Veterinary Nurse
On this page
- What's it like to be a Veterinary Nurse?
- How to become a Veterinary Nurse
- Latest Veterinary Nurse jobs
What's it like to be a Veterinary Nurse?
A Veterinary Nurse (Tapuhi Kararehe) helps Veterinarians treat and care for sick and injured animals, and with the general running of the practice. They perform many tasks under the direction or supervision of the Veterinarian, such as administering vaccines, taking blood samples, helping during surgery, preparing equipment, and feeding and exercising animals. Veterinary Nurses may also need to answer phones and greet clients, keep records, and perform cleaning tasks. While many Veterinary Nurses work in private practices, others may work in organisations such as the SPCA, zoos, and farming businesses.
Tasks and duties
- Liaising with pet owners and clients on the level of care needed for optimum animal welfare.
- Assisting in medical procedures by sterilising surgical equipment, administering drugs and injections, and holding and maintaining animals during operations.
- Assisting in the day-to-day maintenance of the veterinary facilities by cleaning kennels and cleaning up after animals and surgeries.
How to become a Veterinary Nurse
The current pathway to becoming a Veterinary Nurse is the completion of two, one-year qualifications. This pathway is in the process of being updated and may change in the future.
Complete a New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) followed by a New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) at a polytechnic.
Alternatively, if you want to specialise in rural animals, you could complete a New Zealand Diploma in Rural Animal Veterinary Technology (Level 6).
Consider registering with the Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council (AVPRC) or joining the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association. Being affiliated with these organisations adds credibility to you as a professional, and provides continuing professional development opportunities.
