Want to be a Vet Nurse?

Level 3 Diplomas are offered on either a full-time basis or apprenticeship-style alongside a job in veterinary practice. Upon successful completion of the qualification, you will be able to apply to register with the RCVS.

If you enrol on a full-time course your time will be divided between that spent in the classroom and periods of training on placement (paid or unpaid) in veterinary practice. These placements will be organised by the college for you.

As an apprentice, you will first need to find employment in an approved training practice and then attend college on a part-time or block release basis. You can obtain a list of training practices from www.rcvs.org.uk.

Training is quite intensive and takes between two and three years. A large proportion of this time will be spent gaining clinical experience in a training practice. You will be working under the supervision of qualified veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons, learning how to provide nursing care and treatments in a range of different situations. You will be assessed throughout the course via theory exams, practical examinations, a work-based progress log and assignments. You will also be expected to undertake several hours of private study each week.

Veterinary nursing is a popular career choice to people of all ages. There is no age limit when you can start training and there are many excellent VNs who didn’t enter the profession until later in life.

Many veterinary practices choose existing staff members for student placements, so you may have to accept a ward assistant or receptionist role to enable you to get a little experience before you are successful.

Gaining work experience or a placement is very competitive and demand often outweighs availability. Therefore you need to stand out from the crowd.

Below are some suggestions to help with this:

• Get as much pet handling experience as possible. Stables, catteries, kennels, pet shops, dog training groups, rescue centres and private zoos all provide invaluable experience. If you detail these in your CV be sure to include what you learned and enjoyed.
• Explore the internet for free courses. Many animal charities and Vet Schools put short distance learning courses online. Completing these will show commitment and real interest. Remember to check these are accredited by a well-known educational organisation or the RCVS; never pay for any online course that is not accredited.
• Familiarise yourself with websites set up by the industry bodies (links below). They will keep you up to date with what is going on in the industry and provide a realistic view of the jobs that are currently available.
• Provide a well-written CV to a practice. However, it is best to go in person, ask the name of the Head VN and if you could have a short appointment with them to discuss your CV.
• Investigate ‘College Open Days’ that provide VN training, attend them and discuss their entry requirements. Speak to the Tutors about what is going on in the local area they will be best placed to advise on possible contacts.
• Enlist your Guidance and Careers Teachers, they may be able to approach practices through local initiatives that provide work experience.

Alternatively, you can take a veterinary nursing degree at university. Universities will have their own entry requirements and you will need to apply via UCAS. Bachelor (BSc) and Foundation (FdSc) degrees are available and courses often include additional subjects, such as practice administration or farm animal care.

Training takes three to four years, depending on the type of course. VN degree courses include a significant proportion of practical training based in approved training practices, alongside an academic programme. A programme taking either small animal, equine or ‘mixed’ practice units.