University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This programme combines foundational biological and animal science with intensive practical training in clinical and field skills. Core topics include animal anatomy and physiology, microbiology and parasitology, pharmacology and anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging and laboratory techniques, wound management and surgical assistance, pain management and analgesia, and animal nutrition.

• Practical clinical skills: patient handling, restraint, venepuncture, catheterisation, bandaging and perioperative nursing.
• Diagnostic skills: haematology, biochemistry, urinalysis, cytology and basic imaging interpretation.
• Population health and production animal practice: herd health, reproduction, biosecurity and on‑farm disease control for livestock.
• Wildlife and conservation medicine: capture, field assessment and rehabilitation principles for native species.
• Professional practice: ethics, communication, client education, workplace safety and business operations in a veterinary setting.

Learning is delivered through lectures and tutorials supported by extensive practical classes and placements. Students undertake on‑campus practical work in the University’s animal handling and teaching facilities and complete external clinical placements in veterinary clinics, hospitals, farms and wildlife centres to build workplace-ready skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary education with satisfactory results; assumed knowledge in biology or chemistry is strongly recommended. The University accepts a range of entry pathways, including direct school leavers, recognised vocational qualifications, and mature‑age applicants with relevant experience. Selection may consider academic record, personal statement and evidence of relevant animal handling or workplace experience.

International applicants must meet the University’s academic equivalency and English language proficiency requirements. Applicants are advised to check the University of Adelaide’s official admissions pages for detailed prerequisite subjects and application procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates work as veterinary technicians or veterinary nurses and find employment across a broad spectrum of animal industries. Typical roles include:

• Small animal and equine veterinary hospitals and clinics — clinical support, anaesthesia nursing and diagnostic testing.
• Production animal roles — herd health technician, on‑farm advisor and disease control officer in livestock enterprises.
• Wildlife, zoo and conservation organisations — field support, rehabilitation and captive animal care.
• Government and industry — biosecurity, meat inspection, animal welfare compliance and extension services.
• Research and laboratory support — animal husbandry, sample processing and technical assistance in animal health research.

Graduates may also choose to undertake further study in veterinary science, animal science or specialised postgraduate programs to expand clinical or research career pathways.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences offers strong links with regional and metropolitan veterinary clinics, farms and wildlife organisations, creating practical placement opportunities and industry engagement. Teaching combines contemporary animal‑health science with hands‑on training in dedicated animal handling and laboratory facilities.

Students benefit from multidisciplinary research activity in animal health, welfare and production at the University, which informs course content and provides pathways into research and postgraduate study. The programme’s emphasis on workplace skills and real‑world placements helps graduates transition directly into technical roles across companion animal, production animal and wildlife sectors.