Understanding Australian Veterinary Nursing Qualifications & Prerequisites
You can start your career in a veterinary practice with a Certificate II or III in Animal Care, which provides the foundational skills needed for entry-level roles. However, to become a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse capable of clinical duties and surgical support, the industry standard is the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
Becoming a qualified veterinary nurse in Australia requires a specific nationally recognised qualification, skills, and hands-on training to prepare you for the responsibilities of the job. As a vet nurse, you’ll monitor patients’ health, assist veterinarians during treatments, be involved in the day to day routines of running a clinic and provide comfort and guidance to pet owners during challenging times.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the qualifications you need to get started, pathways for entry and the 5 steps to start your qualification and work towards becoming a qualified veterinary nurse in Australia.
How do you become a veterinary nurse in Australia?
In order to be employed as a qualified veterinary nurse in Australia, you need to obtain the nationally recognised, ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
The training and information you receive whilst studying this qualification will give you the underpinning knowledge and skills required to competently assist a veterinarian and to carry out the many skills expected of qualified veterinary nurses.
If you are considering provider options, ensure the option you are taking commences with the code “ACM40418” and is being offered by an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Watch our video on How to become a Veterinary Nurse in Australia
How do you gain a qualification in vet nursing?
Veterinary nursing is a very hands-on vocation and gaining a veterinary nursing qualification involves both practical training in a veterinary hospital to provide you with hands-on opportunities working with animals and clients, alongside theoretical studies. Find out about the study options available for veterinary nursing →
Is there a prerequisite for entry into Veterinary Nursing?
Yes, there is a prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. You must either have:
- a nationally recognised Certificate II in Animal Care, Certificate III in Animal Care Services OR;
- a relevant Certificate III or higher level qualification in an animal science discipline;
- or can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline gained via workplace experience.
If you have little or no experience and are based in Perth we highly recommend our Veterinary Nursing Pathway course.
Vet Nursing Prerequisites
Detailed information about course entry and the Veterinary Nursing Prerequisite
* For detailed information visit: Selection Criteria and Entry into Veterinary Nursing →
5 steps to start your vet nurse qualification
Do you need to have a Certificate IV to be a Vet Nurse in Australia?
To be employed and paid as a qualified veterinary nurse, you need to complete ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (previously ACM40412 Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing).
However, many nurses may begin their careers in the veterinary industry, working as animal attendants or volunteering a veterinary hospital. Over time, if they are competent and demonstrate ability and aptitude, they may have the opportunity to be trained in other areas of animal care, including basic veterinary nursing tasks. However, these tasks must always be carried out under the supervision of a qualified veterinary nurse or veterinarian.*
To be able to perform all required veterinary nursing tasks and gain employment as a veterinary nurse, you need to obtain the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
* Requirements for veterinary nurses vary across Australia. Before working in practice, check the registration, qualification and scope of practice requirements that apply in your state or territory. In Western Australia, veterinary nurses must hold a recognised qualification and be registered with the Veterinary Practice Board of Western Australia.
"To truly thrive as a veterinary nurse in today’s industry, you need more than passion, you need the right qualification, hands-on experience, and a commitment to lifelong learning."
Dr Anne Beugelaar, Veterinary Nursing Program Manager
Learn more about Veterinary Nursing in Australia
Get inspired and read more on our veterinary nursing blog posts:-
- Video: How to become a veterinary nurse in Australia
- What subjects do I need to study at high school for veterinary nursing and why?
- Top qualities of a veterinary nurse
- Which vet nursing study mode is best for me?
- Get Inspired: AVT graduate stories
- What is the difference between a Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Nurse and Veterinary Technician?
- Where to find a job as a Veterinary Nurse
- Top 7 reasons to pursue a career in the veterinary industry
