What is the difference between a vet and a vet nurse?

Vet and vet nurse in practice
What is veterinary surgery?

Veterinary surgeons (or Vets as they are better known) work to diagnose and treat sick and injured animals, often as part of a veterinary team. They are also involved in managing disease outbreaks to protect both animals and humans, and ensuring our food is safe to eat.

The profession is full of variety, with diverse career opportunities. You could work in clinical practice, scientific research, government, conservation, the pharmaceutical or animal nutrition industries or in a university to name but a few possibilities.

What is veterinary nursing?

Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses work alongside other veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons as part of the veterinary team, providing professional nursing care for sick and injured animals.

Veterinary nurses also play a significant role in educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets. They carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures, under veterinary direction.

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