meet the needs of industry?
a. development of a discrete equine nursing qualification
b. inclusion of equine nursing units of competency in the current ACM40410 Certificate IV in
Veterinary Nursing.
3. What are the required industry job outcomes for an equine veterinary nurse? eg. equine medical;
surgical and anaesthetic nursing procedures; clinical pathology and radiographic procedures
4. Are there emerging performance horse sector competency requirements for equine reproduction,
embryo transfer and artificial breeding programs?
If so, please specify the emerging competency areas.
Page 4 of 14
3. Veterinary Nursing - Diplomas
Diplomas of Veterinary Nursing
As part of the scheduled ACM10 continuous improvement it was determined that there is a need, in
consultation with industry stakeholders reassess the current three Veterinary Nursing Diploma
outcomes and to evaluate the potential industry requirement for a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
General Practice.
Current AQF level 5 units packaged in the ACM10 Diploma qualifications are:
Surgical
ACMVET501A
Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures
ACMVET502A
Carry out post-operative nursing routines
Dental
ACMVET503A
Produce veterinary dental oral cavity radiographs
ACMVET504A
Provide veterinary dental nursing support for advanced veterinary dental surgery
Emergency and critical care
ACMVET505A
Prepare for emergency response
ACMVET506A
Perform emergency procedures to sustain life
ACMVET507A
Provide nursing support for critical care surgery
Refer to Appendix 2 - three ACM10 Veterinary Nursing Diploma packaging rules
General practice focus
There are no nationally endorsed AQF level 5 qualifications for veterinary nursing that focus on general
practice outcomes. Current courses available for qualified nurses who wish to advance their general
practice technical skills and knowledge include:

22083VIC Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (General Practice) - accredited in Victoria, July 2010 and
delivered by Box Hill Institute of TAFE, Victoria who are the copyright holders

Veterinary Nursing Technician course - offered by the Animal Industries Resource Centre (AIRC)
Registered Training Provider.
Refer to Appendix 3 - Box Hill TAFE and AIRC course outlines.
Practice management focus
Current courses available for Veterinary Nurses who wish to develop their practice management skills
and knowledge include:

Diploma of Practice Management (Veterinary) offered through the University of New England
Page 5 of 14

The Veterinary Nurse Manager Course offered by the Animal Industries Resource Centre (AIRC)
Registered Training Provider.
Refer to Appendix 4 - for details of these courses.
Consultation questions:
5. Is there an industry need for a nationally endorsed Diploma in Veterinary Nursing General Practice?
If so, what are the required technical job role outcomes?
6. If a new Diploma in Veterinary Nursing General Practice was developed, what would be the most
appropriate placement for the current specialist diploma competency standards (ie. Surgery, Dental,
Emergency and Critical Care).
7. If no new general practice diploma is developed, should there be any changes to the current three
specialist diploma qualifications? If yes, please provide suggestions.
8. Is there an industry need for further courses providing Practice Management outcomes?
See over for Consultation Question Responses document

Page 6 of 14
1.5 Equine Nursing and 1.6 Veterinary Nursing Continuous Improvement Project
CONSULTATION QUESTION RESPONSES
Please provide a written response to these consultation questions or other comments by email to the
Project Consultant. It would be appreciated if responses could be received by COB Tuesday 5th
December 2011.
Contact details
Name
Position & Organisation
Telephone & Email
Stakeholder interest: eg. Equine nurse, horse breeder,
equine veterinarian, RTO trainer.
Equine nursing questions:
1. From your industry understanding is there a demand an equine qualification at AQF level 3 for
horse breeding stock assistant/equine enterprise assistant job role?
If so, what are the required industry job outcomes? eg. provide basic care for horses; clean and
maintain an equine facility; assist with equine parturition and reproduction; intensive care for foals
and horses within the enterprise
2. From your industry understanding is there a demand for an AQF level 4 equine nursing
qualification?.
If so, which of the following two options will meet the industry needs?
a. development of a discrete equine nursing qualification
b. inclusion of equine nursing units of competency in the current ACM40410 Certificate IV in
Veterinary Nursing.
3. What are the required industry job outcomes for an equine veterinary nurse? eg. equine medical;
surgical and anaesthetic nursing procedures; equine clinical pathology and radiographic procedures
4. Are there emerging performance horse sector competency requirements for equine reproduction,
embryo transfer and artificial breeding programs?
If so, please specify the emerging competency areas.
Continued next page 
Page 7 of 14
Veterinary nursing diploma questions:
5. Is there an industry need for a nationally endorsed Diploma in Veterinary Nursing General Practice?
If so, what are the required technical job role outcomes?
6. If a new Diploma in General Veterinary Nursing Practice was developed, what would be the most
appropriate placement for the current specialist diploma competency standards (ie. Surgery,
Dental, Emergency and Critical Care).
7. If no new general practice diploma is developed, should there be any changes to the current three
specialist diploma qualifications? If yes, please provide suggestions.
8. Is there an industry need for further courses providing Practice Management outcomes?
Other comments or suggestions.
AgriFood Project Consultant
Michele Jackson | At.All.Events Pty Limited | PO Box 231, CREMORNE NSW 2090
Tel: (02) 9460 2696 | Fax: (02) 9460 2696 | Mobile: 0425 224 540
Email: mjackson@allevents.com.au
Page 8 of 14
APPENDIX 1 - Current Equine Nursing Accredited Course
3726 Certificate III in Equine Nursing (91165NSW)
Some of the packaged units of competency are from superseded Training Packages - current unit equivalence is
noted in brackets..
Complete all eighteen (18) units of competency.
Unit Code
Unit Title
3726A
Equine nursing workplace applications (TAFENSW workplacement unit
allowance)
NSWTEQU301A
Care for foaling mares and newborn foals (TAFENSW copyright unit)
NSWTEQU302A
Nurse foals (TAFENSW copyright unit)
NSWTEQU303A
Care for performance horses (TAFENSW copyright unit)
NSWTEQU310A
Maintain horse health (TAFENSW copyright unit)
NSWTEQU401A
Intensive foal care and nursing (TAFENSW copyright unit)
RGRH311A
Apply principles of anatomy and physiology to standardbreds or thoroughbreds
(unit replaced with RGRPSH401A Relate anatomical and physiological features to
the care and treatment of horses - partial equivalence)
RGRH319A
Assess health and first aid of standardbreds or thoroughbreds (unit deleted and
content incorporated into RGRPSH308A Provide first aid and emergency care for
horses).
RTC2704A
Provide basic first aid (This is a human first aid unit - it has been deleted from
revised training package)
RTC2801A
Participate in workplace communications
RTE2137A
Assist with natural mating procedures and prepare for parturition in horses
RUV2102A
Follow OHS procedures in an animal care environment (ACMOHS201A
Participate in OHS processes)
RUV2603A
Assist with surgery preparations (ACMVET203A Assist with surgery preparation)
RUV4602A
Apply radiographic routines (ACMVET402A Apply imaging routines - equivalent)
RUV4603A
Perform clinic pathology procedures (ACMVET403A - equivalent)
RUV4605A
Carry out surgical nursing routines (ACMVET405A - equivalent)
RUV4606A
Nurse animals (ACMVET406A - equivalent)
RUV4607A
Carry out medical nursing routines (ACMVET407A - equivalent)
Page 9 of 14
APPENDIX 2 - Current ACM10 Veterinary Nursing Diploma
ACM50210 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical) - packaging rules
A total of fourteen (14) units of competency must be achieved as specified below.

Complete fourteen (14) CORE units.
CORE: Complete the following fourteen (14) units
ACMOHS401A
Maintain occupational health and safety processes
ACMSUS301A
Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
ACMVET401A
Coordinate patient admission and discharge
ACMVET402A
Apply imaging routines
ACMVET403A
Perform clinic pathology procedures
ACMVET404A
Perform clinic office procedures
ACMVET405A
Carry out surgical nursing routines
ACMVET406A
Nurse animals
ACMVET407A
Carry out medical nursing routines
ACMVET408A
Coordinate and perform theatre routines
ACMVET409A
Provide specific animal care advice
ACMVET410A
Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
ACMVET501A
Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures
ACMVET502A
Carry out post-operative nursing routines
ACM50310 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Dental) - packaging rules
A total of fourteen (14) units of competency must be achieved as specified below.

Complete fourteen (14) CORE units.
CORE: Complete the following fourteen (14) units
ACMOHS401A
Maintain occupational health and safety processes
ACMSUS301A
Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
ACMVET401A
Coordinate patient admission and discharge
ACMVET402A
Apply imaging routines
ACMVET403A
Perform clinic pathology procedures
ACMVET404A
Perform clinic office procedures
ACMVET405A
Carry out surgical nursing routines
Page 10 of 14
ACMVET406A
Nurse animals
ACMVET407A
Carry out medical nursing routines
ACMVET408A
Coordinate and perform theatre routines
ACMVET409A
Provide specific animal care advice
ACMVET410A
Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
ACMVET503A
Produce veterinary dental oral cavity radiographs
ACMVET504A
Provide veterinary dental nursing support for advanced veterinary dental
surgery
ACM50410 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Emergency and Critical Care) - packaging
rules
A total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be achieved as specified below.

Complete fifteen (15) CORE units.
CORE: Complete the following fifteen (15) units
ACMOHS401A
Maintain occupational health and safety processes
ACMSUS301A
Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
ACMVET401A
Coordinate patient admission and discharge
ACMVET402A
Apply imaging routines
ACMVET403A
Perform clinic pathology procedures
ACMVET404A
Perform clinic office procedures
ACMVET405A
Carry out surgical nursing routines
ACMVET406A
Nurse animals
ACMVET407A
Carry out medical nursing routines
ACMVET408A
Coordinate and perform theatre routines
ACMVET409A
Provide specific animal care advice
ACMVET410A
Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures
ACMVET505A
Prepare for emergency response
ACMVET506A
Perform emergency procedures to sustain life
ACMVET507A
Provide nursing support for critical care surgery
Page 11 of 14
APPENDIX 3 - General practice course outlines
22083VIC Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (General Practice) - Box Hill TAFE
Entry requirements
This course is designed for experienced nurses currently employed in veterinary practice.
Packaging rules
The course requires completion of 15 units of competency
STAGE 1 - Nurses without formal qualifications must complete Stage 1 before commencing Stage 2.
The Stage 1 units of competency are from the superseded RUV04 Training Package - ACM10 Training Package
equivalence noted in brackets.
RUV4601A
Coordinate patient admission and discharge (ACMVET401A - equivalent)
RUV4602A
Apply radiographic routines (ACMVET402A Apply imaging routines - equivalent)
RUV4604A
Perform clinic office procedures (ACMVET404A - equivalent)
RUV4606A
Nurse animals (ACMVET406A - equivalent)
RUV4603A
Perform clinic pathology procedures (ACMVET403A - equivalent)
RUV4605A
Carry out surgical nursing routines (ACMVET405A - equivalent)
RUV4607A
Carry out medical nursing routines (ACMVET407A - equivalent)
RUV4608A
Coordinate and perform theatre routines (ACMVET408A - equivalent)
RUV4609A
Provide specific animal care advice (ACMVET409A - equivalent)
RUV4610A
Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures (ACMVET410A - equivalent)
STAGE 2 - Experienced Certificate IV Veterinary Nurses may enrol directly in Stage 2.
BSBWOR502A
Ensure team effectiveness (BSB07 imported unit - current)
BSBCUS501A
Manage quality customer service (BSB07 imported unit - current)
VU20204
Manage veterinary nursing procedures (Box Hill TAFE copyright unit of competency)
VU20205
Apply principles of animal behaviour (Box Hill TAFE copyright unit of competency)
VU20206
Apply veterinary patho physiology (Box Hill TAFE copyright unit of competency)
Page 12 of 14
Veterinary Nurse Technician course - Animal Industries Resource Centre
The Veterinary Nurse Technician course is designed for qualified nurses wishing to gain advanced
technical skills. It will appeal to veterinary nurses in practice that wish to advance their technical
knowledge but do not want to work in a specialist centre or an after hours practice. Despite it’s nonaccredited status, the Veterinary Nurse Technician course is seen as a leader in the field of advanced
veterinary nurse training.
Pre-requisite
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or equivalent. Minimum 20 hours of paid work per week
Theoretical content
MODULE 1
Patient examination and triage
MODULE 2
Fluid therapy and pathology procedures
MODULE 3
Diagnostic imaging
MODULE 4
CPCR and emergency nursing
MODULE 5
Advanced surgery and anaesthesia
MODULE 6
Medical nursing
MODULE 7
Training the nursing team
MODULE 8
Surgical and medical reports
Page 13 of 14
APPENDIX 4 - Practice Management Courses
91483NSW Diploma of Professional Practice Management (Veterinary Practice)
This is an University of New England Partnership course which has been customised for Veterinary
Practices. Module areas covered include:

The Role of the Veterinary Practice Manager

Meeting Clients Needs

Legal and Administrative Requirements

Managing Financial Systems

Planning and Systems for Practice Success

Evaluation Practice Development
Opportunities

Managing Financial Performance

Developing a Business Plan

Staff Management within the Veterinary
Practice

Reviewing the Practice
The Veterinary Nurse Manager - Animal Industries Resource Centre
The Veterinary Nurse Manager course is designed for Certificate IV Veterinary Nurses or equivalent
experienced nurses, who wish to advance their career in client/patient management or staff
management programs. It is suitable for those wishing to advance their careers in the areas of
leadership, staff management and nurse consultations. The theoretical content covers:
MODULE ONE - MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
MODULE TWO – ADVANCED CUSTOMER SERVICE
PRINCIPLES

Personal Mastery and Leadership Skills

Communication and Conflict Prevention

Customer Service Standards

Patient Evaluation and Management

Building Long Term Relationships with
Customers

Marketing and Retailing
MODULE THREE – CONSULT MANAGEMENT
PROGRAMS
MODULE FOUR– STAFF MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Development of HR programs

Disease management

Recruitment, selection and induction programs

Compliance programs

Staff roster management

Nutrition advocate programs


Project development and implementation
Performance reviews and staff training
programs

Staff supervision

Contributing to workplace relationships
Page 14 of 14