Open Colleges is the new name for Cengage Education, and is Australia's oldest and most respected provider of Online and distance education courses. We deliver over 130 online and distance education courses, including an extensive range of nationally recognised Certificates and Diplomas.  

The Open Colleges difference:

• Nationally accredited: This ensures your qualification is recognised by industry around Australia.
• Start today! Open Colleges courses offer you ultimate flexibility. There is no need to attend classes at a campus or wait for an intake or start date. You can start your course whenever it suits you!
• Study from home at your own pace: You can study from home at your own pace. You can a choose to receive your learning materials by mail or online.
• Benefit from 100 years of history: Open Colleges has been delivering distance education to Australians for more than 100 years. Join over 700,000 Australians who have studied with Open Colleges. Unlike many other institutions, we are specialists in distance learning.
• We help you to succeed: Open Colleges provides you with comprehensive support throughout your studies. From access to ‘OpenSpace’ — our online learning portal — to support from experienced tutors, we help you every step of the way.
• Affordable fees: Open Colleges provides you with a range of different payment plan options. You can pay upfront and get a discount on your fees or you can choose to pay by instalment – including weekly, fortnightly and monthly options.
• Articulation opportunities: Once you have completed this course, you may receive credit if you wish to pursue further education.

Pets not only make wonderful companions, they offer the prospect of a satisfying career for people passionate about working with animals.

Ideal for anyone interested in pet store, kennel or cattery work, this highly flexible distance learning course enables you to customise your learning program with a choice of electives. Start anytime, study at your own pace and pick the electives that best reflect your career ambitions, from nutrition to native animals.

The course includes a practical work placement to build your contacts and get you job-ready, while access to the interactive OpenSpace learning platform and an experienced trainer help you make the most of your studies. Achieve your nationally recognised qualification in as little as six months and you’ll be ready to pursue your dream role with animals or pursue further studies.

Potential career outcomes: 

• Pet shop/aquarium assistant
• Kennel attendant
• Cattery attendant
• Assistant dog trainer
• Pet exerciser
• Assistant grooming attendant
• Vet assistant

Animal Industries Resource Centre

Known as a one-stop shop for practice development and educational excellence, the Animal Industries Resource Centre (AIRC) has partnered with Open Colleges to offer high quality training in companion animal services and care.