Author Archives: Amber Tennant

Exploring the path from Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) to Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Exploring the path from VCA to VN

If you’re working as a Veterinary Care Assistant and looking to progress in your career, have you considered going on to train as a veterinary nurse?

Veterinary nursing is a popular progression route for VCAs, and what’s more – your experience and qualifications may already meet the entry requirements needed to apply for the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Read on to find out more about why you might look to progress onto veterinary nurse training, and whether you’re qualified to begin formal training now.

Am I qualified?

In order to apply for the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, you must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English Language or Literature, Mathematics and a Science subject. Students with Scottish qualifications are required to have 5 subjects at a National 5 or Higher/Advance Higher at level A, B or C; to include Maths, English and a Science.

If you do not meet these requirements, there are alternative qualifications that may be acceptable. For example, veterinary care assistants who successfully complete the Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support or the Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants, in combination with a full level 2 qualification in Maths and English (e.g. GCSE Grade C or above or Level 2 Functional Skills).

There are two routes:

  1. If you are employed in an RCVS Training Practice (TP) you can start training as a student veterinary nurse at any time (as long as you meet the entry criteria). It should take between two and three years to complete, depending on if you do the diploma as a standalone qualification or as part of an apprenticeship.
  2. If you are not employed in a TP then you could consider undertaking our three year programme which includes a year long unpaid work placement in a TP in year two which will be sourced for you by our placement team. 

If you meet the entry requirements, you could also consider training as an Equine Veterinary Nurse by undertaking our Level 3 Diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing.

Why progress onto veterinary nursing?

Training as a veterinary nurse can be a valuable and rewarding career progression route for veterinary care assistants. There are several reasons why veterinary care assistants might consider furthering their education and training to become veterinary nurses:

Advancing clinical skills and knowledge

Veterinary nurses undergo formal training, which includes theoretical and practical coursework in areas such as anatomy, pharmacology, surgical nursing, radiography, and more. This education equips them with a deeper understanding of animal health and a wide range of practical nursing skills.

Boosting earning potential

Job prospects for registered veterinary nurses continue to remain high in veterinary practice and in related industries. What’s more – salary prospects have improved significantly in recent years, the median salary package for qualified veterinary nurses is now £30,500 (SPVS Salaries Survey 2022/3).

Widening career options

Upon completion of formal studies, veterinary nurses have numerous professional opportunities. You could remain in first opinion practice; move into referral practice and specialise in a particular area, train as an equine veterinary nurse, or find work in related industries such as management, research, teaching, sales or rehabilitation with further training.

What other career progression options are open to me as a veterinary care assistant?

Many VCAs choose to remain in their current role and undertake further training and education to develop as a VCA. From undertaking formal qualifications in veterinary care, to exploring additional training in customer service or veterinary reception, there are many professional development options available to VCAs. Whether you’re already working as a veterinary care assistant or looking to enter the field in the future, read our blog post exploring how VCAs can progress in their career.

Career Progression for Veterinary Care Assistants

Veterinary care qualifications and career options

From undertaking formal veterinary care qualifications, to exploring additional training in customer service or veterinary nursing, there are many professional development options available to veterinary care assistants (VCAs). Whether you’re already working as a veterinary care assistant or looking to enter the field in the future, let’s explore how VCAs can progress in their career:

Undertake a formal veterinary care qualification

If you’re a veterinary care professional without a formal veterinary care qualification looking for formal recognition of your skills and experience, there are veterinary care courses available that can help you do so. For example, at The College of Animal Welfare we offer:

Learn more about monitoring anaesthesia

If you are called upon, or have an interest in, helping with the monitoring of animals under anaesthesia, VCAs have the option to undertake the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Assisting Veterinary Surgeons in the Monitoring of Animal Patients Under Anaesthesia and Sedation qualification. Whilst it is recognised that the monitoring of anaesthesia of companion animals is best carried out by a qualified veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse, this is not always possible in every circumstance. Therefore, this qualification was developed to equip those, who may be called upon to assist, with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to do so in a safe, professional manner.

Become an Animal Medicine Advisor (SQP)

If you have an interest in veterinary medicines, you could undertake formal training to become an Animal Medicine Advisor (SQP). VCAs can undertake the VetSkill VTEC Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) qualification in order to achieve this. Successful completion of this qualification allows you to apply for entry onto the VetSkill SQP register and qualifies you to prescribe and supply veterinary medicine classes POM-VPS and/or NFA-VPS to companion animals. As part of your training, you will learn more about the role of an SQP and develop a broad understanding of animal health and disease, as well as the skills to identify parasite infestations and select appropriate medicines to prescribe.

Complete customer service training

Effective customer service combined with specialist knowledge of the record-keeping systems that support clinical services can make the all the difference to the customer experience and ensuing practice reputation. There are opportunities for VCAs who have reception duties to study additional qualifications in veterinary reception, such as the VetSkill Level 2 Certificate for Veterinary Receptionists. Alternatively, you could undertake customer service qualifications in order to learn more about best practices in customer service and boost your client communication skills.

Undertake leadership and management training

VCAs who are aspiring to step into a leadership role in their veterinary care team, or those who enjoy coaching other members of the team and want to learn more about how this is best done, have the option to undertake a leadership and management or coaching and mentoring qualification.

Attend professional development events

Many training providers offer short courses and events open to VCAs looking to progress in their role and network with fellow delegates, for example at The College of Animal Welfare we run an annual VCA Congress. You may also have an interest in attending one of our other veterinary congresses covering subjects such as animal behaviour or animal nutrition.

Train as a Veterinary Nurse

Veterinary Care Assistants have the option to go on to train as a veterinary nurse if they wish to do so. Successful completion of the Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support or the Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants, in combination with a full level 2 qualification in Maths and English (e.g. GCSE Grade C or above or Level 2 Functional Skills), meet the academic entry requirements to apply for the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, offering an excellent progression opportunity.

There are two routes:

  1. If you are employed in an RCVS Training Practice (TP) you can start training as a student veterinary nurse at any time (as long as you meet the entry criteria). It should take between two and three years to complete, depending on if you do the diploma as a standalone qualification or as part of an apprenticeship.
  2. If you are not employed in a TP then you could consider undertaking our three year programme which includes a year long unpaid work placement in a TP in year two which will be sourced for you by our placement team. 

You could also consider training as an Equine Veterinary Nurse by undertaking our Level 3 Diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing.

Explore our veterinary nursing courses

If you have any questions, or you are looking for advice about your next steps as a veterinary care assistant, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our Client Advisor Team. You can reach out by calling us on 01480 422060 or requesting a call back, emailing us at admin@caw.ac.uk or starting a live web chat on our website.

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School of Veterinary Studies

10 Ways to Learn at Work

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, keeping your professional skills up-to-date is crucial for advancing in your career and enhancing your performance at work. Whether through formal training, online courses, mentorship, or hands on experience, every step you take towards learning contributes to your long-term success.

As part of this years’ Learning at Work Week, we’re exploring several effective strategies to help you learn new skills in the workplace:

1. Apprenticeships

Did you know, contrary to popular belief, apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers? Apprenticeships are available to those at all levels of a company, and can be used by staff members to upskill in the workplace or prepare for career progression. To give just one example, you could choose to undertake a leadership and management apprenticeship as part of your training and progression into a management position.

2. Taking on new, different projects

Getting involved in new projects, especially those outside your usual responsibilities, can be a great way to learn by action. It shows your willingness to tackle new challenges, and can be a direct way to apply new knowledge and skills. It may also lead to formal training in a new subject, or open doors to new collaborations, mentorships, and career opportunities.

3. Undertaking internal company training

Many companies offer internal training sessions, workshops, or seminars to staff members. Make sure to take advantage of internal training sessions as they arise, as they’re designed to help you perform better and are often tailored to your specific industry or job function. Internal training is also an opportunity to refresh your understanding of company policies, procedures, and expectations.

4. Seeking out a mentor

Finding a mentor within your company can provide you with personalised guidance and insight into your career development. A mentor can support you in reaching your career goals by helping you navigate workplace challenges, offering advice based on their own experiences and setting up learning opportunities in the workplace.

