Industry Sectors

Veterinary Nursing

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Work Description

Veterinarians diagnose and treat animal injuries, diseases and disorders, and advise on preventative action. They may work in practices, specialising according to their location in either a rural or urban area, or in the public sector or associated industries such as pharmaceuticals, food production or drug regulation.

Qualification

Entrants will require a university degree in veterinary science and registration as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Pre-entry experience in a veterinary practice may be required for entry to a university veterinary school.

Job Tasks

examines animals, diagnoses condition and prescribes and administers appropriate drugs, dressings, etc., and arranges or undertakes any necessary x-ray or other tests; inoculates animals against communicable diseases; administers local or general anaesthetics and performs surgery; investigates outbreaks of animal diseases and advises owners on feeding, breeding and general care; euthanases old, sick, terminally ill and unwanted animals; performs tasks relating to food safety policy, regulation of veterinary drugs, quality control of veterinary products; performs ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain, and animal post-mortem examinations; carries out expert witness work and undertakes teaching of veterinary students; maintains records, raises and forwards reports and certificates in compliance with current legislation.

Related Jobs

Consultant, veterinary Inspector, veterinary MRCVS Officer, field, veterinary Officer, investigating, veterinary Officer, investigation, veterinary Officer, research, veterinary Officer, veterinary Practitioner, veterinary Scientist, veterinary Surgeon, veterinary Vet Veterinarian 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Veterinary nurses provide assistance to veterinarians in the treatment and care of sick or injured animals.

Qualification

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.

Job Tasks

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.

Related Jobs

Nurse, animal Nurse, canine Nurse, veterinary 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

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