Press Release: Student VNs Issued with VR Headsets for Practical Skills Training

The College of Animal Welfare (CAW) is proud to announce the latest phase in its Virtual Reality (VR) project. From 2026, all new veterinary nursing students are being provided with a VR headset, on free loan, for the duration of their studies.  

The VR headsets enable veterinary nursing students to access CAW’s existing bespoke virtual reality software, which is designed to support both OSCE preparation for both small animal and equine student vet nurses, and the understanding of complex subjects such as anatomy. Through immersive and interactive simulations, students are able to practise clinical techniques and explore anatomical structures in 3D, in a safe, controlled environment, as many times as they wish. 

“We’ve seen first-hand the impact our virtual reality software can have on student learning over the past two years.” Said Dr Nina De Franco BVMS MSc MCMI MRCVS, Regional Head of Veterinary Studies, who is leading on the project at The College of Animal Welfare. “By embracing virtual reality, we are not only enhancing how students learn but also helping them build confidence and competence before entering real clinical settings.” 

The introduction of VR technology reflects CAW’s ongoing investment in innovative teaching methods and its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the veterinary profession. VR adds to, and compliments, the College’s already well-established traditional, and particularly Live Online learning, pathways which allow students to undertake real-time theory lessons with their tutor and classmates in a virtual classroom from their home or work environment, saving the average student over £400* per year on travel costs and helping to reduce carbon emissions. 

* HMRC wear and tear and fuel rate used = 45p per mile. 

  • Student using a virtual reality headset.
  • Clinical scene in virtual reality.

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For more information please contact: 
Alison German RVN 
Head of Communications 
The College of Animal Welfare 
Tel: 01480 422060 
Email: agerman@caw.ac.uk 

Notes to editors: 
The College is one of the UK’s leading providers of veterinary nurse and animal care training and education; now operating from several training centres around the UK.  

We are committed to continually investing in innovative teaching methods and technologies that enhance the student learning experience and help prepare graduates for the evolving demands of the veterinary profession.  

Videos of the virtual reality in action can be found below: