How to become a veterinary nurse
Pathways to this career
- Complete a course in animal studies to gain a theoretical foundation and look into practical training. Volunteers and interns are often accepted as animal shelters, animal parks and local vets.
- Follow it up with a further studies in veterinary nursing to gain your qualification as a nurse veterinarian.
- Specialise your practice and advance your knowledge by studying undergraduate vet studies. Focus on general practice or emergency care.
What does a veterinary nurse do?
Duties and tasks
- Advise animal owners on detailed proper care of animals, vaccines recommended and refer them to animal care supplies and facilities.
- Assist in administering medications, lab tests, anaesthetics and oxygen to animals.
- Disinfect examination rooms, instruments and equipment and prepare required tools for procedures.
- Maintain and hold animals while veterinarians examine and perform procedures.
- Maintain stock levels and request additional supplies when needed.
- Provide intake and keep records of owners and their animals, listening and determining the nature of concern or problem with animals and providing information to veterinarians.
- Transfer animals to recovery areas after operations or procedures and monitor their wellbeing.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
- Animal nurse
- Life scientist
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary assistant
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