Veterinarian

What does a Veterinary Nurse do? – Tasks and work environment

A veterinary nurse works with providing medical care, nursing, and support to sick or injured animals, primarily at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or veterinary stations. Tasks include assisting veterinarians during examinations and surgeries, administering medications, taking blood samples, wound care, and monitoring animals during and after treatment. Veterinary nurses are also responsible for informing and supporting pet owners, managing medical records, and maintaining hygiene routines in the work environment. The work is often physically demanding and may involve irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, especially at emergency clinics.

Salary development over time

The salary for veterinary nurses has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,200 SEK, followed by an increase to 31 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 33 400 SEK in 2024. The total salary increase during this period amounts to just over 10%, which is higher than many other healthcare professions. The increase can largely be explained by a growing need for qualified animal care staff, as more pet owners demand advanced veterinary services. The profession has also become more professionalized, leading to higher educational and skill requirements, which in turn have positively impacted salary development.

Veterinary Nurse salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 33 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,300 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 40,300 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
• Hourly wage (average): 201 SEK/hour
• Women earn: 33 300 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 34 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on location and employer, with higher wages more common in metropolitan areas and larger animal hospitals.

Education and qualifications

To work as a veterinary nurse, a high school education in natural sciences with an animal focus is usually required, followed by post-secondary education as a veterinary assistant or animal caregiver at an advanced level. Employers may also require specific certifications depending on the workplace. Practical experience, such as internships or trainee programs, is often highly valued and sometimes a requirement for employment.

• Formal qualification: Post-secondary education, typically 2–3 years (veterinary assistant/animal caregiver level 2 or 3)
• Certifications: Specific courses in medication handling and veterinary care
• Internship: Internship during education is mandatory for most programs
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably in natural sciences or related fields
• Tip: Choose an education with recognized certification for working in veterinary care

Common benefits and compensations

Veterinary nurses are often offered benefits such as evening and weekend shift allowances, wellness contributions, and sometimes opportunities for further training and courses. Some employers may also provide extra vacation days, pension contributions, and insurance. The scope of benefits varies depending on whether the employer is private or public.

Competition and challenges

The profession of veterinary nurse is in demand but is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation. There are difficulties in recruiting trained personnel, especially for positions requiring higher competence, while many in the profession work part-time. The work is often physically and mentally demanding, involving handling stressful emergency situations and emotionally difficult moments. Competition for permanent positions at larger veterinary hospitals can be tough, while job opportunities at smaller clinics and in rural areas are increasing. For those wishing to advance, further education and specialization are often necessary.

Tips for those wanting to become a Veterinary Nurse

To succeed as a veterinary nurse, it is good to be thorough and have a genuine interest in animal welfare, which makes it easier to handle both routine and unexpected situations. Developing resilience to stress is important, especially when the pace is high and animals need urgent care, so practice staying calm under pressure. Teamwork skills are crucial since the work is performed in collaboration with veterinarians and colleagues – clear and attentive communication facilitates cooperation and improves the quality of care. Practical experience, such as volunteering or internships, provides valuable insight into daily work and increases your chances of employment. Finally, it is important to always want to learn more, as developments in veterinary care are rapid and new methods are continually introduced.

Key facts about Veterinary Nurses

• Education level: Post-secondary education, 2–3 years
• Work environment: Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or veterinary stations
• Work form: Shift work, often evenings and weekends
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, especially in smaller towns
• Special skills: Medication handling and care of various animal species

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, a veterinary nurse can advance to more specialized roles, such as veterinary assistant responsible for anesthesia, surgery, or rehabilitation. Opportunities also exist to become a team leader, trainer for new colleagues, or to work in administration within veterinary care. According to the Swedish Employment Service's prognosis, the opportunities for employment remain high, and demand is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years. There is also a certain shortage of trained personnel, which can mean good chances of employment for those who have completed the right education. The job market is particularly favorable for those who are flexible and willing to work at various clinics or in different regions.

Frequently asked questions about Veterinary Nurses

• What is the average salary of a Veterinary Nurse?
  - A veterinary nurse has an average salary of 33 400 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development for Veterinary Nurses looked over time?
  - Salaries have increased from 30,200 SEK in 2022 to 33 400 SEK in 2024.
• What education is required to become a Veterinary Nurse?
  - Post-secondary education of 2–3 years is required, often including internships and certifications in veterinary care.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What is the job market like for Veterinary Nurses?
  - The job market is good with many opportunities and 375 available positions in the profession.
• What are the most common workplaces for Veterinary Nurses?
  - Most work at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or veterinary stations.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for Veterinary Nurses?
  - The highest salary is 40,300 SEK and the lowest is 31,300 SEK per month.