REGISTRATION OF VETERINARY NURSES

In order to practise as a veterinary nurse in Western Australia you must be registered with the Board

Registration process

The Board needs to be in receipt of the following to consider your application:

• Completed online application;
• Payment of the applicable fees;
• Certified* copy of your veterinary nursing qualification;
• Certified* copy of your current passport or other photographic ID;
• Current CV with details of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses attended in the last 3 years.
• Two character references; and
• A letter of good standing from any Boards/Councils you are currently registered with, valid for 3 months from date of issue, sent directly from them to us (via email is acceptable).

*Further information about certifying documents can be located here.

 The application fee for a veterinary nurse, which includes registration until 30 June is $132. The renewal fee for one year of approval as a veterinary nurse is $81.

Once your application has been assessed you will be contacted and, if necessary, asked to provide further information. The approval process usually takes about 7 to 10 days but may take longer for more complex applications.

If approved by the Board, your registration will need to be renewed each year before 30 June in order to continue working as a veterinary nurse.

Please note that you must NOT commence practising as a veterinary nurse until you have received confirmation of your approval from the Board office.

Qualifications

Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing course at an approved registered training organisation qualifies graduates to apply for registration as a veterinary nurse with the Veterinary Practice Board.

Qualifications other than a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing 

The Board follows the recommendations set by the industry when considering if a veterinary nursing qualification will be accepted to register and work as a veterinary nurse in WA. Please see the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) approved list of qualifications accepted here.

If your qualification is not on the VNCA approved list of qualifications, please contact the Board office. Eligibility for registration is considered by the Board and determined on a case by case basis.

If you have had a non-practising period of more than 12 months, please refer to our registration FAQs or contact the Board office.

Veterinary Nurses Council

The Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) has a branch in Western Australia. The VNCA offers support and direction for veterinary nurses and sets and maintains standards for excellence in animal care through quality education.

Link to VNCA                          

Letters of good standing

If you wish to register with another veterinary board/council you may be asked to provide them with a letter of good standing from the competent authority you are currently registered with.

A letter of good standing confirms that you are currently registered with the Veterinary Practice Board, that you are not the subject of any disciplinary enquiries and that there are no disciplinary findings against you.

To request a letter of good standing, please contact the Board via email and allow 5 working days for your request to be completed. There is no fee for letters of good standing.

In your email to us please let us know your full name, registration number and the veterinary board/council you require the letter to be sent to.