Becoming a veterinary nursing lecturer is a great opportunity for veterinary nurses to pass on their specialist skills and knowledge to future generations. The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you see yourself making that change and entering a new industry.

Will you be happy to step away from veterinary practice?

Being a lecturer is very different to working in a veterinary practice. Direct contact with animals will take a back seat to supporting students through their formal qualifications. Lecturing is often seen to be a standard ‘nine-to-five’ role, however there is also research, student support, marking and so on, which mean lecturers can sometimes work outside of these hours and during term holidays too.

You need to make sure that you understand what the move will involve and what your new role will look like day-to-day. You may wish to approach those who are already in the industry for their experiences and advice about the role.

Am I qualified to be a veterinary nursing lecturer?

You need to find out whether you are qualified to become a lecturer and, if not, what you might need to do in order to fit the entry requirements. The level of education required to become a veterinary nursing lecturer will vary depending on the role.

Generally, colleges ask that veterinary nursing lecturers need to be either a veterinary surgeon or a registered veterinary nurse, preferably holding a relevant teaching qualification such as the City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Education and Training.

In addition, whilst it is not essential, relevant student and teaching/training experience gained as a clinical supervisor, in voluntary or work shadowing capacity, is useful. Classroom experience would also be beneficial as it helps with understanding learner needs in a diverse and equal opportunities setting.

It is worth noting that the most common misconception about becoming a veterinary nursing lecturer is that you already have to have a teaching qualification in order to get into the academic profession. Although this would be a distinct advantage, it is worth doing some research into potential employers and getting in touch. Some employers (including The College of Animal Welfare) may be willing to fund your teaching qualification and allow you to work towards this whilst on-the-job.

Finding a Job as a Veterinary Nursing Lecturer

Finding a position

There are many online job platforms, which cater for the veterinary industry. On these websites, you can find all the latest vacancies in the veterinary world – including any veterinary nursing positions that may be available in your area.

• Industry magazines and newspapers
• The College of Animal Welfare online Jobs Board
• Vetnurse.co.uk
• Vetclick.com
• Vet Times Jobs
• Indeed

Making your application standout

Jobs in veterinary teaching are competitive in comparison to the number of jobs available for veterinary surgeons or RVNs working in practice. It’s important that your job application is as good as it can be and stands out from the crowd.

I don’t have any direct teaching experience. What experience should I highlight in my application?

The role of a veterinary nursing lecturer is wide-ranging, and can include responsibilities such as:

• Writing and developing course content
• Planning and presenting lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and practical teaching activity
• Student support and guidance
• Undertaking research and representing your organisation at conferences, seminars and exhibitions

Responsibilities will vary depending on the role, however the above list gives you a starting point to see what sort of skills an employer may be looking for. Take each responsibility and compare it with your own experience:

• Have you ever done any public speaking that could be similar to presenting lectures?
• Has your role in practice ever involved providing guidance to new graduates or recruits?
• Have you ever completed any research, whether as part of a formal qualification or from personal interest?
• Do you have any work that has been published, whether as part of formal research or from personal hobbies and interests such as a blog?

If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, then make sure to highlight this experience on your application, and be ready to talk about it at interview!

If you have little experience in a direct teaching role, it may be worth seeking out more opportunities that require soft teaching skills. For example you could study the City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Education and Training, take on a clinical supervisor role, lead a nursing consultation, or run a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course for a local training provider. Not only will this help to strengthen your application when applying for lecturing roles, but it will help you get a real feel for how you take to teaching.

Veterinary nurses who do not hold a degree may also look to ‘top up’ their diploma to degree level by undertaking the BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing Top Up Programme (delivered by Middlesex University in conjunction with The College of Animal Welfare).

Beyond experience and qualifications…

Remember, although teaching experience and a relevant teaching qualification is preferable, it is not essential to entering the field as a veterinary nursing lecturer. Some employers are willing to offer full training to candidates who demonstrate the drive and ambition needed to enter education, and will support you to achieve a formal qualification such as the City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Education and Training. 

Beyond experience, explain why you feel becoming a veterinary nursing lecturer is the right move for your career. Be prepared to answer questions about why you’re moving away from practice life, and show passion and enthusiasm for the profession.

The College of Animal Welfare offer the opportunity for veterinary nurses interested in lecturing to experience first-hand ‘a day in the life of’ by arranging lecturing shadow days. That way, you can see how the day develops from start to finish, see what the role involves and get more of an idea if it is for you. If you’re interested in finding out more about shadowing a lecturer at CAW, you can contact our HR team on 01480 422060.

Find out more about what it’s like to work as a lecturer at The College of Animal Welfare

See the lecturing positions we’re currently recruiting for

Find out more about the City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Education and Training

If you want to find out a bit more about the role of a VN lecturer, you can watch our Day In The Life interview below!

The government has announced that electric shock collars for cats and dogs will be banned in England.

