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Veterinary nurses assist veterinarians in the treatment and care of sick or injured animals.

Main tasks

  • Advises clients on preventative medicine to maintain appropriate animal health and welfare.
  • Maintains the biosecurity of the veterinary premises.
  • Cares for animals in hospital accommodation and keeps accurate records.
  • Collects and analyses blood, urine and other samples.
  • Handles animals during treatment.
  • Dispenses and administers medication and applies dressings to animals under direction from the veterinarian.
  • Prepares operating theatre, sterilises equipment and assists in theatre as required.
  • Assists the veterinary surgeon during surgical and medical treatments of animals.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£32,744.69

Average earnings

£21,039.65

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Medicine and Dentistry

Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 3%
Level 1 1%
Level 2 14%
Level 3 36%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 12%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 30%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 5%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.