Veterinary nurses provide support to veterinarians in the management and care of animals receiving medical and surgical treatment. Veterinary nurses work as part of a team in veterinary consulting rooms, surgeries and hospitals.
They generally work under strict clinical conditions.

They may also be involved in the management of the staff and financial and technical resources of a veterinary practice, animal hospital or similar treatment facility.

ANZSCO ID: 3613

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• enjoy working with animals

• able to handle animals with confidence and patience

• able to make accurate observations

• good communication skills

• good organisational skills

• able to work as part of a team

(Source: Australian Apprenticeships)

Duties and Tasks

Veterinary nurses may perform the following tasks:

• assist veterinarians during consultations, examinations and treatments

• coordinate patient admission and discharge

• care for hospitalised animals, including wound management and bandaging support, feeding and exercising

• assist with surgery preparations by clipping and shaving fur or hair, swabbing skin, and administering and monitoring anaesthesia

• provide surgical support by handling instruments, swabbing blood, monitoring oxygen and intravenous fluids, and providing post- operative care

• perform diagnostic laboratory tests (including urine, faecal and blood tests) and assist veterinarians to produce diagnostic radiographs

• assist with procedures involving radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and electrocardiography

• give medication to animals under the direction of a veterinarian

• maintain hygiene by cleaning and disinfecting animal cages, floors, benchtops, consulting rooms, waiting rooms and surgeries

• sterilise instruments, dressings and other equipment

• maintain stock control of medicines, bandages, cotton wool, syringes and other equipment

• maintain equipment to be in good working order

• perform reception duties, including answering the telephone, making appointments, preparing accounts, accepting payments and writing receipts

• provide animal care information on nutrition, parasite control and behaviour

• educate owners about responsible pet ownership and maintaining the health and wellbeing of their pets

• record and maintain clinical and office records of animals attending the surgery (usually on a computer)

 

Working Conditions

Veterinary nurses work as part of a team in veterinary consulting rooms, surgeries and hospitals. They generally work under strict clinical conditions. They may also be involved in the management of the staff and financial and technical resources of a veterinary practice, animal hospital or similar treatment facility. Working hours may be irregular, including evening and weekend work.

Education and Training

To become a veterinary nurse you usually have to complete a TAFE qualification in veterinary nursing. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a veterinary nurse through a traineeship in Veterinary Nursing.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.


Additional Information

Students are usually required to organise access to a veterinary clinic for full-time or part-time employment and work practice. After completing the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and gaining 12 months of experience, you may be able to apply for accreditation with the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA).

Veterinary nurses are mainly employed by veterinarians in private practices, but some find work looking after animals in zoos, wildlife parks and animal welfare organisations, as well as in veterinary research and teaching institutions.

Some experienced veterinary nurses are now gaining employment in marketing and merchandising with veterinary pharmaceutical organisations. A small number are also entering the field of veterinary practice management, or specialising in specific areas such as dental, surgical support or emergency and critical care nursing.

 

(Source: Vets Now)

 

 

 

Veterinary technicians, or vet techs, assist veterinarians in animal hospitals, shelters, research facilities or private veterinary practices. Vet techs, often the first people you will encounter during an office visit, may take your pet's temperature, weigh her or perform other diagnostic tasks. A veterinary technician's toolbox contains many items necessary to carry out the job's day-to-day tasks. Veterinary technicians perform routine laboratory, pathology and clinical procedures in order to identify and treat diseases in animals.

 

ANZSCO description: 2347

Alternative names: Vet Tech,

Specialisations: Large animal Vet Tech, Small animal Vet Tech

Knowledge, skills and attributes        

To become a veterinary technician, you would need:

• an interest in the wellbeing of animals

• scientific ability

• good analytical and problem solving skills

• a willingness to work long and irregular hours

• physical fitness

• practical animal handling skills

• a patient, sensitive and sympathetic manner with animal owners.

 

Vet Tech at work
(Source: Cal U)

 

Duties and Tasks

As a veterinary technician, you would:

• perform an initial examination of the animals to determine the nature of their health issues

• taking vital signs, drawing blood and gathering medical histories.

• collect body fluids and tissue samples and then examine and analyse them

• providing emergency first aid

• wash and clean animals, trim and brush fur, and cut claws or nails

• administer immunisations

• preparing animals and equipment for surgical procedures

• keep animals calm and still during examinations or procedures

• closely monitor animals during surgery

• performing laboratory procedures.

• take and develop x-rays

• assisting in research

• administering medications and vaccines prescribed by a veterinarian.

• provide advice on animal nutrition to owners

• assist with reproductive procedures in animals

• provide emergency first aid to animals where necessary.

Working conditions

In a full time role, you would usually work a standard number of hours per week. Veterinary clinics are often open long hours, and you may be part of a roster system to work some evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Veterinary technicians work in private clinics, veterinary hospitals and laboratories. The job can be physically demanding.

