Veterinary Nurse Internship Programme | Earn R13,000–R24,000
Apply for the 2025 Veterinary Nurse Internship Programme at UP’s Onderstepoort Hospital. Earn R13k–R24k/month. Closes 15 June 2025.
The University of Pretoria (UP), a top-tier spot for research and academic excellence, has announced a brand new opening: Veterinary Nurse Internship Programme at the world-renowned Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH).
If you’re someone who’s just wrapped up their vet nursing studies—or if you’re simply super passionate about animal care—this is absolutely worth a look. Honestly, it’s the kind of chance that can jumpstart your career in veterinary nursing.
Why Apply?
Let’s be real: this is more than just a line on your CV.
- Hands-On Experience: You’ll get into the thick of things, not just watching but actually doing. You’ll work with a massive range of animals and cases, and every day’s a little different.
- Make a Difference: You’re contributing to UP’s mission—excellence, diversity, and service. This is about helping actual animals (and their humans), not just ticking boxes.
- Veterinary Nurse Internship Programme
- Dynamic Environment: You’ll be part of a team that’s all about growth and learning.
What Will You Actually Do?
Here’s a closer look at what’s in store if you land this internship:
Patient Care
- Direct care for animals—feeding, monitoring, helping with procedures, and keeping an eye on their wellbeing.
- You’ll work with a variety of species, from the usual cats and dogs to large animals and maybe even some exotics.
- Be ready for anything—sometimes it’s a routine check-up, sometimes it’s a full-on emergency.
Clinic Management
- Help keep the hospital running smoothly. This means:
- Managing stock and pharmacy orders (yes, you’ll need to keep track of supplies—no one wants to run out of essentials).
- Maintaining hygiene and safety standards to keep everyone healthy.
- Assisting with admin tasks like charge sheets and general clinic organization.
Practical Training & Demonstrations
- Work side-by-side with veterinary students, showing them the ropes.
- Assist with demonstrations—preparing IV fluids, helping in the surgical theatre, that sort of thing.
- You’ll actually get to teach and guide others, which is pretty cool if you ask me.
Communication & Client Interaction
- You won’t just be hanging out with animals all day—you’ll talk to clients, sales reps, visiting students, and private vets.
- This is a great chance to sharpen those people skills and learn how to keep information flowing in a busy hospital.
Biosecurity & Safety Compliance
- You’ll help keep things safe—following strict protocols and making sure biosecurity is never compromised.
- If you spot a safety issue, you’re expected to flag it and get it sorted.
Shift Work
- The hospital never sleeps, so flexibility’s key.
- Prepare for working weekends, nights, and outside regular hours. Not a standard 9-to-5, but you’ll never be bored!
Who Should Apply?
Minimum Requirements:
- Qualification: BVetNurse degree is essential.
- Registration: Must be registered as a Veterinary Nurse with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).
Essential Skills & Competencies:
- Solid understanding of nursing procedures for both small and large animals.
- Comfortable with ICU equipment, diagnostic imaging, and theatre tools.
- Can handle a bunch of animals safely—even the feisty ones.
- Professional, detail-oriented, and able to juggle multiple tasks at once.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Physically fit and ready to handle the demands of a busy hospital.
Bonus Points:
- Registered with the Veterinary Nursing Association of South Africa? That’ll definitely help your application stand out.
Perks of the Internship
- Real-World Experience: You’ll be working with top-notch veterinary professionals, learning from the best in the business.
- Access to the Latest Tech: OVAH uses cutting-edge veterinary tools and procedures. You’ll get up close and personal with the latest in animal healthcare.
- Professional Growth: Loads of opportunities for self-development and learning. This isn’t just an internship—it’s a stepping stone.
- Supportive Environment: The team at OVAH is known for their expertise and willingness to help. You’ll never feel like you’re on your own.
How to Apply
- Where: Apply online at the University of Pretoria’s Careers Portal.
- What You Need:
- A detailed CV.
- Certified copies of your qualifications.
- Proof of registration with SAVC.
- Contact info for three referees (make sure they’re okay with being contacted!).
Deadline: 15 June 2025.
Don’t wait until the last minute—these positions fill up super fast.
Veterinary Nurse Internship Programme
If you want a job where you learn, grow, and actually make a difference in animal lives, this is the place. It’s challenging, sure, but also hugely rewarding. Don’t sit on the fence—give it a shot! And hey, may your scrubs stay (mostly) clean. Good luck!
