Southern Cross University

What you'll study

This degree combines foundational biological science with practical clinical skills to prepare you for work in veterinary hospitals, shelters, wildlife centres, research facilities and industry. You will study animal anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition and husbandry, disease processes and microbiology, pharmacology and anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging and laboratory techniques, surgical assisting and peri‑operative care, animal behaviour and welfare, and professional practice including ethics and legislation.

The program is delivered through a mix of lectures, practical laboratory sessions, simulation work and supervised workplace clinical placements. Typical subjects include:

• Anatomy & Physiology of Domestic Animals – structure and function across major species
• Fundamentals of Animal Health – common diseases, diagnostics and infection control
• Clinical Techniques and Patient Management – restraint, nursing care, monitoring and record keeping
• Pharmacology, Anaesthesia & Analgesia – drug classes, dosing principles and safe administration
• Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Methods – radiography, ultrasonography basics and pathology sampling
• Surgical Assistance & Peri‑operative Care – aseptic technique, instrument handling and recovery monitoring
• Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Ethics – assessment of welfare, enrichment and humane handling
• Field and Wildlife Practice – capture, transport and care of native and production animals
• Professional Practice & Industry Placement – real‑world placements and workplace competencies

Students complete a sequence of clinical placements to consolidate practical competence and may undertake a capstone or research project in applied animal health.

Entry requirements

Admission is typically on the basis of secondary school completion or an equivalent qualification. Successful applicants usually need a pass in recognised senior secondary subjects and meet the university's general entry standards.

Recommended preparation includes background study in biology or chemistry and demonstrated experience working with animals (volunteer or paid). Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. Additional requirements for clinical placements may include a medical immunisation status, police checks, and any jurisdictional clearances or licences; applicants should review the course handbook for placement prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles as veterinary technicians/technologists, animal health technicians or veterinary nurses/assistants in a range of settings. Typical employers include companion animal and mixed veterinary practices, emergency and referral hospitals, animal shelters and rescue organisations, wildlife and conservation centres, zoos and aquaria, university and commercial research laboratories, and government biosecurity and animal welfare agencies.

With experience, graduates can move into supervisory roles in clinical services, specialise in areas such as anaesthesia, imaging or laboratory diagnostics, work in industry roles (product support, clinical training, sales), or continue professional development through postgraduate study in animal health, public health or related fields.

Why study at Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University emphasises applied learning with strong industry engagement and supervised clinical placement opportunities so you graduate job‑ready. The program features hands‑on practical training in laboratories and simulated clinical environments, integration of field and wildlife practice units, and connections with local veterinary practices and animal care organisations for workplace experience.

Small cohort sizes provide personalised support from academic staff with clinical and research experience in animal health and welfare. The curriculum is shaped to reflect contemporary practice in veterinary technology and to prepare graduates for a diverse range of animal care roles across urban, rural and conservation contexts.