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Article

What Qualification do you Need to Become a Veterinary Nurse?

  • June 22, 2021
  • Vet Nursing

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A career as a veterinary nurse is one of the most rewarding, exciting and fulfilling vocations in the world, where you will never stop learning, evolving and growing.

With the job title of veterinary nurse comes great responsibility. And the skills and knowledge required to become a veterinary nurse today reflect the important and constantly evolving role a nurse plays in the veterinary hospital and in the care of their patients.  You are responsible for the monitoring, comfort and well-being of your patients as well as providing exceptional communication with the owners, so they understand what is happening to their beloved pets.

how to become a veterinary nurse in australiaWhat is a veterinary nurse?

The role of a veterinary nurse has dramatically changed over the last 10-15 years to become one of the most diversified job titles around. The role has changed from being just a cleaner, animal assistant and receptionist to one where the nurse closely supports the veterinarian in many technical areas, working alongside the vet to provide the very best of care to their patients. Today, veterinary nurses are required and expected to perform much higher level duties which make the job very rewarding and stimulating.

Above all a veterinary nurse provides essential nursing care for all of their patients and this care may include:

  • Cleaning and sterilisation of all equipment, cages, laundry, surgical instruments, etc
  • Cleaning, feeding, medicating, monitoring, comforting and observing patients
  • Assisting with anaesthesia and monitoring of patients
  • Preparation of patients for surgery
  • Assisting with radiography or ultrasonography
  • Running blood tests on on-site laboratory machines
  • Taking blood samples, placing iv catheters
  • Dental procedures such as a scale and polish
  • Triage and emergency procedures
  • Educating and informing owners on how to look after their pets
  • Providing excellent customer service, educating and informing owners
  • Keeping accurate client and patient records

To do all of these tasks competently and to take on these responsibilities, the training required to become a qualified veterinary nurse must incorporate both the theoretical knowledge as well as the essential practical skills covering all of these important areas.

Careers working with AVT - jobs and positions available for Vets Nurses in education

Do you have the ideal qualities of a Vet Nurse?

Are you a organised, positive and a go-getter? Able to handle a challenge and passionate about animals and their care?
Learn More

How do you become a veterinary nurse in Australia?

What to do to become a vet nurse in PerthIn order to be employed as a qualified veterinary nurse in Australia, you need to obtain the 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 nurses to provide the highest quality of care to their patients and clients.

How do you gain a qualification in vet nursing?

Veterinary nursing is a very hands-on vocation and gaining a veterinary nursing qualification requires both practical training in a veterinary hospital complemented alongside theoretical underpinning knowledge.

As you can appreciate, many people aspire to be veterinary nurses, and so this qualification is very competitive.

Is there a prerequisite for entry into Veterinary Nursing?

There is a prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. This includes:

  • a Certificate II in Animal Care, Certificate III in Animal Care Services OR Certificate II in Horse Care*, 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  

arrow-icon-size3 Course Prerequisite

* For detailed information visit: Selection Criteria and Entry into Veterinary Nursing

Do you need to have a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing 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 their time at a veterinary hospital. Over time, if they are competent and show ability and aptitude, they may then have the opportunity to become 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.

In order to be able to perform all required veterinary nursing tasks and gain employment as a veterinary nurse, you need to obtain the Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing.

For more information on Vet Nursing visit the following pages:-how to become a vet nurse in australia

  • Study Vet Nursing now – ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
  • What subjects do I need to study at high school for veterinary nursing and why?
  • Top qualities of a veterinary nurse
  • 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
  • Important changes to the National Qualifications

Start your veterinary nursing pathway

Pre-requisite Course

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Vet Nursing Pathway)

An intensive 10 week program, delivered on-campus, giving students the skills and knowledge to prepare them for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or to work as an Animal Attendant in a vet practice.

Read More

Vet Nursing Pathway

Students enjoy a combination of practical training and classroom activities at our animal care campus in Ascot. This course is the prerequisite for the Veterinary Nursing Qualification.
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Online or Oncampus

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

This qualification is aimed at those who want a career as a veterinary nurse or those already working in veterinary care positions. We offer a variety of study modes including Online and On-campus options.

Read More

Veterinary Nursing

The role of a veterinary nurse is diverse, exciting, rewarding and one in which you will never stop learning. This certificate will introduce you to a range of skills and knowledge across several species of animals.
View Course
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Why choose AVT?

Dedicated Animal Care College

AVT has been delivering Vet Nursing and Animal Care related courses for over 20 years. It's safe to say there are no plumbing or hairdressing courses here!

Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

Outstanding Track Record

A recent NCVER VET student outcomes report found 93% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 95% of graduates would recommend the training provided by AVT

Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

Safe and Supported Learning

Our qualified teaching team have many years of experience as well as extensive backgrounds in the veterinary and animal care industry. They are approachable and dedicated to helping students succeed.

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The leader in Vet Nursing qualifications, Animal Care (Animal Studies) and Animal Behaviour and Training Courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals. AVT is a nationally recognised training provider based in Perth, Western Australia providing on-campus and online courses to students studying throughout Australia. Learn More

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