Veterinary nurses

Average National Salaries (2020)

What does this career do?

Veterinary nurses provide assistance to veterinarians in the treatment and care of sick or injured animals.

Typical tasks

• assists the veterinary surgeon during surgical and medical treatments of animals
• prepares operating theatre, sterilises equipment and assists in theatre as required
• dispenses and administers medication and applies dressings to animals under direction from the veterinarian
• handles animals during treatment
• collects and analyses blood, urine and other samples
• cares for animals in hospital accommodation and keeps accurate records
• maintains the biosecurity of the veterinary premises
• advises clients on preventative medicine to maintain appropriate animal health and welfare.

Current entry requirements

Entrants require GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent qualification. Entrants must obtain employment at an approved veterinary practice to gain practical experience and tuition with an employer for a minimum duration of two years. Candidates must also pass professional examinations before qualifying as a veterinary nurse.

Percentage in work

• Employed

• Unemployed

Due to insufficient sample sizes, some data was excised.

Predicted employment status in 2022

• Full-time

• Part-time

Predicted employment levels in the East Midlands

Career related courses available at West Notts

• Access to HE Diploma (Sciences) - Level 3
• Technical Certificate in Animal Care (Intermediate) - Level 2
• Biology A Level - Level 3
• Chemistry A Level - Level 3

About the statistics

Data is powered by LMI for All and is sourced from labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Institute for Employment Research, the Department for Works and Pensions, and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.