  

Tools and technologies

Thermometer
A thermometer serves as a key tool in a vet tech's arsenal. Most vet techs use digital, as opposed to analog, thermometers, to allow for a quick temperature reading. Thermometers come in rectal, aural (ear) or infrared varieties, and determine a patient's temperature before the vet tech or veterinarian performs a more in-depth examination.

Stethoscope
During routine wellness exams and emergency visits, vet techs use a stethoscope to listen to an animal's heart and lungs. The chest piece of a stethoscope--the bell-shaped end--goes against the patient's skin. Flexible tubing connects the chest piece to ear pieces through which vet techs listen to the patient's heartbeat or breathing pattern. Any abnormalities in heart rate or respiratory sounds may signal a disease or illness.

Needle and Syringe
Vet techs often complete tasks that call for the use of a needle and syringe. A needle, used in conjunction with a syringe, injects or withdraws liquids. A syringe--a glass or plastic cylinder marked with units of measurement--contains a piston system that enables specimen collection. Some of the more common tasks vet techs complete with a needle and syringe include drawing blood, injecting patients with medication or vaccines and performing needle biopsies.

Nail Trimmer
Vet techs working in shelters and private practices become very familiar with nail trimmers, which come in sizes proportional to the size of the animal. Domesticated animals such as cats and dogs have thicker nails than humans, and their nails also contain a vein, called a quick, that will bleed if nicked or cut. Vet techs must use caution to avoid the quick when trimming animals' nails. Some nail trimmers come with a sensor that helps locate the quick before making a cut.

IV Catheter
Animals require IV, or intravenous, catheters when dehydrated, sick or about to be anesthetized. Vet techs must place these small tubes in one of the animal's veins to allow for administration of liquids and medications. Catheters enable rapid distribution of fluids throughout the patient's body.

   

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a veterinary technician you have to complete a degree in veterinary technology. To get into these courses, you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent. English, maths, biology and chemistry would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of veterinary technicians is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.

Employment will grow as a more affluent population increasingly seeks veterinary care for companion animals. Veterinarians will increasingly utilise technicians and technologists to do general care and lab work, and as they continue to replace lower skilled veterinary assistants, great good opportunities in the field.

The demand for veterinary technicians is growing as veterinary specialties expand. In addition to clinical settings, vet tech jobs can be found in:

• Humane societies and rescue agencies

• Animal control organizations

• Diagnostic laboratory support and biomedical research

• Drug and feed company technical service and sales

• Food safety inspection

• Horse or Cattle Studs

• Feedlots or Livestock Enterprises

• Livestock health management

• Military service

• Veterinary supply sales

• Zoo animal and wildlife care

 

 

 

Veterinary physiotherapy is considered an essential addition to the medical and surgical treatment of animals. The purpose of physiotherapy is to restore and maintain mobility, function, independence and performance. It is applied in several treatments, from the management of joint or spinal problems to rehabilitation after fractures or injury. As an veterinary physiotherapist, you would assess and treat animals with injuries or movement problems through exercise programs, manual manipulation, massage, or other techniques such hydrotherapy. As a vet physiotherapist you'll cover the treatment of domestic pets, farm animals and exotic pets, though horses, dogs and cats are the most common.

Typical procedures include:

• assessment

• massage

• ultrasound

• electrotherapy

• exercise

• owner education and advice.

Alternative names: Animal Physiotherapist, Sports Medicine Veterinarian, Veterinary Rehabilitation, Animal Rehabilitation, Animal Physical Therapy,

Specialisations

Types of veterinary physiotherapy
You may specialise in one area of animal physiotherapy, such as:

• hydrotherapy

• small animal physiotherapy

• large animal physiotherapy

• horse and rider.

However, the majority of animal physiotherapists are self-employed and decide for themselves whether they want to work across the full spectrum or specialise. Your professional qualification will prepare you equally for work with small or large animals, but you may have to undertake further courses in order to perform specialised procedures.
    

Knowledge, skills and attributes   

To become an animal physiotherapist, you'll need to demonstrate:

• a genuine concern for the wellbeing and health of animals

• a real interest in anatomy and physiology.

You'll need to have the following skills:

• strong interpersonal and communication skills

• teamwork

• an aptitude for problem solving

• analytical skills

• administrative and record-keeping skills.

You'll also need to be:

• patient, sensitive, tactful and persistent

• flexible and adaptable.
  

If you're thinking about starting your own business, you'll need entrepreneurial and enterprise skills.        

 

Dog undergoing hydrotherapy
(Source: APA)

 

Duties and Tasks

As an animal therapist, you'll:

• treat a range of complaints, including spinal problems, joint problems and injuries to muscles, ligaments and tendons

• facilitate post-surgical rehabilitation

• devise exercise regimes for a range of conditions, from neurological conditions, to obesity, to preventative physiotherapy.

