Veterinary Emergency Nurse Courses
A Veterinary Emergency Nurse supports the treatment of animals in critical situations, assisting with surgeries and monitoring their recovery.
AI Exposure
Low

Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Veterinary Emergency Nurse
Get qualified to work as a Veterinary Emergency Nurse with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
ACM40418
Duration
12 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Become a qualified veterinary nurse with the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418). This hands-on training course teaches you how to assist a vet during animal surgery, prepare for anaesthesia, then nurse and monitor the animals through their recovery. The course also covers: vet clinic routines and infection controls, veterinary drugs and poisons, animal nutrition and wellbeing. To graduate from this nationally recognised training course you must complete 240 hours of work placement.Enquire now...
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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ACM50219
Duration
9 months - 12 months
The ACM50219 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing is for experienced veterinary nurses needing a higher level of nursing skills, as well as leadership and supervisory experience. This nationally recognised diploma can be completed in just 12-18 months and begins with a solid base of business administration, customer service, communication, and team leadership training. You then choose elective units to complete a career specialisation: vet surgery, animal dental, veterinary emergencies, general vet practice.
En...
Career opportunities
Duration
9 months - 12 months
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Estimated fee
From $21,450
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology covers fundamental sciences, including chemistry, biochemistry, and mathematics, alongside animal handling, care, welfare, and behaviour. The course delves into applied and clinical nutrition, animal disease mechanisms, and diagnostic techniques. It also includes studies in small and large animal health, therapeutics, surgical and medical nursing principles, and veterinary practice management. This degree equips students with both theoretical and practical skills nece...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $21,450
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
Find a provider
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Veterinary Emergency Nurse.
Common questions

How much does a Veterinary Emergency Nurse earn?
In Australia, a full time Veterinary Emergency Nurse generally earns $1,160 per week ($60,320 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

What are the job opportunities for a Veterinary Emergency Nurse?
The number of people working in this role has increased over the last five years. There are currently 12,100 veterinary nurses working in Australia and many of them specialise as a Veterinary Emergency Nurse. Veterinary Emergency Nurses can find work in all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

How do I become a Veterinary Emergency Nurse?
A Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Emergency and Critical Care) is an ideal qualification if you’re thinking of becoming a Veterinary Emergency Nurse. This course covers topics including preparing for a veterinary emergency, performing emergency life saving procedures on animals and delivering follow up care.
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Browse here online for the latest courses in horse care, animal grooming, equestrian sports, veterinary nursing, animal behaviour, and pet shop management.
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Gain practical skills to work in kennels or catteries, providing love, grooming, and safety to animals. Check your funding eligibility and apply today.
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These courses don’t just teach you how to catch and euthanise stray animals, you will learn underpinning state legislation and local government regulations, safety management approaches, and incident response.
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These nationally recognised qualifications will teach you the finer points of animal behaviour and refine your skills in behaviour correction.
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More information
A Veterinary Emergency Nurse assists with the treatment of animals in emergency situations such as an accident or a life threatening medical condition. You might help veterinarians with surgical procedures or monitor animals during their treatment. You may have to prepare veterinary equipment or medicine or get animals ready for surgery. Veterinary Emergency Nurses will usually treat domestic pets but you might also work with native wildlife or wild animals in captivity.
Veterinary Emergency Nurses need to be flexible and may have to work after hours shifts. You’ll need to enjoy working with animals and be passionate about their care. Animals in emergency situations can be distressed or aggressive so you’ll need to be good at handling challenging animal behaviours. You’ll need to be able to follow directions and communicate with your team and with animal owners.
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