3240 — Veterinary nurses

What this occupation covers

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

Typical duties

assists the veterinary surgeon during surgical and medical treatments of animals

prepares operating theatre, sterilises equipment and assists in theatre as required

dispenses and administers medication and applies dressings to animals under direction from the veterinarian

handles animals during treatment

collects and analyses blood, urine and other samples

cares for animals in hospital accommodation and keeps accurate records

maintains the biosecurity of the veterinary premises

advises clients on preventative medicine to maintain appropriate animal health and welfare

Entry routes and qualifications

Entrants require GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent qualification. Entrants must obtain employment at an approved veterinary practice to gain practical experience and tuition with an employer for a minimum duration of two years. Candidates must also pass professional examinations before qualifying as a veterinary nurse.

Sponsorship information

Medium Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

DBS assessment

No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

Find this code and estimate salary

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Annaizu is independent of ONS, the Home Office and DBS.