Dreaming of a career as a veterinary nurse in Australia? It’s an exciting and rewarding role where you’ll care for animals, work alongside passionate professionals, and make a real difference every day.
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, what to expect from the role, and how you can begin your journey toward becoming a veterinary nurse in Australia.
What 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. The role has changed from being a cleaner, animal assistant and receptionist to one where the nurse closely supports the veterinarians in many technical areas, working alongside them to provide their patients with the best care.
Today, veterinary nurses are required and expected to perform much higher-level duties, making the job even more rewarding and stimulating.
Common tasks of a vet nurse
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 pathology (eg. 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
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?
Sound like you? →
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.
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. If you are considering course options, ensure the course you are taking commences with the code “ACM40418” and is being offered by an Australian Registered Training Organisation.Â
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.
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?
There is a prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. You must either have:
- a Certificate II in Animal Care, Certificate III in Animal Care Services OR;Â
- 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 Â
* For detailed information visit: Selection Criteria and Entry into Veterinary Nursing →Â
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.
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.
5 steps to start your vet nurse qualification
Still deciding if vet nursing is for you?
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
- 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
