In an Australian first, Melbourne Polytechnic’s Epping campus will offer an associate degree of veterinary nursing from next year.
Melbourne Polytechnic, formally known as the Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE, will offer 40 undergraduate students an opportunity to study in purpose-built facilities for an associate degree.
The two-year course has been developed over three years by a team led by veterinarian Meg Dietze, who was previously a lecturer in Melbourne Polytechnic’s bachelor of equine studies.
Currently, veterinary nursing students complete a certificate IV.
Dr Dietze said Britain started offering veterinary nursing degrees 14 years ago.
“We’re excited to be the first to offer an associate degree course specifically designed for veterinary nursing in Australia,” Dr Dietze said.
“Vet nurses often act as the radiographer, in-house pathologist and anaesthetist, among other roles.
“To cater to the level of sophistication clients require for their pets, vet practices need staff with high skill levels and a deep understanding of the role.”
Dr Dietze said the course would be academically challenging but a lot of fun.
Melbourne Polytechnic has struck an agreement with the Lort Smith Animal Hospital that will allow students to complete clinical placements at the North Melbourne hospital throughout the course.
Dr Dietze said she had already been flooded with applications.
For more information about the degree, contact vetnursingdegree@nmit.edu.au.
