For those with a passion for horses and veterinary care, becoming an equine veterinary nurse offers a demanding yet highly fulfilling career.
Equine vet nurses play one of the most important roles in maintaining the health and welfare of horses, assisting veterinarians in large animal veterinary hospitals and on-site at stables.
Working as an equine veterinary nurse lets you combine your passion for horses with a meaningful career in animal health care. It’s a rewarding career that provides hands-on experience in:
If you thrive in a diverse environment and enjoy working closely with large animals and their owners, this role could be perfect for you!
Horses require specialised medical care, and equine veterinary nurses are essential in providing support during treatments, surgeries and rehabilitation. Their role ensures that horses receive the best possible health care, reducing recovery times and improving overall welfare. Equine vet nurses also educate owners on preventative care, helping to maintain the long-term health of these magnificent animals.
Equine veterinary nurses take on a variety of responsibilities, including:
To excel in this role, an equine veterinary nurse must have:
Equine vet nurses have a variety of employment opportunities, including:
As of early 2025, the average salary for an equine veterinary nurse in Australia is similar to that of a small animal veterinary nurse. Salaries range between AUD $46,000 and $59,000, based on minimum Award conditions outlined in the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award (based on approx. award rates from fairwork.gov.au). In the current job market, however, advertised salaries for senior veterinary nursing roles are frequently higher, with ranges commonly around $75,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and additional responsibilities. Read more about salary ranges for Veterinary Nurses→
While financial compensation is an important consideration, equine veterinary nurses are often driven by a profound passion for equine care and the fulfilment that comes from making a positive impact on a horse’s health and well-being.
The equine industry continues to grow, driving an increase in demand for skilled veterinary nurses. Whether in sport or companion animal care, experienced equine nurses are sought after to provide specialised medical support and care.
To pursue a career as an equine veterinary nurse, formal education and hands-on experience are essential. The recommended pathway includes:
Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering at equine facilities or working alongside equine veterinarians will enhance your skills and career prospects. You can also consider other careers that involve working closely with horses and developing essential handling skills. Check out our post and video on Ten Rewarding Careers that involve working with Horses in Australia→
With the right training and dedication, a career as an equine veterinary nurse can be a rewarding journey, providing care to horses and contributing to their health and well-being.
AVT is proud to launch a national internship opportunity for animal care students through a new partnership with Greencross Vets. Students enrolling in our Certificate II in Animal Care (Vet Nurse Program) will gain real-world experience with guaranteed clinic placements throughout Australia.
If you dream of working with animals and are seeking a fulfilling, flexible career caring for them, why not consider a dog walking business.
Deciding between a Certificate II and a Certificate III in Animal Care? The Certificate II is ideal for beginners, providing foundational skills, while the Certificate III builds on existing experience with advanced training. Explore key differences and find the right course for you.
The leader in delivery of Australian Nationally Recognised Qualifications including ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (formerly Animal Studies), ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services, ACM40818 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) delivers a range of qualifications and short courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals.
AVT is a Registered Training Organisation based in Perth, Western Australia, providing on-campus and online courses to students studying throughout Australia. More about us →
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Applied Vocational Training (AVT) is proudly a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 5273).
