Veterinary Nurse

Veterinary nurses are nurses that provide medical care to animals under the supervision of veterinarians at veterinary facilities.

The specific duties and responsibilities of a veterinary nurse may vary, but they typically include but are not limited to the following: 

• Demonstrating knowledge of and compliance with legislation or regulations relevant to the delivery of veterinary services,
• Identifying signs of animal diseases,
• Ensuring that patients are properly secured to prevent injury to the animal, their owners, or the veterinary staff,
• Taking care of the patients’ housing, hygiene, or nutritional needs,
• Setting up and monitoring the use of medical equipment
• Recording and managing patients’ medical histories,
• Administering medications as prescribed by the veterinarian,
• Observing and monitoring the progress of patients’ condition,
• Assisting with the physical rehabilitation of patients,
• Assisting patients in giving birth and caring for their newborn,
• Performing radiographic or other relevant tests as requested by the veterinarian,
• Collecting blood and other medical samples for testing,
• Performing minor surgical procedures in accordance with standard protocols,
• Maintaining accurate and detailed medical, financial, and inventory records

How to be a Veterinary Nurse in South Africa

Get the Required Qualifications

To become a veterinary nurse in South Africa, you will typically need the following qualifications:

1. Certificate (National Senior Certificate with a Bachelor’s Degree pass)
2. Bachelor’s Degree (Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs))

Demonstrate Competence in the Required Subjects

Different educational institutions may have different admission requirements; however, you will typically be required to demonstrate competency in the following subjects:

• Compulsory Subjects:
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Sciences
• Recommended Subjects:
  • Life Sciences

Accumulate Years of Relevant Study and Experience

Veterinary nurses in South Africa typically study for about 3 years.

Find Relevant Employment Opportunities

There are many employment opportunities for veterinary nurses in South Africa who can be employed at the following institutions:

• Veterinary clinics and hospitals
• Specialist veterinary facilities
• The animal food industry
• Animal welfare societies and NGOs
• Zoos
• Game Parks
• Animal rehabilitation centres
• Research centres
• The pharmaceutical industry
• The agricultural industry

Students of veterinary science are required to register with the SA Veterinary Council.

Find More Information from Relevant Regulatory Bodies

To find more information about veterinary nurses in South Africa, contact the South Africa Veterinary Council.

Veterinary Nurse Related Careers

• Veterinary jobs
• Animal welfare jobs