About NDAF
Founded in 1991, NDAF (Norsk dyrepleier- og assistentforening) is a central organisation for professionals connected to veterinary medicine in Norway—comprising mainly of veterinary nurses, clinic assistants and students. NDAF collaborates with IVNTA (International Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Association), and ACOVENE (Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nurse Education) to stay internationally connected and promote opportunities for study and exchange abroad.
What We Do
- Educational Courses & Seminars across Norway, covering clinical skills, anesthesia, dentistry, and much more.
- Professional Publications – quarterly journal 'Tidsskrift for Norsk dyrepleier- og assistentforening'.
- Advocacy & Regulation – established the veterinary nurse profession and continues to support its legal regulation.
- Ethics & Governance – maintains professional ethical guidelines and formal organisational structure.
- Grants & Scholarships – available for members pursuing further education.
Veterinary Nurse Education in Norway
Veterinary nursing is a regulated and protected profession in Norway. To work as a veterinary nurse ("dyrepleier"), you must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree and be officially authorised by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet).
Education
- The veterinary nursing education is a 3-year bachelor’s degree, offered at:
- NMBU (Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås)
- Nord University (Bodø)
- The program includes practical and theoretical training in areas such as anesthesia, surgery, pharmacology, diagnostics, and animal care.
- Students are evaluated continuously and must meet professional suitability standards.
Title Protection
- The title “Veterinary Nurse” (dyrepleier) is legally protected in Norway.
- Only those with authorization from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority may use the title “Dyrepleier”. To apply for authorization, see https://www.mattilsynet.no/dyr/dyrehelsepersonell or contact the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
- Misuse of protected titles (e.g. calling oneself a veterinary nurse or assistant without qualifications) is illegal in accordance to “dyrehelsepersonelloven § 16.
Professional Development
Veterinary nurses can pursue further training and specialisation in fields such as:
- Anesthesia
- Surgery
- Dentistry
- Rehabilitation
- Emergency and intensive care
NDAF supports the recognition of these titles for experienced nurses with accredited post-graduate education.
Career Opportunities
Veterinary nurses in Norway work in a variety of settings, including:
- Small animal clinics and hospitals
- Research and laboratory environments
- Animal shelters and kennels
- Pet shops and animal supply businesses
- Aquaculture and marine health sectors
Membership Benefits
- Annual subscription: 500 NOK (300 NOK for students).
- 50% discount for members of Fagforbundet union.
- Members receive:
- Quarterly journal
- Course discounts
- Access to scholarships
- Professional guidance
- Discount on GYMO health care equipment
- Open to all veterinary nurses, veterinary nurse students and paraprofessional working in veterinary medicine.
Career & education Listings
NDAF hosts a national job and education/course portal for veterinary nurses and clinic assistants.
Awards & Recognition
NDAF hand out two yearly awards ,“Veterinary Nurse of the Year” in collaboration with Hill’s and “Workplace of the year” in collaboration with Akselsens Agenturer.
Contact
For enquiries or membership questions:
General queries: post@ndaf.no
Contactform: https://www.ndaf.no/kontakt
Economic queries: kasserer@ndaf.no
Postal Address: NDAF, Postboks 7, 5907 Alversund, Norway
