If you’re a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) who qualified with a diploma or foundation degree, you may have considered topping up your qualification to a full honour’s degree.
Many RVNs are choosing to complete a veterinary nursing top-up degree for a variety of reasons: to open up new career opportunities, enhance their professional practice, or simply challenge themselves academically. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your role and are eager for a new challenge, or you’re aiming to step into a leadership role, completing a top-up veterinary nursing degree could be a fantastic way to fuel your passion for veterinary nursing.
But is returning to study the right decision for you? Resuming your academic journey – especially at degree level – is a big decision. Before you move forward, ask yourself these questions:
What’s your motivation?
To decide whether a return to education is right for you, a good starting point is to be clear on your end goal. What is it that you want to achieve by completing a veterinary nursing degree? Is it a career change, a specialisation, to upskill, to explore a professional interest, or something else? Then, you can work out which course and pathway will take you there.
For example, if you’d love to see your name in a veterinary journal one day, studying a top-up veterinary nursing degree gives you a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, academic writing, and critical thinking – all essential tools for professional publishing.
Can you realistically manage study alongside your work and home life?
Whilst achieving a degree is a fantastic milestone, it’s no secret that the achievement doesn’t come easily. From attending tutorials and completing coursework, to reading textbooks and writing your final dissertation – undergraduate study is a serious commitment.
This is why it’s essential to understand the basics when researching a top-up veterinary nursing degree. How many hours will you need to study? Are you required to attend campus? If so, what does your commute look like? Can you get support with childcare or other commitments? These are all key factors to consider before you decide and will be personal to your situation.
Many students complete their degree whilst working full-time and managing family commitments – it’s challenging, but very possible with support and flexibility. A variety of top-up courses, including the BSc Hons Veterinary Nursing Top-Up degree programme we deliver in partnership with Middlesex University, are delivered via online learning, which will allow you to study wherever you want, without compromising your lifestyle. You can also choose to study part-time or full-time, speeding up or slowing down the programme to suit your needs.
It’s worth attending open events and speaking to the tutors who lead your chosen programme, so you can gain a better understanding of the course requirements and the time commitment required.
What skills do you want to develop?
It is well documented that degree-level study supports far more than just clinical expertise. It also builds academic writing and research skills, ethical reasoning, reflective thinking and professional confidence. But what skills do you want to develop, and will a degree support this?
To answer this question, it might help to picture yourself at the end of your degree and think about the new skills you’ll have, or how you might use your new qualification in practice. For example, if you see yourself becoming a head nurse, you’ll need leadership, communication, and management skills – all of which can be developed with undergraduate study.
Do you need a degree for where you want to go?
Many RVNs choose to top-up their veterinary nursing qualification as a way to branch out into a particular specialism within their work, or move forward in a field outside of clinical practice such as teaching. Therefore, it’s worth investigating whether the role you’re aiming for requires degree-level study.
Depending on your career goals, a degree may be essential, or simply a strong advantage. For example, in the world of education, veterinary nurse lecturer roles at universities or colleges often look favourably on a BSc level veterinary nursing qualification. Additionally, clinical specialism in referral or advanced practice may be easier to access with a degree behind you.
Can you afford to do a degree?
Returning to education is a significant investment, and it’s important to think about whether it’s financially viable for you. That includes considering the tuition fees, but also how your study might influence your working hours, income, and other commitments.
Take some time to explore how the course fits into your wider financial picture. You may be eligible for student finance or may get financial help from your employer, especially if the degree aligns with your role or long-term goals. Some practices are open to supporting academic development as part of a career progression plan, so it’s always worth having the conversation.
Whilst the cost of study is a key factor, many RVNs find that the long-term value of a degree in terms of increased confidence, career progression and personal achievement makes the investment worthwhile.
Are you ready for academic work again?
Everyone learns in different ways; the academic writing and critical thinking that comes with degree-level study can feel unfamiliar. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. The key is to be honest about your learning style, seek out support from tutors, and choose a course that understands the needs of returning learners.
What support will you have along the way?
Returning to study can feel daunting, especially if it’s been a while since you last opened a textbook. That’s why it’s so important to consider what support systems will be in place to help you succeed. Will you have access to tutors who understand the challenges of RVNs? Is there flexibility if life gets in the way? What kind of academic guidance is offered, especially when it comes to assignments, research, or using new online tools?
At The College of Animal Welfare, the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Top-up Degree (Middlesex University) is designed with support in mind. From dedicated programme leaders to flexible online learning and regular contact with tutors, students are never far from advice and guidance. We understand that many of our students are juggling work, family and study, so we’re here to help every step of the way.
Will you enjoy learning again?
If you’ve enjoyed CPD, mentoring, or teaching others in practice, the chances are you’ll thrive in a more structured learning environment too. That said, returning to study can feel daunting. It’s normal to feel “rusty” at first, but many RVNs find the process incredibly rewarding, especially once they start applying new skills directly in practice.
Still not sure if university study is for you? Speak to a client advisor
Choosing to study at university is a big decision. If you’re unsure whether it’s the right move, or you have questions about our top-up veterinary nursing degree itself, our client advisors are here to help you choose the best path for your goals. They can also arrange a chat with a programme tutor if you wish, so you can ask course-specific questions and get a feel for what studying will really be like.
Enrolling now: BSc Hons Veterinary Nursing Top Up Degree (Middlesex University)
Our BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Top-Up Degree programme, awarded by Middlesex University, is open for applications and starting in September.
This programme provides diploma and foundation degree level registered veterinary nurses the opportunity to top up their qualifications to a BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing degree. Delivered by distance learning, the course aims to give you the skills, experience and knowledge needed to enhance your veterinary career and continue your personal and professional development.
With no campus attendance required and part- or full-time options available, you can study around your existing commitments. During the course you will study evidence-based veterinary nursing skills and knowledge at degree level.
Enrolling now: BSc Hons Veterinary Nursing Top Up Degree (Middlesex University)