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What's the difference in training for vet assistants and nurses?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Male | neutered | 5 years and 4 months old | 11 lbs

What is the difference between a vet nurse and a vet assistant? Do you need any sort of specific education to be a vet assistant?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2017

Hi there. Usually no specific training is required for a veterinary assistant and training will be on the job. A veterinary nurse (just like a human one) will require more schooling and will allow you more in depth and hands on access to patient care when it comes to treatment. Hope this helps!

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    a Vet assistant does not require a formal qualification while a nurse does, a nurse is allowed to do much more things as well such as injections and blood collection for example. to be a vet assistant you are not required to have a formal education but there are courses that you can take if you want.

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