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Career pathway

Veterinary Nurses

ANZSCO 3613

Employed

17,500

Part-time share

42%

Female share

96%

Median weekly earnings

$1,667

Median age

28 yrs

Employment outlook

Growing

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

About this career

Veterinary Nurses care for animals under treatment and in temporary residence at veterinary facilities and assist Veterinarians to perform procedures and operations.

What they typically do

  • Holding animals to allow examination and treatment by veterinarians
  • Cleaning and sterilising examination tables and equipment
  • Preparing instruments and handing them to the veterinarian
  • Assisting veterinarians to administer anaesthetics and oxygen during operations
  • Placing animals in cages for recovery from operations and monitoring their condition
  • Giving medications to animals
  • Maintaining stock control and records
  • Providing animal care advice, and preparing, delivering, and reviewing animal care education programs
  • May perform diagnostic laboratory tests
  • May act as receptionist, accept payments and undertake clerical work

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
29.3%
VIC
27%
QLD
24.2%
WA
7.9%
SA
7.6%
TAS
1.9%
ACT
1.3%
NT
0.8%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Veterinary Nurses.