You'll also need to:

• provide advice on adapting an animal's living environment

• administer patient records.

Working conditions

Jobs are available in all locations across the country as well as in rural areas where there are a high concentration of horse races. If you decide to open your own practice, be prepared to travel often and over large distances. A driving license will be essential.
  
It's essential to establish good relationships with local veterinary practices, as you can't treat animals unless they are referred to you by a veterinary surgeon. Whether you work for a practice or are self-employed, you'll need to apply for professional indemnity and public liability insurance (PLI). Exercising animals and carrying equipment can be physically challenging and therefore the job requires a good level of fitness.

Tools and technologies

The therapist chooses the exercises, and the technician carries them out. Exercises may focus on improving proprioception, balance, speed, endurance, focal strength, pelvic limb function, forelimb function, neurologic function, or land treadmill endurance training. Therapeutic exercise equipment includes physioballs, cavaletti rails, balance blocks and discs, weights, tunnels, rocker boards, wobble boards, and treadmills.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

In order to become an Animal Physiotherapist in Australia, an undergraduate Physiotherapy degree is required. After a few years of clinical experience, you can move on to a Masters degree in Animal Studies (Physiotherapy).

The most common routes into the profession are:

• completing an undergraduate degree in human physiotherapy, followed by postgraduate training in animal/veterinary physiotherapy

• completing an undergraduate degree in veterinary nursing, followed by postgraduate training in animal/veterinary physiotherapy

• completing an undergraduate degree in veterinary physiotherapy,
  

Employment Opportunities

Opportunities for in-house animal physiotherapists appear rarely, so many animal physiotherapists choose to be self-employed. If you are thinking about starting your own business, consider taking up a business course to learn about the administrative, legislative and accounting aspects of running a business.

The majority of animal physiotherapists are self-employed. They advertise their offers through social media, professional websites and their membership of professional bodies. Professional body membership is also essential if you are looking for an in-house opportunity, as these will often be advertised through their websites and newsletters.

Forming and maintaining positive links with your local veterinary surgeries is essential, as animals have to be referred by a veterinary surgeon. Veterinary practices are also more likely to pay for your services directly to support their in-patients, if they have good relationships with you.


Professional development
  
Once you start working as an animal physiotherapist, you're expected to keep up with the developments in animal healthcare, take part in continuing professional development (CPD), and attend conferences and seminars.

CPD training will allow you to further increase your knowledge, specialise and practice in a particular area of physiotherapy, or learn about ways of working will less common animals. Sometimes you'll have to complete a CPD training in order to perform certain procedures, for example, hydrotherapy.

Career prospects
   
Your career prospects and progression will depend largely on your own choices. Through CPD training you may choose to further specialise in one field of animal physiotherapy, such as neurorehabilitation or myotherapy. Once you have acquired sufficient practical and research experience in your chosen field you may wish to work as a lecturer or a consultant.

If you're employed in-house, you may find opportunities for promotion to more senior or leadership positions. At the same time, if you're self-employed and establish a successful business, you may wish to consider employing other animal physiotherapists to support your client base.

A good way to develop your professional networks and additional transferable skills is through active participation in your professional bodies, where, depending on your organisation, you may choose to take on additional responsibilities, from membership of a committee to more senior leadership roles.

 

Did You Know? In any equestrian discipline—whether that be dressage, show jumping, flat racing or barrel racing—treating only the horse means only half of the combination is attended. Riders are looking for ‘harmony’ with their horse by being able to absorb the horse’s movement, known as an independent seat (Mackechnie-Guire et al 2018). This is achieved when the rider has good dynamic stability and flexible low back and hips. Many riders struggle to achieve an independent seat, resulting in performance inadequacies along with pain and restriction experienced by the horse due to abnormal loading (Hampson & Randle 2015, Greve & Dyson 2012). A decrease in rider gluteal and piriformis strength and overactive adductors and psoas are very common findings. Weak, spinal stabilisers will give the ‘dropped shoulder’ appearance, all leading to instability and ineffective use of the legs (Hampson & Randle 2015). In the picture left, the imbalance of the rider resulted in her being ineffective with her leg aids and the horse not being straight. Following rider treatment to release psoas and obliques, straightness and balance in the combination is achieved, along with effective leg aids. By working with a physiotherapist, horse/rider restrictions and imbalances limiting performance can be identified and with the appropriate exercise prescription and training drills, the short comings can be overcome. (Source: APA)

 

 

 

 

 

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Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Veterinarian; Vet Nurse] 
WebArchive Only - Careers Online [Vet Nurse; ]
 The Balance [ Equine Vet; ]
California University of Pennsylvania [Vet Tech; ]
CareerTrend [Tools Vet Techs Use;]
Prospects UK [Animal Physiotherapist; ]
Animal Wellness Guide [Animal Physiotherapy;]
  Your Career [Veterinarian; Veterinary Nurse]

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