Students are responsible for contacting vet clinics (or other suitable workplaces) in their local area to arrange placement. We can assist you with the provision of incentives such as free and discounted education as a thank you to the clinic. Details on what is on offer is outlined on our dedicated Clinical Placement website - clinical.partners which you can refer to your application for work placement.

We are more than happy to review your cover letter and résumé and offer suggestions for improvements or tailoring to the industry. You can upload this into the Learning Centre in the Work Placement Arrangement course areas and we will review it within 14 to 21 days.

Here are some tips.

1. Visit the veterinary clinics in your local area with a professionally prepared cover letter and résumé. Don’t just post or email your application – presenting yourself in person makes a better impression. But be sure that you’re well groomed and dressed appropriately so that crucial first impression is a good one!
2. Remember, there’s more to vet nursing than loving animals. So in your cover letter, highlight any strong experience in customer service, reception, or sales-related. Even admin skills are necessary as a vet nurse, so have a good think about any non-vet nurse skills you can bring to the job.
3. Let them know you’re willing to learn. Acknowledge in your letter that you have little or no industry experience but are excited to learn more whilst undertaking work experience for the Cert II in Animal Studies. Make sure you mention you have commenced your studies. Remember, owning your own pets doesn’t count as experience – but it does count as knowing why veterinary care is so important. Use this in your cover letter!
4. Mention you are insured through your course. You aren’t covered by the clinics insurance or work cover as a work experience placement or volunteer. As part of a certified educational course, you are covered by the RTO’s insurance as long as you follow the placement policies.
5. Be flexible. The clinic may be limited in the hours they can offer you due to operational requirements. Discuss with them what suits you and them, not just you.
6. Refer them to the Clinical.Partners website. This explains what is required during placement. This should answer basic questions for them, but we are more than happy to discuss requirements with them over the phone.