How to become a veterinary nurse

Pathways to this career

1. 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.

2. Follow it up with a further studies in veterinary nursing to gain your qualification as a nurse veterinarian.

3. 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?

Veterinary nurses support veterinarians to perform inspections, procedures and operations for the treatment of animals. They typically meet with clients and their animals prior to the veterinarian to evaluate the concern or injury of the animal.

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

• Australian Veterinary Association

• Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia

Related jobs

• Animal nurse

• Life scientist

• Veterinarian

• Veterinary assistant

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