If you’ve ever considered a highly rewarding vet nurse career, but you’ve never got as far as finding out what's involved, we're here to shine some light on the subject. There are different ways to gain the experience and qualifications you need to work with animals for a living, and we’ll provide an insight into how you can get them.
We’ll also cover the steps you must take and the credentials you'll need to care for animals professionally and look at the available vet nurse courses. So, first of all, let's look at the crucial first steps you need to take to realise your dream of a career in vet nursing.
Starting On Your Vet Nurse Career
Wherever you end up practising animal care, most in vet nursing begin by working as a veterinary assistant, a kennel hand or a ward assistant. In this role, you’ll take care of tasks like cage cleaning, walking and feeding sick and recuperating animals - all vital to becoming a fully-fledged vet nurse.
You may also be asked to perform minor physical examinations whilst under the supervision of more experienced veterinary staff. Don’t worry too much about being thrown in at the deep end, as you'll likely have lots of support.
Building On Your Animal Health Knowledge
Once you have some experience in the industry, you can build on what you’ve learnt and take the next step in your career. Intermediate online courses will allow you to go from performing basic animal welfare duties to more advanced vet nursing tasks. Courses at this level will take you from simply getting a feel for the industry to getting a real head start on your vet nursing career. A vet nurse job is out there for you.
Holding intermediate qualifications will mean you’ll have acquired considerable knowledge and make you very attractive to employers. You'll be well on your way to becoming a fully accredited vet nurse.
A Full Vet Nurse Qualification: What It Entails
Now we come to Nationally Accredited studies that allow you to become a fully-fledged veterinary nurse. These accreditations are typically nationally recognised and designed to positively impact how you provide care. During these courses, you’ll gain a full understanding of how to provide advice to owners and care for their animals. Discuss with OCA about our Pathway Program, where we partner with reputable Universities, TAFE and RTOs to help you progress towards your dream career!
Once you’ve achieved this qualification, you’ll be able to apply for complex roles that involve tasks such as assisting in veterinary surgery, monitoring anaesthesia and consulting - to name a few. Sure, you’ll still assist the vet sometimes, but the knowledge you’ll have gained will also allow you to be responsible for a whole lot more.
It’s worth repeating that all the courses we’ve spoken about can be taken as and when you’re ready. This means that you can gain some experience working with animals, to begin with, and enhance your career when you’re comfortable doing so.
Flexible Courses At Your Own Pace, With Online Courses Australia:
At Online Courses Australia, we offer a number of vet nurse courses and animal courses online. There are a number of career pathways to becoming a vet nurse, and the flexible online learning we provide allows you to achieve your vet nursing ambitions at a pace that suits you.
Are you interested in becoming a vet nurse or vet assistant? Check out our entry-level vet assistant course. Preview our entire range of animal care courses. Need help writing your resume? Check out our How to Write a Resume course or call our friendly team on 1300 611 404. Enquire about vet nurse jobs today!
