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Head Veterinary Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amerivet

Veterinary Technician

Hilton Head Island, SC · On-site

$25/hr

Okatie Veterinary Center and Hilton Head Veterinary Clinic are growing and looking for an ... Ability to perform nursing care in a hospital setting * Solid understanding of animal behavior and ...

Amerivet Services LLC

Veterinary Technician

Okatie, SC · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Okatie Veterinary Center and Hilton Head Veterinary Clinic are growing and looking for an ... Ability to perform nursing care in a hospital setting * Solid understanding of animal behavior and ...

Amerivet

Veterinary Technician

Okatie, SC · On-site

$25/hr

Okatie Veterinary Center and Hilton Head Veterinary Clinic are growing and looking for an ... Ability to perform nursing care in a hospital setting * Solid understanding of animal behavior and ...

AmeriVet

Veterinary Technician

Okatie, SC · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Okatie Veterinary Center and Hilton Head Veterinary Clinic are growing and looking for an ... Ability to perform nursing care in a hospital setting * Solid understanding of animal behavior and ...

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All JobsHead Veterinary Nurse Jobs

Head Veterinary Nurse information

See salary details

$10

$23

$55

How much do head veterinary nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for head veterinary nurse in the United States is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Head Veterinary Nurse vs Veterinary Nurse?

AspectHead Veterinary NurseVeterinary Nurse
QualificationsRegistered Veterinary Nurse (RVN), additional leadership trainingRegistered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)
Work EnvironmentOversees nursing team, manages clinics, administrative dutiesAssists in patient care, performs nursing procedures
ResponsibilitiesSupervises staff, trains new nurses, ensures complianceProvides direct patient care, assists veterinarians

The Head Veterinary Nurse typically holds leadership responsibilities, overseeing other nurses and managing clinic operations, while a Veterinary Nurse focuses on direct patient care and assisting veterinarians. Both roles require RVN certification, but the Head Veterinary Nurse has additional managerial duties.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a head veterinary nurse?

To thrive as a Head Veterinary Nurse, you need advanced clinical skills in animal care, leadership experience, and a recognized veterinary nursing qualification such as RVN certification. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, anesthesia monitoring equipment, and compliance standards is essential. Excellent communication, team leadership, and problem-solving abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure efficient clinic operations, high standards of patient care, and a positive team environment.

What does a head veterinary nurse do?

A Head Veterinary Nurse is responsible for overseeing the nursing team in a veterinary practice. They coordinate patient care, assist veterinarians during procedures, and ensure the highest standards of animal welfare are maintained. Head Veterinary Nurses also manage schedules, mentor junior staff, and handle administrative duties such as inventory control and compliance with regulations. Their leadership is crucial in creating an efficient and supportive work environment, which ultimately enhances the quality of care provided to animal patients.

How does a head veterinary nurse collaborate with veterinarians and other clinical staff?

The Head Veterinary Nurse works closely with veterinarians to coordinate patient care, assist during procedures, and implement treatment plans. They also supervise and mentor junior nurses and support staff to ensure protocols are followed and high standards are maintained. Collaboration often involves daily briefings, case discussions, and participation in team meetings to address workflow, patient needs, and any challenges that arise. This role is central to fostering communication across the clinical team and ensuring smooth operations within the practice.
What cities are hiring for Head Veterinary Nurse jobs? Cities with the most Head Veterinary Nurse job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Nurse jobs? The most popular types of Veterinary Nurse jobs are:
What states have the most Head Veterinary Nurse jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Veterinary Nurse jobs include:
Head Veterinary Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Veterinary Nurse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,923 per year, or $23 per hour.

