For Ash Noonan-Atfield, Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing Educator with UQ Skills, a love of animals has always been part of who she is.
“I’ve loved animals ever since I can remember,” Ash smiles. "My first words were woof, woof, not mama or dada.”
That passion guided Ash from a young age, but her path into the veterinary world wasn’t always straightforward.
“I wasn’t particularly science-minded in high school.
“But I was determined to make it work because I knew I wanted a career helping animals.”
Ash began her study journey with The University of Queensland, completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Animal Welfare and Behaviour, before going on to complete an extended major in Veterinary Technology.
“My studies helped me build my confidence and clinical expertise.”
While studying, she started working part-time as a veterinary clinic receptionist, which quickly evolved into hands-on nursing work.
“They saw how keen I was to learn, so they started showing me more.
“I began assisting with consultations and providing preventative care advice, to doing diagnostic tests and placing IV catheters. I loved every bit of it.
Her early experience in the clinic was transformative.
“I realised that what I was doing mattered. I could be the person providing comfort to an animal when they were scared or unwell — someone who showed them empathy and compassion during their time of need.
“And I could introduce new patients to the clinic with pats, treats and excitement, so the vet clinic wasn't a scary place for them."
Over the past 16 years, Ash has built a career working in high-intensity clinical environments, including UQ VETS Small Animal Hospital, caring for some of the sickest and most complex patients.
“Emotions can run high in those situations.
“You’re not only caring for animals, but for their owners too during some of the hardest moments of their lives.”
When Ash became a mother, she decided to start a new chapter sharing her knowledge and experience teaching on the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, Certificate III in Animal Care Services and Certificate II in Animal Care programs with UQ Skills.
“It’s so rewarding to see students who might doubt themselves in the beginning grow in confidence and realise they can do this. I see a lot of myself in them.
“Some of our students have individual learning support plans or come from non-traditional education backgrounds.
“What’s beautiful is seeing how, with the right support and encouragement, they thrive.
“We adapt how we teach to fit them, not the other way around.”
For Ash, the small moments when a student successfully places their first IV catheter or understands a tricky concept are what make the role so meaningful.
“Those moments remind me why I do what I do.
“I’m helping shape capable, compassionate professionals who will make a real difference.”
Ash continues to work casually with UQ VETS Small Animal Hospital to keep her clinical skills sharp and stay connected to the profession she loves.
“I’ve learned so much over the course of my career.
“Like all care-based professionals, we’re at risk of burnout and compassion fatigue, but with the right support, I’ve built resilience and healthy self-care habits.
“This job can be tough, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
“Not everyone gets to do a job they truly love.
“I want my students to know that veterinary nursing can be a fulfilling lifelong career and that they have what it takes to succeed.”
Explore animal and veterinary care programs with UQ Skills.
