Course Outline: What You Will Cover
The course provides an opportunity to interact with and learn from very successful, highly qualified and experienced professionals.
Regulations within the Ireland
The ICI Vet assistant course is not designed to meet the registration requirements of the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI). It is essential that anyone engaging in any type of veterinary work in Ireland be registered with VCI. The course will not enable you to work as a VET nurse or assistant in Ireland. The course is however designed for those who have an interest in animals. It is a suitable foundation course for those who are contemplating a career in this area or for the purposes of professional development and further training.
Students will complete the following units:
1 | Introduction to animal and veterinary health care |
2 | Animal health issues, illness and injuries |
3 | Illness and disease identification and treatment |
4 | Veterinary office management and administration |
5 | Risk and safety management in animal care settings |
6 | Animal first aid and injuries |
7 | Preventative health care |
8 | Pet / animal rehabilitation and nursing |
9 | Routine health care treatments |
10 | Anatomy and physiology |
11 | Animal behaviour, perception and communication |
12 | Animal genetics |
13 | Animal social and instinct behaviours |
14 | Animal handling and transportation |
15 | Behavioural and abnormal animal behaviours |
16 | Pet / Animal training |
How Will You Benefit?
- Fast track your career as a pet care and veterinary assistant work
- Learn the inside secrets of how to become a pet care pro in months not years!
- Study a pet care / veterinary course that was designed in conjunction with senior members of the profession
- Free up valuable time, don’t waste time and money travelling to classes
- Study at your own pace whenever and wherever you are
- Have access to a tutor
- Easy interest free payment plans from as low as €28 per week
Start reaping the benefits by enrolling today!
Watch our Course Video
Career Prospects
Are you an absolute pet lover? If taking care of animals is your perfect slice of heaven, then a bright career as awaits you!
Our graduates have found employment in the following areas:
- Veterinary Assistant – veterinary technician, animal lab technician, veterinary assistant, hospital assistant (as a foundation course and in countries outside of the Republic of Ireland)
- Pet Therapist, Groomer
- Pet Shop staff member or owner
- Animal Trainer, Groomer or Breeder (usually self employed)
- Animal Welfare Officer at Animal Shelters
- Zoo and Wildlife Park staff members
Course Levels Explained

Diploma
Qualifications recognises the graduates capacity for initiative and judgment across a broad range of technical and management functions. Diploma holders typically have personal responsibility and autonomy (semi-independence) in performing technical operations or organising others in the workplace.
Prerequisites
There are NO previous work or education requirements for entry into any course level. Students may enrol directly into the diploma levels without completing lower ranked qualifications. Graduates can expect higher course levels to result in higher potential salary, positions and skill capabilities.
Course Length
The average time within which students complete studies is:
![]() | Diploma Level | 24 weeks |
ICI courses allow you to study at your own pace with no assignment deadlines. This means that you determine the pace of the course and within which time period you will ultimately complete your studies in.
- Completing your course with ICI is flexible as you can fast-track and graduate in a matter of months. You complete activities and submit assignments whenever you are ready.
- The maximum time given to complete a program is three years.
Study Mode: Online Learning
This entire course is carried out via Distance Learning (also known as correspondence learning). Distance learning is ideal if you need to adapt around work, family, or other commitments. It is also extremely beneficial should you simply wish to fast track your studies (and career) and not be locked into a timetable.
Our course content and learning experience ensure that your course is relevant and interesting. Learning, tutorial assistance and assessments take place whenever and wherever you are in the country or world. It takes place at your own pace on your own terms to fit your lifestyle. As an ICI student, you’ll never endure a pop quiz, spend countless hours and hundreds of dollars travelling, and never be late with an assignment or for class.
Recognition & Accreditation
This course is recognised and accredited by the International Association of Private Career Colleges (IAPCC). The courses offered by ICI are unique as they take a very “hands on” approach. Our courses are not designed to teach you just the “theory” behind the industry – they are written and tutored by industry professionals and will fast-track you into a new career of your choice.
Various government departments and business’s have enrolled their own staff with ICI for further training and development and is a strong indicator of acceptance and recognition by employers and industry.
The following is a partial list of companies and government departments which have enrolled or sponsored staff into ICI courses:
- Ministry of Defence
- Sports Centre, University of Kent
- Department of Tourism, Regional Development & Industry
- The Placement People
- Skill Hire
- Metcash Trading Ltd
- Navman Technologies
- The European Fund
- Employment Directions Network
- The Salvation Army
- Calvin Klein
- John Paul College
- Legal Aid Commission
- Melton Council
- Mitsubishi Corporation
- Commonwealth Bank
- HSBC
- American Express
- Clayton UTZ
- Hennikers Solicitors
- Villari Lawyers
- Prisoners Education Trust (HM Prison Service)
- Uniting Care Institute of Family Practice
- Workplace Authority
- Centacare Employment Group
- Employment Directions
- MAX Employment
- Gunnebo (Security)
- Brookfield Multiplex
- Coles Myer Ltd
Already in the Profession or Industry?
This course and qualification is a great way of consolidating existing knowledge via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), updating your industry skills and contributing towards your professional development. It is also one of the most practical steps you can take towards working towards gaining a promotion or better paid position.
Course fees can be claimed as a tax deduction as long as the course is sufficiently connected to your work activities.
What Do I Get?
All materials essential for course completion are included in the cost of the course fee. Upon enrolment, students receive:
- All required study materials and course notes
- Assignment projects with constructive tutor feedback
- A tutor who will service all of your course and career questions and guidance needs.
On successful completion of the course you will receive:
- A graduation certificate officially recognizing your successful completion of studies and qualifications as a pet care professional / Vet assistant
- Transcripts indicating units completed
- Letter of recommendation and validation for current and future employers
- Post-nominal letters placed after your name which indicate that you hold the relevant qualification. For example: John Smith, DipACr
- Job search assistance: Graduate Career Services Program (Click to learn more).
Cut Off Date
Friday, 31st March 2023 is the next enrolment cut off date. Places are limited, in demand and entry into the course is on a first come first served basis.
Your enrolment is processed and acknowledged within 24 hours of the Institute receiving your application. You can expect to receive your course within days of enrolling. When you start your ICI course it’s at your own pace and you determine when you finish. Don’t miss out. Enrol today!
Course Investment & Payment Plans
How do I get started?
Click on one of the Enrol Now buttons below and you could be working on your first lesson – and towards a new career – in a matter of days!
OPTION A | OPTION B | ||
Course Level | Course Fee | Pay Upfront Save 10% | Weekly Instalment Plan Interest Free |
DIPLOMA | €915 | 10% Off = €823 ENROL NOW | €28 x 32 weeks ENROL NOW |
Take the first step towards pursuing your dream of becoming a pet care professional today.