Training as a Veterinary Nurse
Veterinary Nursing is an important and valuable part of professional animal care. Veterinary Nurses assist Veterinary Surgeons just as, in the medical field, the nurse assists the doctor. Tasks undertaken range from nursing hospitalised animals to administering first aid; from taking and processing X-rays to the preparation of instruments for surgery; from applying bandages and dressings to performing laboratory tests.
As with any worthwhile job, the training you will need to become a Vaterinary Nurse takes time and hard work - but if you are willing to put in the effort, you will be rewarded with a career which offers variety, interest and day to day contact with animals and their owners.
There are about five thousand qualified veterinary nurses in Great Britain, all of whom will have trained under the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Veterinary Nursing scheme. They may be working in veterinary practices, charity run clinics, educational or research institutes or a number of other organisations.
The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) is the organisation responsible for maintaining training standards for veterinary nurses. It looks after its members in many ways, for example by giving on-going advice on continuing education, career prospects, employment rights and runs an employment register.
To become a Veterinary nurse, you must enrol on the RCVS Veterinary Nursing scheme, you will be required to train for at least two years, and take two examinations.
Requirements for enrolment
Before you can apply to the RCVS for student enrolment under the Scheme you will need to satisfy the following criteria
- GCSE passes in five different subjects at Grade A, B or C including a pass in English Language and two passes in a physical or biological science or mathematics. Passes in examinations of a comparable or higher standard may be accepted by the at the discretion of the Veterinary Nursing Committee of the RCVS. Alternatively the BVNA Pre Veterinary Nursing examination will enable entry to the VN scheme. If you are unsure whether you can meet the entry requirements, you should contact the RCVS for advice.
- You must be 17 years old (there is no upper limit). If you are under 18, the consent of a parent or guardian is required.
- You must be employed at an RCVS registered training practice (TP) or have the promise in writing of such employment. TP's are (with few exceptions) veterinary practices. St Ives Veterinary Surgery is an TP. Alternatively you must have a place on an RCVS approved veterinary nursing undergraduate or HND course. Training extends over a minimum of two years following enrolment as a student.
Finding a Vacancy at an Training Practice
Vacancies for students are often limited in number yet greatly in demand. It is often a good idea to contact your local Veterinary Surgeon(s) and ask if there is any weekend, evening or voluntary work available. This will allow you to see what the job entails and get some work experience which may help in securing a full time job later.
The BVNA runs an Employment Register which is aimed at those who are seriously seeking a position in practice as a student veterinary nurse or qualified Veterinary Nurse. Details of those on the Register are sent to employers who then contact the prospective employee direct. Positions are also advertised in the BVNA publication, the Veterinary Nursing Journal.
It is possible to advertise yourself in the "Veterinary Record". Details are available from McMillan-Scott PLC., Brettenham House, 10 Savoy St., London WC2E 7HR. Telephone: 020 7878 2300.
Alternatively, you may write (enclosing an s.a.e.) to the TPs in the area you are interested in, asking for details of any existing or future vacancies. It is a good idea to write to them at regular intervals so that they know you are still interested in finding a position. It may be necessary to move in order to find a suitable position but some TP's provide accommodation. You should also enquire about the training provided, (i.e. whether the practice sends students on college courses). A list of TP's is available on the RCVS website.
Training Courses and Examinations
Practical tuition and experience are gained in practice but theoretical knowledge is usually acquired by attending a part-time, full-time, day release or evening college course. Attendance at these courses counts as part of the two year training period, but it is not possible to attend a course unless the applicant has first completed a period of training as an enrolled student in an TP. Details of all courses are available from the BVNA.Two examinations must be passed before qualification as a Veterinary Nurse. These are the NVQ level 2, which is taken after at least 1 year as an enrolled student and the NVQ level 3 examination which is taken at the end of the 2 year training period.
The subject matter for both exams deals mainly with the dog and cat, though some knowledge of the general management of other small animals e.g. cage birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and tortoises will be expected. Once both exams have been passed and the two years completed, the RCVS issue a Certificate of Veterinary Nursing, and the holder may use the letters V.N. after his/her name.
Opportunities for Veterinary Nurses
Once qualified, many Veterinary Nurses continue to work in Veterinary Practice but may take on greater responsibilities. These include practice management, supervision of hospital wards and teaching other nursing or support staff. A Veterinary Nurse is not restricted to working in an TP once qualified and so may move to any veterinary practice.
Positions outside veterinary practice include work in research establishments, laboratories, universities, colleges, zoos, pharmaceutical companies, breeding and boarding kennels etc.
Veterinary Nursing is often physically and emotionally very demanding. However, the skills acquired and the satisfaction of caring for animals and their owners can be extremely rewarding.
Qualified Veterinary Nurses working in TP's may now go on to study for the Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing. This, like the initial veterinary nursing training is a two year course although one examination is taken at the end of the two year period.
Useful addresses
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Belgravia House 62-64 Horseferry Road London SW1P 2AF Telephone: 0171 222 2001
E-Mail Link
Web page
British Veterinary Nursing Association 82, Greenway Business Centre Harlow Business Park Harlow Essex, CM19 5QE Telephone : 01279 408644
E-Mail Link
Web page
NOTE: Any requests for leaflets or lists from the BVNA should be accompanied by a large stamped addressed envelope (or remittance to cover postage).