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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March
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Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
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Location
Lismore
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
65
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Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
BVetTech
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Course code
3007400
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Credit points
288
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Equivalent units
24
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
-
Start Date
March
-
Duration
3 years full-time
-
Location
Lismore
-
Placement
Yes Learn more
-
ATAR
65
-
Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
BVetTech
-
Course code
3007400
-
Credit points
288
-
Equivalent units
24
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology provides the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to operate as a registered 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 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).
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“Our Northern Rivers campus is surrounded by farmland, with close links to wildlife carer groups, and owners of all animals great and small. With local connections and a global outlook, our courses prepare graduates for impactful careers. ”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Lismore | Term 1 |
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lismore | Term 1 | $33,000 ($4,125 per unit) | 115654F |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Career Outcomes
Graduates will be recognised to practice in Australia and New Zealand in settings including veterinary practices and clinics, veterinary hospitals, agricultural businesses, zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.
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
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 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)
Professional Experience Learning
This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet professional regulatory requirements must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience 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.
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Apply now
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Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Early offer
If you're a current year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.
Apply now for your early offerDates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
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