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A Veterinary Nurse assists with many of the daily operations at a veterinary surgery. You might have to help veterinarians while they treat an animal or be part of surgical procedures. Your role might involve monitoring animals being treated at a vet surgery, performing necessary tests or giving animals medication. A Veterinary Nurse might have to clean equipment or cages or liaise with animal owners about the care of their pets.
Veterinary Nurses need to be passionate about animal care and have excellent animal handling skills. You’ll need to be comfortable caring for animals with a range of temperaments or who may be distressed or aggressive due to an injury or medical condition. You’ll be assisting with all sorts of veterinary procedures and surgeries so this is not a role for the faint hearted. You’ll need to be able to work as part of a team and have good communication skills when dealing with colleagues or pet owners.
There are 2 courses available for people who want to become a Veterinary Nurse.
Possible job outcomes:
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 for the latest enrolment opportunities and for more details about securing a work placement..
Average duration: 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. Enquire now for the full list of elective options and the latest training dates..
In Australia, a full time Veterinary Nurse generally earns $1,150 per week ($59,800 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.
There are currently 12,100 Veterinary Nurses working in Australia. This number has increased from only 7,900 five years ago. Veterinary Nurses can find work in all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re planning to become a Veterinary Nurse you could enrol in a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. This 12 month course includes a work placement so you’ll get real world experience. The course covers various aspects of veterinary nursing from helping a vet during a surgical procedure to assisting animals to recover from injury.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within veterinary. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Veterinary
Equine Veterinary Nurse
$1,150 weekly pay
Veterinarian
$1,440 weekly pay
Veterinary Emergency Nurse
Veterinary Nurse
Learn more about Veterinary Nurse courses in your area.