Diploma of Animal Technology

This qualification is the industry qualification for persons aiming to operate at a senior or managerial level and undertaking animal technology functions within a biomedical research or production environment. It is highly recommended that while undertaking this qualification, the learner should have access to an animal technology workplace through either paid employment or substantial periods of work placement or work experience blocks.

Job roles

Job role titles covered by this qualification may include:

Animal technology manager

Facility manager

Animal technologist

Animal house manager

Supervising animal technician.


Subjects

Packaging Rules

A total of twenty-three (23) units of competency must be achieved as specified below.

Complete fifteen (15) CORE units

Complete five (5) ELECTIVE units from Group A

Complete three (3) ELECTIVE units from Group B.

CORE: Complete the following fifteen (15) units

add topic ACMATE301A

Work within an animal technology facility

add topic ACMATE302A

Carry out institution containment and exclusion procedures

add topic ACMATE303A

Prepare for and monitor anaesthesia in animals

add topic ACMATE304A

Conduct non-surgical procedures on animals

add topic ACMATE305A

Conduct euthanasia of research animals

add topic ACMATE501A

Manage compliance in animal technology

add topic ACMATE502A

Manage and maintain the health of research animals

add topic ACMGAS301A

Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing

add topic ACMGAS302A

Provide enrichment for animals

add topic ACMGAS303A

Plan for and provide nutritional requirements for animals

add topic ACMGAS304A

Carry out simple breeding procedures

add topic ACMOHS501A

Manage occupational health and safety processes

add topic ACMSPE312A

Provide basic care of rodents and rabbits

add topic MSL973004A

Perform aseptic techniques

add topic MSL924001A

Process and interpret data

ELECTIVE

Group A: Complete five (5) units from the following list

add topic ACMATE503A

Carry out post-mortem examination of a research animal

add topic ACMATE504A

Administer anaesthesia and perform surgery on animals for scientific purposes

add topic ACMATE505A

Carry out advanced breeding procedures

add topic ACMATE507A

Manage the parturition of transgenic mice or rats

add topic ACMCAN404A

Develop, monitor and review behavioural management strategies

add topic ACMSUS301A

Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

add topic BSBRES401A

Analyse and present research information

add topic MSL915002A

Schedule laboratory work for a small team

add topic MSL916001A

Develop and maintain laboratory documentation

add topic MSL916003A

Supervise laboratory operations in work/functional area

add topic MSL916005A

Manage complex projects

add topic MSL974007A

Undertake environmental field-based monitoring

add topic MSL974011A

Prepare tissue and cell cultures *(prerequisite add topic MSL973004A Perform aseptic techniques)

Group B: Complete three (3) additional ELECTIVE units from within ACM10 or from any other nationally endorsed Training Package or accredited course. Units selected must be aligned to qualifications at Certificate III or higher level and be relevant to work undertaken in an animal technology sector. Suggested units are:

add topic ACMSPE301A

Provide basic care of amphibians

add topic ACMSPE302A

Provide basic care of birds

add topic ACMSPE303A

Provide basic care of common native mammals

add topic ACMSPE304A

Provide basic care of dogs

add topic ACMSPE305A

Provide basic care of domestic cats

add topic ACMSPE306A

Provide basic care of marine fish

add topic ACMSPE307A

Provide basic care of freshwater fish

add topic ACMSPE308A

Provide basic care of marine aquatic invertebrates

add topic ACMSPE309A

Provide basic care of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates

add topic ACMSPE310A

Provide basic care of mammals

add topic ACMSPE311A

Provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles


Pathways...

    Pathways into the qualification

    Pathways for candidates considering this qualification include:

    direct entry

    after achieving ACM30110 Certificate III in Animal Studies

    after achieving ACM30210 Certificate III in Animal Technology

    vocational training, work experience or skills recognition.

    Pathways from the qualification

    After achieving this qualification candidates may undertake graduate level study to provide advanced skills and knowledge for further pathway advancement.


Entry Requirements

Not applicable.


Licensing Information

Licensing, Legislative, Regulatory or Certification Considerations

Regulatory compliance with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes applies to some units of competency. In addition, individual units of competency may specify relevant licensing, legislative and/or regulatory requirements.


Employability Skills

QUALIFICATION SUMMARY

Employability Skill

Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include:

Communication

analyse and apply technical information

analyse data and information to determine implications for work operations

communicate with all people at all levels of the organisation in a professional manner

complete a range of workplace documentation and records

select communication technologies to support work operations

demonstrate effective and appropriate communication and interpersonal skills when dealing with people

develop work instructions, specifications and procedures

select and apply documentation, communication and interpersonal strategies when dealing with internal and external clients

select communication methods according to priority, cost and audience needs.

Teamwork

determine performance required to meet internal and external customer needs

facilitate team achievements

lead cooperative work relations with people of different ages, gender, race or religion

manage organisational processes and provide problem solving support to others

provide leadership.

Problem solving

identify and address potential and actual problems associated with work operations or in achieving work outcomes

investigate problem causes and implement corrective strategies

identify environmental features, regulations, legislative requirements and other factors which may affect the process or service to be provided

use material and process knowledge to solve problems

identify hazards and suggest control measures

analyse animal welfare and safety practices.

Initiative and enterprise

determine and act on situations requiring further information or problem solving

determine information gathering requirements to monitor work processes and procedures

determine quality and other indicators of work outcomes

identify efficient production processes

implement continuous improvement processes

provide leadership in the workplace.

Planning and organising

demonstrate time-management skills

determine resource requirements

determine work timelines and quality service targets

identify hazards and implement appropriate hazard control measures

optimise work processes.

Self-management

analyse implications of relevant Acts and regulations on work practices

conduct work reviews to determine improvement requirements

determine workplace procedures and instructions

monitor work operations and identify and act on any quality and performance issues

manage own time to meet deadlines.

Learning

assess work data and information to identify areas for improved performance

be supportive, assertive and use interpersonal skills to encourage workplace learning

develop learning opportunities

gather feedback on own work to assess effectiveness in meeting objectives and integrate information into own practice

identify own training needs and seek skill development if required

maintain currency of industry skill and knowledge.

Technology

ensure readiness and operational efficiency of workplace technology

help others use technology efficiently and safely

select computer software applications to perform work operations

work with technology safely and according to workplace standards.