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Article

How Long Does it Take to Become a Vet Nurse?

  • January 9, 2023
  • Vet Nursing, Tips

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Are you passionate about caring for animals? Do you long for the chance to spend your entire workday surrounded by furry creatures? If so, you have likely pondered how long it takes to study to become a vet nurse. In this post, we will provide you with the answer to this question, as well as information that you should consider, in regard to becoming a vet nurse. By the end, we hope you are more inspired than ever to pursue your passion for caring for animals.

How long does it take to become a veterinary nurse?

It takes a specialised skill set, depth of knowledge and key personal attributes to help make becoming a vet nurse a reality. Veterinary nurses must complete a minimum of a year’s training before becoming qualified. The exact length of time depends on your prior knowledge and skills, your chosen study mode and your training institution. 

To become qualified, it is necessary for veterinary nurses in Australia to complete the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. To commence this course, you must meet the prerequisite, which is a minimum of ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care or equivalent skills and knowledge (learn more about the prerequisites here). The Certificate II in Animal Care can be completed in as little as 10 weeks, if attending an onsite intensive program.

How long does it take to become a vet nurse in Australia?

Once you meet the course prerequisite, it is possible to pursue the Veterinary nursing qualification via three main study modes. At AVT we offer: 

  • Online eLearning:  takes up to 2 years depending on your commitments
  • Blended Learning: combines online learning with virtual tutorials and takes 2 years to complete
  • Part-Time:  On-campus study taking 18 months to complete
  • Full-Time: On-campus study taking 12 months to complete

The range of possibilities all boil down to the amount of time that you have available to commit to your studies. This might be easier for some students than others, depending on  family and work commitments and how quickly you can complete both the course material and your workplace training. 

Do you need to continue studying after graduation?

Whilst it is true that there is no minimum study requirement for veterinary nurses in Australia post-graduation, many employers favour those who show a commitment to continuing their education after graduation.

Those who wish to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of veterinary medicine are best served by ensuring that they strive to continue their education.

There are two main options open to those who might want to do so.

Want to know more about becoming a Vet Nurse?

Meet industry veteran, Jo Campbell who has mentored and trained many, many nurses throughout her career. Jo talks about her career and provides specific advice for future students.

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Continuing Education Opportunities

There are a number of organisations offering continuing education opportunities for veterinary nurses in the form of short courses including AVT (see our short courses).

The Vet Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) also has recently developed an accreditation system known as the AVNAT Registration Scheme. Whilst this is not a compulsory registration system, it does provide qualified veterinary nurses with an avenue to have further studies recognised.

Pursue a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing

Those who have completed the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing might want to continue their pathway and consider ACM50219 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing. This higher level qualification is ideal for those seeking a role as a senior veterinary nurse and who are looking to apply more specialist skills in practice.

At what stage can I start working in a veterinary hospital?

Following a passion for working with animals likely means that you want to dive in and start working on caring for animals in need. Thus, we are often asked by our future students, “when can I expect to start working and learning in an actual veterinary hospital?”

As part of our courses at AVT, students will commence training in a veterinary hospital within 1-2 months of starting their course. This training is referred to as a work placement or workplace training.

Prior to graduating, AVT students are frequently offered paid employment by their workplace as Animal Attendants during their practical training. In some situations, Animal Attendant roles may evolve into veterinary nursing positions after graduation. Of course, this will depend on the staffing requirements of each workplace. Learn more about how to turn a work placement into a paying job here.

Time to become a vet nurse in Perth


Why now is an excellent time to become a vet nurse?

There is great stability in the veterinary nursing profession at this time. In fact, many are saying that there has never been a better time to take on the role of a veterinary nurse, given the explosion of jobs in this industry at this time. There are a few reasons why this is happening, including:

  • Increased Pet Ownership

    More people than ever before throughout Australia are adopting pets or welcoming puppies into their homes. There was a major explosion in pet adoption and ownership rates during the initial COVID outbreak. The rates of pet ownership have since continued to climb. With this increase, more pet owners are seeking the services of veterinary practices to keep their pets happy and healthy.

  • Pets Live Longer

    Modern medicine in veterinary care means that pets live longer than they used to. Senior and geriatric patients are creating more demand for veterinary services and veterinary nurses are often involved in assisting pet owners with managing their care. 

  • Veterinarian Shortage

    There is currently a major shortage of veterinarians. With an increased demand for veterinary services and inevitably for veterinarians, there is also an increased demand for highly skilled veterinary nurses to support veterinary teams in providing the highest level of patient care.

Get Started Today

If you are inspired today to strive towards your goal of becoming a veterinary nurse, you can check out our study options below: 

Start your pathway

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.
View Course

Start your pathway

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Online)

This Online Course allows students up to 1 year to complete their qualification. It is an ideal starting point for those with very little or no prior knowledge or experience in the animal care industry.

Read More

Animal Care Online Course

This is the most flexibile option for students who are not based in Perth or who would like to combine their studies with work, school or other commitments.
View Course

Get qualified

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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About AVT

We have been training animal care, animal behaviour and training, equine care and veterinary nursing students for over 20 years in Australia. Students who undertake AVT courses range from high school-aged students just starting their pre-vocational journey right through to mature-aged students seeking an alternative career path. Graduates are highly respected and sought after by industry professionals, businesses and organisations. If you want the background knowledge and skills to help you secure your career in the animal care industry, check out our qualifications here or gain new skills by studying one of our short courses.

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 89.5% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 95.5% 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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