So I’m thinking about going back into studying – part time – in 2009. A lot of friends are looking in vet/equine nursing at the moment and I know once I move to Wangaratta that there is a TAFE nearby that’ll facilitate doing this course. Vet nursing was appealing but as far as I can see, you need to be placed in a Vet practice to be able to fulfill the requirements of the course.

Not exactly an option for me at this point in time and it seems sorta like a catch 22 – do the course to get employed; need to be employed to be accepted into the course.

Now as someone who is more partial to just learning the equine related bits – and purely for my own want to learn more rather than gain employment in this field – the Certificate III in Equine Nursing looks very appealing. You can be employed on a stud and do the course part time. Stud work is definitely something I envisage going back to in 12 months time, so this seems perfect.

If you’re considering Vet Nursing and have a passion for horses, consider whether Equine Nursing is the way to go or if you want to cover a broader range of animals and then specialise.

“This course is for people who want to work in a specialist equine facility as a competent equine nurse. You will learn about horse health, anatomy and physiology, an introduction to horse breeding, foal care and nursing, equine medical and surgical nursing, equine clinical pathology, equine radiographic and anaesthetic nursing.”

Entry requirements – year 12; related occupations – veterinary nurse.
http://www.hunter.tafensw.edu.au/

Cert. III GOTAFE
http://www.gotafe.vic.edu.au/courses/course_info.cfm?CID=91165NSW

Entry Requirements – Applicants should be working in the thoroughbred industry, or a veterinary practice specialising in equine services. Veterinary Nurses working in general practices may also apply, and may be required to undertake a suitable equine related practical placement.
18 months, part time.

Veterinary Nursing
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile169/ – questions regarding work conditions, qualifications needed, expected wage and more.

Equine Nursing Guide – http://www.beva.org.uk/taxonomy/term/102

Veterinary Nurse Occupation Information – http://www.myfuture.edu.au/services/default.asp?FunctionID=5050&ASCO=639211A

“The horse is dangerous at both ends and uncomfortable in the middle.”

tag: certificate III, TAFE, equine nursing, vet nursing, self education, course, australia, united kingdom

I received a rather surprising email late last week – a job offer, all because of my blog. Now here I was thinking I was writing these pieces to help others land jobs in the industry, and I find myself with another possibility!

I am convinced God has a sense of humour when it comes to timing. I’ve recently put in a job application for January of next year (the start of my six months of play time) but haven’t been settled about this particular job as I feel I’m underqualified. I also have a couple of other possibilities or I could do a bit of travel again – never one to pass that up! Two Sundays ago I went up for prayer at Church for direction and discernment – I really need some help in this area 😉

Go figure, rather than a light going on for me over a particular job, I get another offer to add to the decision making! This one is in regards to teaching horse studies – something I’ve not done. However, I have taken three horse courses and the job I do six months of the year covers most of what is learned in these courses, so it’s an area I’m familiar with and more importantly, passionate about.

So of course the offer is appealing. I’ve had a chat with some people already in similar roles who earn between $30-$50 an hour. None too shabby when I consider my weekly wage and convert it to an hourly rate! To be more appealing in regards to filling the position offered, I’ve been told to go out and get my Certificate IV in Assessment and Training. I’ve had a quick look online – the course can be done in a two week stint full time or weekly/fortnightly for fifteen sessions. What I found was going to cost me around $2,000. Not out of the question, but not overly appealing considering the duration length. (You’re looking at someone who studied full time for 2 years at TAFE and the cost was around $1,400 all up).

Had a chat with the secretary here at work who has already done this course and teaches when not at the stud. Turns out I can do the course nearby – about 40 minutes away, for around $700. Much more appealing!

Either way, if the course was $2,000 or $700, if you’re passionate about horses, have decent hands on experience and think you’d like to teach, you should consider getting your Certificate IV.

Putting it into perspective – at a worse case scenario – if the course costs you $2,000 and this resulted in a job paying $30/hour; you’d need to work 67 hours to make back the course fee – equivalent to two weeks full time work. Best case scenario – the course costs $700 and you get paid $50/hour; you’d need to work 14 hours to earn that $700 back. Not bad at all!

“Nothing on four legs is quicker than a horse heading back to the barn.”

tag: australia, course, job, self education, training