Although there are no specific pre-requisites to begin training as a veterinary nurse, completion of Year 12 with strong results in English and the sciences are preferable.

Formal nurse training is offered by private and public training facilities and begins with completion of Certificate 2 in Animal Studies. Once this is achieved, and once working in a veterinary practice for at least 15 hours per week, students can then enrol in Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing.

Certificate 4 covers subjects such as anaesthetics, pathology, medical and surgical nursing, etc. The theoretical training takes the form of formal study groups and completion of case studies and assignments. The practical skills required are learnt 'on the job' and are then assessed by the training facility.

The whole process takes about 3 years and culminates in the awarding of a nationaly-recognised qualification; Qualified Veterinary Nurse. 

For more information see; www.avnrc.com.au