5. Becoming a mentor

Whether you’re currently working in a mentoring role, or interested in becoming a mentor in the future, mentoring is more than just transferring advice and knowledge, and your mentor is not the only one who will be learning new skills. The mentor-mentee relationship can help you to strengthen your active listening and communication skills. Not only this, you can develop your personal leadership, management and coaching qualities. You could even undertake a formal qualification in coaching and mentoring to boost your skills even further.

6. Trying out different roles

If your company offers job rotation or secondment opportunities, why not give them a try? Moving into a different role for a short time period is a practical way to learn about different areas of your business and pick up skills you wouldn’t otherwise encounter. This process can broaden your skillset, as well as make you more versatile and adaptable.

7. Networking at industry events

Expanding your professional network by attending industry meetups, conferences or company events can significantly enhance your personal and professional growth by providing opportunities for you to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives. Building a strong network can also open doors to new learning opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations that might not be accessible through traditional channels.

8. Online training

Online learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer a range of courses across various fields. Check if your company provides access to any of these platforms—it can be a convenient way to learn new skills from the comfort of your desk or home. Your company may even host their own webinars and events that you can utilise to further your professional development. For example, at The College of Animal Welfare we deliver regular virtual veterinary congresses, as well as bitesize sessions exploring leadership and management skills.

9. Setting personal goals

Identifying what skills you want to develop can help guide your learning efforts. Whether it’s becoming proficient in a new software tool or enhancing your presentation skills, having specific targets keeps your learning focused and makes it easier to identify opportunities to meet those goals at work.

10. Reflecting on your learning

Take some time to think about what you’ve learned and how you can apply it. This could be a quick mental review or a written note. Reflecting helps you internalise what you’ve learned, refine your approaches to learning and assess what’s next. Reflection also promotes self-awareness, allowing you to better understand your own learning style, which can guide more effective and tailored education.

Staying proactive about learning at work not only boosts your career but also makes your daily routine more dynamic. By engaging in training, leveraging resources, and putting yourself out there, you’ll continue to grow and enjoy your work more fully.

Veterinary Nursing Awareness Profile

Explore the veterinary nursing profession this Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month

Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month is here! Read on for more information about the role of the veterinary nurse, training options, employment opportunities available post-training, and more…

Do you want to know more about the responsibilities of a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)?

Veterinary nurses are essential team members in veterinary practice, working alongside veterinary surgeons to deliver vital care to animals. RVNs are highly skilled professionals who take on significant tasks, such as performing diagnostic tests, administering treatments, and caring for sick and injured animals. RVNs also educate pet owners on the health and welfare of animals, and may conduct various clinics offering services like health checks, weight management advice, pre and post-operative checks, microchipping, and dental hygiene.

Did you know there are multiple pathways to becoming a veterinary nurse?

In order to become a veterinary nurse, you will need to achieve professional registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) by completing an RCVS approved veterinary nursing course. You can obtain your professional credentials through two main routes: earning a university BSc (Hons) or FdSc degree, or obtaining a Level 3 Diploma.

Both programmes of study offer unique benefits and are recognised as evidence of a high quality education. Typically, you will need at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English, Maths, and a Science subject, along with relevant work experience. If you do not meet the GCSE requirements, some training providers may accept alternative qualifications. For instance, at The College of Animal Welfare, successfully completing our Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants or Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support, along with Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications in Maths and English, would meet the academic entry requirements needed to apply for our Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal).

Have you seen what career opportunities are available to registered veterinary nurses?

Veterinary nursing is a varied and rewarding career path which opens up a wide variety of professional opportunities, with roles available in veterinary practice, education, research, management – and many more! There are also opportunities to develop your career and specialise depending on the practice you work in and your interests.

Whether you’ve just qualified as a veterinary nurse, have been working in the industry for some time and looking for a career change, or you are considering training as a veterinary nurse in the future, explore career progression for veterinary nurses in further detail here…

Why become a Veterinary Nurse?

