Veterinary Nurse

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.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $65,000
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a veterinary 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
ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
4 - 12 months
$0 - $7,448
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Wildlife Carer
Zoo Keeper Equine Veterinary Nurse 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 Animal Welfare Officer Animal Nutritionist Wildlife Officer
+ 15 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

Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
On Campus
3 years
$93,900
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Shelter Attendant Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse
Animal Scientist Animal Health Officer Veterinary Technologist
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Shelter Attendant Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Animal Scientist Animal Health Officer Veterinary Technologist + 3 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 Emergency Nurse

A Veterinary Emergency Nurse supports the treatment of animals in critical situations, assisting with surgeries and monitoring their recovery.

Avg yearly income $60,320
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 Nurse earn?

In Australia, a full time Veterinary Nurse generally earns $1,250 per week ($65,000 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.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for a Veterinary Nurse?

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

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Veterinary Nurse?

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.

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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)

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