The Vet Centre in Hallam runs 16-week training
YOUNG people with a passion for pets don’t have to chase their tail when it comes to gaining experience as veterinary nurses.
Keen animal lovers are enrolling in a vet nurse skills training course at the Vet Centre in Hallam to learn all about their desired career.
Dr John Stewart, head veterinarian at the centre, has helped many young people start their vocation in vet nursing through the 16-week program, which provides a comprehensive overview of what is required of a vet nurse.
Tasks over the four-month period include administrative duties, care of animal surgical instruments, training with an experienced nurse and vet, learning to prepare animals for surgery and helping the vet with day-to-day operations.
Having a passion for a wide variety of animals – not just dogs and cats – is also essential.
Katherine Heuser is halfway through the training program and said she had learnt much during this time.
“It is amazing what is involved with working in a veterinary clinic like the Vet Centre,” she says. “The wide variety of animals and pets that we look after includes horses, cows, goats and even pigs. There is something different happening every day.”
Dr Stewart said helping foster the career of young people entering veterinary nursing was rewarding.
“Katherine is a fine example of a young person dedicated to becoming an excellent veterinary nurse and the Vet Centre is proud to be involved,” he said.
Practice manager and head nurse Nerelie Waddell said vet nursing was not for everyone.
“There have been some trainees that loved to look after the cute and cuddly animals, but had difficulty in coping with pets that had major injuries. Another benefit of our training program is real-life veterinary experiences that can help determine the right career path,” she said. “People want their pets and animals to receive the right treatment that provides preventative care as well as treating sick animals,” Dr Stewart said.
“A good veterinarian with a passion for helping animals will always provide a higher level of service.
“This is one of the main issues we reinforce with our training program. The results speak for themselves, with many of our trainees growing in confidence, going on to further veterinary studies and enjoying a great career in helping families and their pets.”
For those interested in learning more about the Veterinarian Nurse Training Program, contact Nerelie on 9702 3822.