Veterinary nursing is a natural career choice for those with their heart set on working in the veterinary industry. Working as a veterinary nurse offers the opportunity to have daily contact with animals and their owners, and work as part of close-knit teams in veterinary practice. Plus, RVNs have varied career options in veterinary practice and in related industries. Take at look at what else makes veterinary nursing a great profession to join…

Have you heard about our Live Online learning approach to veterinary nurse training?

Live Online is an increasingly popular delivery model for our Level 3 Diploma / Apprenticeship in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) programme.

It involves a mixture of online lessons held in a virtual classroom, and in-centre practical skills training sessions, supported by additional online learning activities alongside employment or placement in a veterinary practice. Read on the find out more…

How does Live Online work?

Students will attend regular virtual lectures in order to complete the theory element of their programme. Our lectures are delivered via our virtual teaching platform, which allows students to engage with tutors and peers in real-time, either from home or work.

During virtual lectures, students participate in a diverse range of learning and assessment activities including live chat, group chat, breakout room activities, independent activities e.g. research, polls and Q&A sessions. All virtual classroom sessions are recorded and are available to view after the event for consolidation of learning and revision purposes. Online exams are available via a remote invigilation platform as well as by physically attending one of our main centres.

Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)

Additional online learning

In addition to their remote classes, students have some online course materials outside of class time to work through prior to each week’s classes.

Practical training sessions

Alongside their remote classes and online learning, students attend one of our chosen training centres for approximately 10 days across their programme, for practical skills training sessions.

What are the benefits of Live Online?

✓ Promoting sustainability

Students will only need to attend their local training centre for approximately ten days throughout the programme for practical training sessions (and for exams if they choose to take these in-centre), reducing the carbon footprint of our training programmes.

✓ Extensive support, advice and guidance from CAW

Students have regular 1-2-1s with their tutor, and have 24/7 access to digital resources to support their mental and physical wellbeing. Employers will benefit from free clinical coach training and support from a dedicated IQA, as well as help in navigating the TP approval process where applicable.

✓ Innovative learning and development materials

All students will benefit from our innovative teaching methods and access to advanced virtual learning tools including our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and virtual classrooms and virtual reality clinical skills environment.

✓ Start dates throughout the year

Our flexible, hybrid approach means our programme has intakes starting throughout the year. Students who are already employed in a veterinary practice can even start at any time!

Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)

Live Online tools and resources

Virtual Learning Environment

We have recently launched our new advanced Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which students will have access to 24/7. The new, web-based system delivers interactive learning materials to any connected device and allows students to submit assignments, take exams and track their assessments. Our VLE includes lots of exciting features to enhance our students’ learning, including document repository, bespoke interactive learning materials developed in-house, lesson capture, virtual classroom delivery and forums.

Virtual Classrooms

Our online conferencing system allows our tutors to deliver effective teaching sessions and share engaging audio, video, slides, chat, and screens. The software also offers lots of interactive features which means our students can engage with their tutors and peers in real-time, for example through sharing of emoji icons, polling, and breakout rooms.

Virtual Reality

The College of Animal Welfare is the first veterinary nurse college in the UK to incorporate VR into training. All CAW veterinary nursing students will be granted a license to use our anatomy and physiology, and OSCE preparation VR software. As well as exploring the anatomy and physiology of animals, students can practise OSCE-style tasks such as taking x-rays, packaging samples, and identifying parasites – helping build muscle memory and reduce exam anxiety.  

Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)

Where is the Live Online learning option available?

As one of the most established veterinary nurse training providers in the UK, we deliver our Level 3 Diploma / Apprenticeship in Veterinary Nursing at centres located all over the country, and we’re still growing! Apprenticeship options are available at all our centres in England, and students are able to start their training throughout the year.

