How to become a veterinary nurse

Support veterinarians to perform inspections, procedures and operations for the treatment of animals.

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

Related jobs

Discover related courses

Undergraduate MAQ-BIOX2110

Genetics

Related degrees

Undergraduate RMI-SCB301

Animal Diversity

Undergraduate MAQ-BIOX1320

Biological Basis of Behaviour

Step up your career with these resources

How to negotiate a higher salary

Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.

Is a career in project management right for you?

Do you get a kick out of thinking big and getting things done? You could make a great project manager. 

Are microcredentials worth it?

You can study a microcredential in just about any industry, from healthcare and education to business and marketing. Here’s why these skills-based short courses are worth your time.

5 qualities that make you a leader vs a manager

While managers dole out tasks, leaders take things a step further by inspiring everyone around them. Discover how you can become this kind of leader, no matter where you work.  

We're here to guide you there

Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.

13 OPEN (13 67 36)

Message, chat or SMS

Talk to a student advisor

We'll be in touch to answer your questions.

Student advisor Jason Student advisor Maria Student advisor Peter

Usually replies in 30 mins