A Veterinary Nurse Internship has opened at the University of Pretoria’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital. This opportunity is aimed at qualified veterinary nurses who want practical hospital-based exposure in patient care, clinic support, student training, biosecurity and shift-based veterinary service delivery.
The University of Pretoria is inviting applications for a Veterinary Nurse Internship at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital. The role is suited to candidates with a BVetNurse qualification and registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the South African Veterinary Council. The closing date is 17 May 2026.
This is a strong opportunity for qualified veterinary nurses who want to gain experience in a busy academic hospital setting.
It also gives successful candidates exposure to patient care, clinic management, student support and biosecurity practices in a professional veterinary environment.
What Is the Veterinary Nurse Internship About?
The Veterinary Nurse Internship is based within the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria.
The position is linked to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, also known as OVAH. The hospital supports veterinary care, student training and academic service delivery.
For candidates who want to grow in veterinary nursing, this internship offers practical exposure in a structured hospital environment.
Who Is Offering This Opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by the University of Pretoria under its Professional and Support division.
The University of Pretoria states that it is committed to quality and is one of South Africa’s leading research universities. The institution also highlights its strength in science and technology development.
This makes the role especially valuable for candidates who want to work in a veterinary academic hospital where clinical work and student learning connect.
What Will the Veterinary Nurse Intern Do?
The successful candidate will support patient care inside the hospital.
This includes monitoring, feeding, handling animals and assisting with procedures. The intern will also help with clinic management, hygiene, stock control, pharmacy orders, equipment care, safety measures and charge sheets.
The role also includes assisting with practical student training.
That means the intern may help with demonstrations and support students or student nurses with specific practical tasks, including preparation of drips.
This is a hands-on veterinary nursing role with real hospital responsibilities.
What Other Duties Are Included?
The Veterinary Nurse Intern may communicate with clients, sales representatives, private practitioners and visiting students.
In addition, the intern will support biosecurity and safety by helping ensure standards are followed, policies are applied and safety issues are reported.
The role also requires flexibility.
The successful candidate may need to work in other sections of OVAH and perform shift duties.
Who Can Submit an Application?
Applicants must have a BVetNurse qualification.
They must also be registered as a Veterinary Nurse with the South African Veterinary Council. These are the minimum requirements listed for the internship.
This means applicants should check their qualification and professional registration before preparing their documents.
What Skills and Competencies Are Required?
Candidates should have knowledge of small and large animal nursing procedures.
They should also understand biosecurity measures, handling of small animals, ICU equipment, basic diagnostic imaging equipment, theatre equipment and instruments.
The listing also highlights several personal and workplace skills.
These include attention to detail, professionalism, communication skills, organising ability, service orientation, physical mobility, computer literacy and the ability to work under pressure.
Candidates must also be willing to work weekends and outside normal working hours when required for continuous hospital service delivery.
What Added Advantage Could Help Candidates?
Registration with the Veterinary Nursing Association of South Africa is listed as an added advantage and preference.
This does not replace the minimum requirements.
However, it may strengthen an application where a candidate already meets the core qualification and SAVC registration requirements.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Before submitting, make sure your CV clearly shows your BVetNurse qualification, SAVC registration, practical nursing exposure and ability to work shifts. For this kind of role, hospital readiness matters just as much as your paperwork.
What Documents Should Applicants Prepare?
Applicants must attach a comprehensive CV.
They must also include certified copies of qualifications and SAVC registration. In addition, applicants must provide the names, email addresses and telephone details of three referees who may be contacted.
These documents should be prepared before submission.
Missing documents may affect whether an application is considered.
When Is the Closing Date?
The closing date for this opportunity is 17 May 2026.
The University of Pretoria states that no application will be considered after the closing date or if it does not meet at least the minimum requirements.
Applicants who do not hear from the University by 31 July 2026 should accept that their application was unsuccessful.
How Can Candidates Submit Their Application?
Applications must be submitted through the official PNet application portal.
Before submitting, applicants should check that their CV, certified qualification copies, SAVC registration proof and referee details are complete.
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Final Thoughts
The Veterinary Nurse Internship 2026 at the University of Pretoria is a valuable opportunity for qualified veterinary nurses who want practical hospital-based exposure.
The role covers patient care, clinic management, practical student training, biosecurity, communication and shift-based service delivery.
Candidates who meet the BVetNurse and SAVC registration requirements should prepare their documents carefully and submit before the closing date.