Students are required to attend their chosen training centre for approximately 10 days throughout their programme, for practical skills training days. They will attend one of the following centres:

Satellite training centres

Many of our satellite training centres are located inside modern veterinary environments, with state-of-the-art facilities and specialist staff. Our satellite training centres are located inside:

✔ Blue House Veterinary Centre Stoke-on-Trent (Biddulph)
✔ GSPCA Guernsey
✔ Kernow Farm & Equine Bodmin
✔ Sussex Equine Hospital Horsham
✔ Wheelhouse Veterinary Centre Chorleywood
✔ Willows Veterinary Centre Solihull

CAW Training Centres

In addition to satellite locations, we operate dedicated training centres in Huntingdon, North London, Wigan, Leeds, and Edinburgh. These centres are easily accessible by car and feature practical skills facilities, lecture rooms with video conferencing facilities, and comfortable breakout spaces for students. 

Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)

Are you currently training SVNs at your practice, or considering it for the future? Here’s how we support veterinary practices who work with us…

Whether you’re thinking about taking on another student veterinary nurse, looking to switch training providers, or want to to become a Training Practice (TP) for the first time, we make the process simple. We support practices every step of the way with:

  • Free clinical supervisor training and standardisation events
  • Ongoing support from a dedicated member of our IQA team
  • Guidance with the TP approval process where applicable
  • A resource-rich Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), eLibrary and clinical supervisor forum
  • Discounted CPD such as our Clinical Supervisor Congress

Want a quick chat about how we can support your practice? Request a call back here.

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School of Veterinary Studies

*New* Applicants who are already employed in an RCVS approved training veterinary practice can start the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) at any time

Did you know, if you are already working in an RCVS approved training veterinary practice and meet the academic entry requirements, you can now enrol and start the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) at any time (at most of the CAW centres)?

Once enrolled with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and VetSkill, you can start pre course activities and logging your practice hours before your classroom (virtual or in centre) lessons begin.

Pre course activities include course induction, preparing for study, Nursing Progress Log (NPL) guidance, health and safety, anatomy and physiology, and policies and responsibilities i.e. Code of Conduct, Fitness to Practise.

Find out more and apply for the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing

VetSkill VTEC Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal)

New Companion Animal SQP qualification open for applications

We’re delighted to announce the launch of our *new* VetSkill VTEC Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal).

This qualification is designed for those looking to gain the necessary qualification to be able to prescribe and supply veterinary medicine classes POM-VPS and/or NFA-VPS to companion animals. You may be working in veterinary practice, or in a Suitably Qualified Persons (SQP) retailer approved to retail and supply VPS medicines.

Completion of this qualification will allow you to join the VetSkill SQP register. What’s more – online learning means you can start this programme at any time, and there is no college attendance required!

Find out more and apply

What is an SQP and why should I gain SQP status?

An SQP is an animal medicine advisor who is qualified to prescribe and/or supply certain veterinary medicines under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.

Obtaining an SQP qualification could boost your credentials and career prospects in your current workplace, and help you to stand out when applying for jobs in the future.

Find out more and apply

Learn SQP competencies and gain a broad understanding of animal health and disease

This qualification is intended to provide relevant SQP competencies and underpinning knowledge and understanding that will enable prescription of medicines that fall under the POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories within the companion animal group. What’s more – you will also develop a broad understanding of animal health and disease, and the skills to identify parasite infestations and select appropriate medicines to prescribe. You will cover:

  • Legislation and Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) Status for the Supply of veterinary Medicines
  • Companion Animal Health for the Suitably Qualified Persons (SQP)
  • Prescribing and Supplying Veterinary Medicines for Companion Animals

Find out more and apply

Nurses needed to support project exploring SVN mental health education

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has awarded £20,000 to a research project investigating whether there is adequate mental health education in the student veterinary nursing curriculum.

The funding comes from the MMI Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant, which was established in 2019 in memory of former RCVS Council Member Sarah Brown, who passed away in 2017. This grant is dedicated to supporting research focused on the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary professionals.

Previous grants have supported a variety of research topics, such as the mental health effects of racism, moral injury, farm veterinarian mental health, stress factors in autistic veterinarians, and the impact of online compassionate imagery interventions.

This year’s grant recipients, Dr. Faye Didymus and Dr. Jackie Hargreaves from Leeds Beckett University, are set to explore how mental health and well-being is integrated into the learning paths of SVNs. This will be done through a scoping review of mental health education during student veterinary nursing curricula. It is hoped this will culminate in a set of evidence-based recommendations for how mental health education for veterinary nursing students could be enhanced.

