Veterinary Nursing
There are several ways in which you can train as a veterinary nurse. However, all of these involve practically based training which involves spending at least two years working in an approved training practice.
During this time you will attend college, usually on a day-release basis. You will take two independent assessments (examinations) set by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in addition to being assessed at work.
You will gain the following qualifications:
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RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Nursing
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NVQ/SVQ in Veterinary Nursing at Level 2 or 3
(Level 2 is equivalent GCSEs, a Standard Grade Credit, a First Diploma or a National Certificate. Level 3 is equivalent to A-levels, an Advanced Higher, a National Diploma or a National Certificate).
NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) and SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) are also work-related qualifications that enable you to gain the skills and knowledge you needed to do a job. You can do an NVQ or SVQ at different levels, depending on your ability and what sort of job you want to do. These qualifications are based on national standards agreed by the veterinary profession, so they are recognised by employers throughout the UK. You could consider:
Further and higher education
You may, in addition, gain the following:
Technical and professional qualifications
After you have qualified as a veterinary nurse, if you want to improve your skills and knowledge in a specific area, you could do additional courses and professional qualifications. These could include:
What can I aspire to?
The entry requirements are 5 GCSEs at a minimum of grade C. These must include English Language and either mathematics and a science subject or two science subjects. Equivalent qualifications will be considered.
The British Veterinary Nursing Association provides a pre-veterinary nursing access course for candidates without suitable entry qualifications.