Paraveterinary workers in Australia information

The role of veterinary nurses in Australia is to assist the veterinary surgeons in their duties, and to perform animal health-care activities to provide care for their patients.

The title of veterinary nurse is not a protected title in Australia, and it is common for veterinary practices to hire nurses without any qualifications. There are certifications available that provide training and qualifications to veterinary nurses, such as a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or Bachelor of Veterinary Technology. Certified nurses can undertake further study through an Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Nursing (Surgical, ECC or Clinical), or the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing.

Veterinary nurses exhibiting excellence in their field and completing continual professional development may be recognised jointly by the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) with the post-nominal letters AVN (Accredited Veterinary Nurse).^[1]