Veterinary Nursing





The RCVS regulates the veterinary nursing profession through the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, the Royal Charter and the Veterinary Nurse Conduct and Discipline Rules 2014 to protect the public interest and to safeguard animal health and welfare 

Alternative careers

Animal technician

Animal nutritionist

Animal physiotherapist

Zookeeper

Zoologist

Veterinary surgeon

About Veterinary Nursing 

Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. A veterinary nurse works as a member of the veterinary team, providing expert nursing care for sick animals. 


You’ll work closely with a veterinary surgeon, helping out with surgical procedures, taking blood and urine samples, as well as ensuring an animals’ wellbeing. You’ll need to have good communication skills and be able to work in a team. It is a highly competitive job and you will need to have good grades to get a place on an appropriate training course.  

Volunteering

You'll need some work experience before you start training. You could volunteer with a vet, a local kennel or animal welfare centre, or with animal charities like the PDSA or RSPCA.

Qualifications

You can get into this job through:


University Route 

To be able to take the degree route, you will need two A levels, preferably in chemistry or biology.  

To practice as a veterinary nurse in the UK, you must hold a qualification accredited by the RCVS. If you're applying to university, you'll choose from two possible study routes:


If you already hold a degree-level qualification in another subject, or are looking for a more vocational approach, you may also consider a Level 3 work-based Diploma in veterinary nursing, which takes usually two and a half years to complete. For this option, you'll need to be employed by a veterinary practice before enrolling on the course.

All three routes will provide you with qualified veterinary nurse status and allow you to register to work in the UK. If you're interested in teaching or research, a degree-level qualification may be required, so it's worth considering this when choosing which route to study. RCVS publish a list of accredited higher education courses and further education courses. 


Apprenticeship route

Work placement & volunteering

Next steps............


Application/ Interview guidance 

Personal statement help :

Explain your reasons for applying to study this programme and why you think you will make a good veterinary nurse. 

Provide evidence of the following: 

Interview Examples :

Useful Links

https://www.studential.com/university/applying/UCAS-application-guide/interviews/veterinary-science-questions

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-nurses/

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/media-library/sites/vetscience/documents/vncab-application-tips.pdf

https://www.careeraddict.com/answer-the-top-10-veterinary-nurse-questions

Employers

Most veterinary nurses are employed by veterinary practices, which can include private, corporate-owned and charity clinics. There are also specialist employers, providing only emergency care or specialising in referral cases.

Some veterinary nurses work in rescue centres and animal charities. Outside of practice, there are other areas of employment including education, research, animal rehabilitation, and the armed forces.

Look for job vacancies at:


Career Videos 

Day in the life of a veterinary nurse

Make caring for animals your career. Study BSc Veterinary Nursing at University of Bristol

A Career in Veterinary Nursing

Veterinary Nursing at the RVC