Veterinary Nursing
Useful Links
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/lifelong-learning/career-development-for-veterinary-nurses/
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/practice-standards-scheme/overview-of-practice-standards/
https://bvna.org.uk/working-for-you/
https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jobs/job-profile/veterinary-nurse
https://www.caw.ac.uk/careers/veterinary-nurse-small-animal/
Job profiles
https://animalowners.rcvs.org.uk/veterinary-careers/i-want-to-be-a-veterinary-nurse/
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/veterinary-nurse
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/veterinary-nurse
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/279547-veterinary-nurse-job-description
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
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.
Qualifications
You can get into this job through:
a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
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:
A foundation degree (FdSc) in veterinary nursing (typically a three-year course)
A Bachelors degree (BSc) in veterinary nursing (typically a four-year course).
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
The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
Useful Links
https://findapprenticeshiptraining.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/courses/333
https://www.caw.ac.uk/course/advanced-apprenticeship-in-veterinary-nursing/
https://www.myerscough.ac.uk/courses/veterinary-nursing/type/apprenticeships/
Work placement & volunteering
Next steps............
First thing to start with is writing an email so we could send it to the local related organisations. Once you have completed and I have read, you will be able to send. Please use the guide to complete this and send me an email. https://sites.google.com/blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/futures/cv-cover-letter-guidance Employers are keen to support students and are more eager to help if you contact them directly. So I always ask students to make initial contact so that I can then follow it up to complete paperwork with them.
Once you have got a provisional agreement or if you are still struggling, please contact sian.roberts@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk (current students only) and I can support with the extra paperwork needed to go out on placement.
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:
Your understanding of the role of the veterinary nurse.
Relevant work experience in a small animal veterinary practice (ideally a minimum of 2 weeks), plus additional work experience with animals, such as kennels, cattery or welfare organisations.
Your interest in the welfare of animals and people.
The match between your interests and aspirations, and your chosen programme.
Your ability to be self-motivating: for example, in setting your own goals and problem-solving.
Examples of your ability to work well as part of a team and also of using your initiative.
Interview Examples :
Useful Links
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:
British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) - careers info and jobs
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