Veterinary Emergency Nurse

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.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $60,320
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a veterinary emergency nurse?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
ACM40418

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $21,546
  • Completed Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or above in an animal science discipline OR
  • Completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant
Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Veterinary Emergency Nurse Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Welfare Officer Veterinary Technician Veterinarian
+ 9 more
  • Completed Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or above in an animal science discipline OR
  • Completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Veterinary Emergency Nurse Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Welfare Officer Veterinary Technician Veterinarian + 9 more
ACM50219

Diploma of Veterinary Nursing
On Campus
9 - 12 months
$0 - $6,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Emergency Nurse Animal Health Officer
Veterinary Technologist
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Emergency Nurse Animal Health Officer Veterinary Technologist + 1 more
ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
9 - 21 months
$0 - $12,978
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand
Equine Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Veterinary Emergency Nurse Animal Welfare Officer Animal Health Officer Animal Technician
+ 14 more

Bachelor of Veterinary Technology
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $32,160
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Technician Veterinary Technician Veterinary Technologist
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Animal Behaviourist Veterinary Emergency Nurse Veterinarian
+ 8 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Equine Veterinary Nurse

An Equine Veterinary Nurse specialises in horse care, assisting with surgeries, monitoring health conditions, and handling horses during treatment.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Veterinary Nurse

A Veterinary Nurse assists veterinarians in treating animals, monitors their care, performs tests, administers medications, and communicates with pet owners.

Avg yearly income $65,000
Skill level Advanced

Veterinarian

A Veterinarian diagnoses and treats animals, specialising in areas like pets or wildlife, while ensuring excellent animal care and communication.

Avg yearly income $101,400
Skill level Advanced

Animal Scientist

An Animal Scientist studies animal biology and behaviour to enhance health, productivity, and welfare through research and collaboration.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Animal Health Officer

An Animal Health Officer ensures animal well-being by monitoring health, preventing diseases, and advising on best care practices in compliance with regulations.

Avg yearly income $79,300
Skill level Advanced

Animal Nutritionist

An Animal Nutritionist designs dietary plans for animals by assessing nutritional needs, formulating diets, and recommending supplements to promote health.

Avg yearly income $76,596
Skill level Advanced

Veterinary Technician

A Veterinary Technician assists veterinarians in animal care, administering treatments, preparing for surgery, and educating pet owners.

Avg yearly income $57,200
Skill level Advanced

Veterinary Technologist

A Veterinary Technologist provides advanced medical support for animals, conducting tests, assisting in surgeries, and educating pet owners.

Avg yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced

Veterinary Scientist

A Veterinary Scientist researches animal health and diseases, developing vaccines and treatments while advancing veterinary medicine and public health.

Avg yearly income $83,200
Skill level Advanced

Wildlife Veterinarian

A Wildlife Veterinarian provides medical care for wild animals, working with conservation teams to diagnose, treat, and protect wildlife in various environments.

Avg yearly income $117,000
Skill level Advanced

Veterinary Pathologist

A Veterinary Pathologist studies animal diseases, diagnoses illnesses through lab analysis, and collaborates with vets to improve treatments and advance research.

Avg yearly income $95,212
Skill level Advanced

Veterinary Surgeon

A Veterinary Surgeon diagnoses and treats animals, performing surgeries and providing health advice to pet owners for optimal animal care.

Avg yearly income $95,472
Skill level Unknown

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.

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

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

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

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.

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

How to start a career in Veterinary Nursing

7th September 2021)

Most popular animal welfare and veterinary courses

12th April 2022)

What can you do with a Diploma of Nursing?

2nd February 2021)

Courses by location