Media release
TAFE NSW | 17 December 2024
TAFE NSW helps cancer survivor discover a new ‘pet project’
“My pets were so lovely and non-judgemental when I was recovering; they just sat with me for hours and it made a real difference to my state of mind.”
Karrie Biggart
A cancer survivor inspired by the love and companionship shown by her family pets during her painful recovery has made an unlikely career switch to vet nursing, with the help of TAFE NSW.
Camden mum-of-two Karrie Biggart, a former forensic biologist, endured six rounds of chemotherapy to fight the ovarian and uterine cancer she was diagnosed with in early 2023.
She said the “non-judgemental love” shown by her pets during her darkest hours had made her dramatically re-think her career and prompted her to pursue veterinary nursing.
Ms Biggart, 54, completed a Certificate II in Animal Studies through TAFE Digital and is now tackling a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through TAFE NSW Bankstown.
Vet nursing jobs are in a steep growth phase, with Jobs and Skills Australia predicting the number of nurses will skyrocket from the current number of 10,700 to 17,800 by 2026.
“My pets were so lovely and non-judgemental when I was recovering; they just sat with me for hours and it made a real difference to my state of mind,” Ms Biggart said.
“And I just said to myself, ‘you know what, I’ve helped people all my career, now I want to help animals’.”
Previously, Ms Biggart worked as a forensic biologist for NSW Health, using her skills and knowledge to help police solve crimes.
She said studying the Certificate II in Animal Studies with TAFE Digital had given her the flexibility to self-pace and study from the comfort of home as she was recovering.
“I could do it when and where I was comfortable and the teachers were incredibly supportive,” Ms Biggart said.
She finished the course in just four months and shortly after commencing the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, was offered a casual vet nurse role at Bringelly’s Rossmore Vet Hospital.
“Animals can’t tell you what’s wrong so to be there for them when they need help is a real privilege,” Ms Biggart said.
“TAFE NSW is really training me to be a well-rounded vet nurse and the exciting thing about this industry is that there are so many specialised fields you can go into.”
The Certificate II in Animal Studies is a prerequisite to enrolling in the vet nursing qualification and is open for anytime enrolment through TAFE Digital.
TAFE Digital head teacher of animal care Lisa Terry said TAFE NSW’s connection with industry and the practical skills offered in the animal care courses meant graduates were in high demand.
“TAFE NSW gives students those hands-on, practical skills to be job-ready on day one,” Ms Percival said.
“There’s such a high need for jobs like vet nurses, vet receptionists, animal attendants and kennel hands, and there will be an even higher demand for those jobs in future.”
Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 0477 722 428
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