Veterinary Nurse/Veterinary Technician, Small Animal Clinical Sciences: College of Veterinary Medici

The University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description


(Multiple Positions)
The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Nurse, located within the Small Animal Sciences department. Currently available specialty areas include Anesthesia and Emergency and Critical Care.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide medical, surgical, and/or anesthetic nursing care or diagnostic imaging services by making patient assessments, performing triage, and preparing patients for exams or treatments. Position performs prescribed diagnostic procedures, analyzes results, and records patients' medical histories and symptoms, including observations. Position administers medicine and treatments, establishes plan of care, and operates medical equipment. Incumbent serves as a resource of information and guidance. Position supports teaching efforts by instructing students, interns, and residents.
Please provide a letter of intent for the position(s) you are seeking, resume, copy of current veterinary technician license or AVMA accredited program transcript, and references. Candidates must also provide proof of attending an AVMA accredited program via official transcripts or diploma.
Responsibilities
  • Provides medical, surgical, and/or anesthetic nursing care or diagnostic imaging by assessing patients, performing triage, and preparing patients for exams or treatments.
  • Performs prescribed diagnostic procedures and analyzes results.
  • Records patients' medical histories, symptoms, and observations.
  • Administers medication and treatment.
  • Helps to establish a plan of care and confers with owner.
  • Regularly communicates with supervising Clinician.
  • Operates medical equipment.
  • Collaborates with others to ensure quality patient care is received.
  • Enters charges on patient accounts.
  • Manages supplies, equipment, and inventory.
  • Organizes products, maintains equipment, and orders supplies.
  • Supports teaching efforts by instructing students, interns, and residents in the application of clinical skills according to specialty.
  • On-call and other duties as assigned by direct supervisor, veterinary nursing director, or department head.

Qualifications
  • Knowledge of veterinary medical concepts
  • Knowledge of animal behavior and animal husbandry
  • Knowledge of disinfection
  • Knowledge of and ability to perform resuscitation
  • Ability to perform diagnostic procedures
  • Ability to adhere to hospital safety procedures
  • Ability to work in a high stress environment
  • Ability to calculate dosages and to administer drugs
  • Ability to obtain patient stats
  • Ability to conduct oneself if a professional manner
  • Animal handling skills
  • Written and verbal communication skills
  • Time management skills

Minimum Qualifications:
Depending on experience and qualifications of successful candidate, individual will be hired in as a Veterinary Nurse 1, Veterinary Nurse 2, Senior Veterinary Nurse 1, or Senior Veterinary Nurse 2:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Veterinary Nurse 1:
  • Minimum Education: Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)- accredited program in Veterinary Technology with an Associate's or Bachelor's degree. Upcoming graduates will be considered with the understanding that degree must be obtained prior to hire date
  • Minimum Experience: None
  • Additional Requirements: Must obtain a license to practice in Tennessee within first year of employment.

Veterinary Nurse 2:
  • Minimum Education: Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)- accredited program in Veterinary Technology with an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
  • Minimum Experience: 1 year of relevant experience in a veterinary medical center or in a private/specialty veterinary practice
  • Additional Requirements: Must hold a Veterinary Technician license and must obtain a license to practice in Tennessee within first year of employment

Senior Veterinary Nurse 1:
  • Minimum Education: Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)- accredited program in Veterinary Technology with an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
  • Minimum Experience: 3 years of relevant experience in a veterinary medical center or in a private/specialty veterinary practice.
  • Additional Requirements: Must hold a Veterinary Technician license and must obtain a license to practice in Tennessee within first year of employment.

Senior Veterinary Nurse 2:
  • Minimum Education: Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)- accredited program in Veterinary Technology with an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
  • Minimum Experience: 3 years of internal, relevant experience and 6 years of relevant experience in a veterinary medical center or 7 years in a private/specialty veterinary practice.
  • Additional Requirements: Must hold a Veterinary Technician license and must obtain a license to practice in Tennessee within first year of employment. Must be a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS).

The Veterinary Medical Center is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. Occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work may be required of this position.
Work Location:
Knoxville, Tennessee On-Site
Compensation and Benefits:
  • UT market ranges: MR06-MR07
  • Anticipated hiring range: $47,840-$70,720
  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College:
The UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), located in Knoxville, was established by an act of the Tennessee Legislature in 1974 and is part of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.
UTCVM is one of 33 veterinary colleges in the United States and provides opportunities for Tennessee students while serving pet owners and the livestock industry as well as protecting public health, enhancing medical knowledge and generating economic benefits to the state and nation.
About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

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