The project will include interviews with educators, student nurses, and practicing veterinary nurses to gauge their experiences and exposure to mental health education. Dr Didymus and Dr Hargreaves are running a virtual webinar on Tuesday 23 April (10.30am-11.30am) through MMI, to outline their research findings to date and give attendees the chance to contribute to the second phase of their research.

The webinar will be taking place via zoom on Tuesday 23 April from 10:30am to 11:30am, and anyone interested in finding out more or contributing to the research can sign up to the webinar by visiting the MMI website events page.

More information about the grant recipients and the project can be found on the RCVS news and views page.

Vets Now Ethnic Diversity Nursing Scholarship open for applications

Applications are now open for the Vets Now Ethnic Diversity Nursing Scholarship.

The scholarship programme is part of their wider commitment to supporting ethnic diversity across the veterinary profession. Successful candidates will be awarded an annual grant of £2,500 for the duration of their course, mentoring from the Vets Now ethnic diversity scholarship board members and a support network to help them through their studies. 

In order to apply for the scholarship, you must be a UK or EU citizen who self-identifies as being from an ethnic minority, and applying to enter one of the UK or ROI nursing colleges on a course accredited with the RCVS as a ‘licence to practice’ in veterinary nursing for this years’ intake.

Your family’s financial background will be considered during the application process, and you will be asked to submit proof of this as assessed by Student Finance, with priority given to students from lower-income families.

All applications must be completed and received in full by 31st May 2024. 

You can find out more and apply for the scholarship programme here.

New veterinary nurse training option open to those who are not already employed in a veterinary practice

We’re thrilled to announce a new, three year delivery option for our Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing programme, which is open to applications from those who are not already employed in a veterinary practice.

How does it work?

Duration: 3 years

In years 1 and 3, you will undertake lessons on a day release basis either by coming into college for classroom tuition, or by studying remotely via online lessons in our virtual classroom (depending on which centre you choose to study from). In addition, you will be required to spend one additional day per week working through online course materials with up to a further six hours per week developing your practical skills using a virtual reality headset. When you are not undertaking college lessons, online learning or practical skills training in years 1 and 3, you are able to undertake casual work (working in any type of employment) to financially support yourself during the programme.

To achieve this qualification, you will need to complete a minimum of 52 x 40 hour weeks of placement in an RCVS approved veterinary practice. The majority of this (44-45 weeks) will take place during year 2 of the programme. The additional 7-8 weeks of placement will then be taken at a later stage, or after year 3.

What are the benefits of training as a non-employed student?

✓ No employment required to apply

You do not need to be employed in a veterinary practice in order to apply for this programme. However, work experience undertaken in a veterinary practice alongside a reference from a veterinary surgeon or registered veterinary nurse supporting your suitability for veterinary nurse training will be a distinct advantage.

If you have not undertaken any work experience, we will consider your application, however you will be required to undertake work experience within the first three months of being on programme in order to make sure that this is the career for you. Assistance is available from the College to support applicants seeking work experience. 

✓ Study around your existing commitments

When you are not undertaking college lessons, online learning or practical skills training in years 1 and 3, you are able to undertake casual work (working in any type of employment) to financially support yourself during the programme.

✓ Support in finding a work placement

Our dedicated placement team will use connections with over 700 veterinary practices to source an unpaid placement for your second year of training.

✓ Minimal college attendance required

If you choose to complete your weekly lessons remotely in our virtual classrooms, you will only need to attend your local satellite centre for approximately ten days per year for practical training sessions, minimising travel time and costs.

✓ Fast track your studies with paid employment

If you find paid employment as a student veterinary nurse within your first year of training, you may be able to transfer to our two-year programme for employed students in year two.

Where can I study as a non-employed student?

We deliver this programme from centres located throughout the UK, including: Basildon, Bodmin, County Durham, Derby, Chorleywood, Edinburgh, Guernsey, Horsham, Huntingdon, Leeds, North London, Solihull, Wigan and Stoke-on-Trent.

Find your nearest centre