The training devices deliver up to 6,000 volts of electricity or spray noxious chemicals to control unwanted behaviour and shock animals into obedience. Use of such equipment is already outlawed in Wales, whilst the Scottish government is also considering a ban.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said “We are a nation of animal lovers and the use of punitive shock collars cause harm and suffering to our pets. This ban will improve the welfare of animals and I urge pet owners to instead use positive reward training methods.”

More information can be found on the BBC website.

Microchips provide dog owners with peace of mind, but a microchip only works if a) your dog has one and b) its registration information remains accurate.

Remember that if you live in England, Scotland or Wales it is a legal requirement to get your dog fitted with a microchip by the time it’s eight weeks old. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £500. By getting a microchip implanted and information stored it means:

• Your dog can be re-united with you if it is stolen or lost
• The owners of dogs acting aggressively can be identified
• The owners of abused dogs can be identified and prosecuted
• You are respecting and following the law

How to get your dog microchipped

Charities such as Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust and Blue cross centres across the UK may be able to microchip your dog for free or for a small donation. Alternatively, you can pay to have your vet or a trained microchip implanter microchip your dog.

Your dog’s microchip is given a number, which will show up whenever your dog is scanned. Make sure to make a note of your dog’s microchip number so that you can notify the microchip database of any new contact details when needed. You must make sure your dog is registered on one of the following databases:

• Animal Tracker
• Chipworks
• Identibase
• MicroChip Central
• MicroDogID
• National Veterinary Data Service
• Pet Identity UK
• Petlog
• ProtectedPet
• Smartchip
• UK PETtrac

Keeping your dog’s microchip up-to-date

As a dog owner, you are responsible for keeping your dog’s microchip information up-to-date, for example if you move house or change telephone numbers. To do so, you will need to contact the database company your dog is registered with directly.

If you don’t know which database your dog is registered on, you can check the microchip number for this information by asking a vet, dog warden or dog rescue centre to scan your dog.

Microchips provide dog owners with peace of mind, but a microchip only works if a) your dog has one and b) its registration information remains accurate.

Remember that if you live in England, Scotland or Wales it is a legal requirement to get your dog fitted with a microchip by the time it’s eight weeks old. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £500. By getting a microchip implanted and information stored it means:

• Your dog can be re-united with you if it is stolen or lost
• The owners of dogs acting aggressively can be identified
• The owners of abused dogs can be identified and prosecuted
• You are respecting and following the law

How to get your dog microchipped

Charities such as Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust and Blue cross centres across the UK may be able to microchip your dog for free or for a small donation. Alternatively, you can pay to have your vet or a trained microchip implanter microchip your dog.

Your dog’s microchip is given a number, which will show up whenever your dog is scanned. Make sure to make a note of your dog’s microchip number so that you can notify the microchip database of any new contact details when needed. You must make sure your dog is registered on one of the following databases:

• Animal Tracker
• Chipworks
• Identibase
• MicroChip Central
• MicroDogID
• National Veterinary Data Service
• Pet Identity UK
• Petlog
• ProtectedPet
• Smartchip
• UK PETtrac

Keeping your dog’s microchip up-to-date

As a dog owner, you are responsible for keeping your dog’s microchip information up-to-date, for example if you move house or change telephone numbers. To do so, you will need to contact the database company your dog is registered with directly.

If you don’t know which database your dog is registered on, you can check the microchip number for this information by asking a vet, dog warden or dog rescue centre to scan your dog.

Have you been there, done that and got the gown and gloves?

If so, why not share your knowledge and experience of veterinary nursing with the next generation? At The College of Animal Welfare we are currently recruiting for a number of teaching and educational support positions at our Potters Bar centre. Previous experience in education or teaching is not usually required, as successful candidates will join our training programme and be mentored as their career develops.

Take a look at what roles we’re recruiting for below, and make sure to sign up to hear about new vacancies at CAW as they arise…

Veterinary Nursing Lecturer

Due to the continued success and growth of our Potters Bar centre we’re currently recruiting for full time / part time or visiting lecturers.

Lecturing is perfect for those with a genuine enthusiasm and passion for their subject. The position will involve teaching on both the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing programmes, as well as supporting the delivery of the centres short courses.

The successful candidate will either be a veterinary surgeon or a degree qualified registered veterinary nurse. Teaching qualifications are desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided. We welcome applications from those who are currently employed in the veterinary profession and wish to explore career development opportunities.

View Job Description | Apply

If you’re interested in becoming a lecturer, but aren’t sure whether it’s for you, read more about what it’s like to be a lecturer at CAW!

Clinical Skills Lecturer

We currently have a permanent vacancy for a Clinical Skills Lecturer at Potters Bar. The position will involve co-facilitating the delivery of practical skills teaching on both the Diploma and BSc (Hons) veterinary nurse programmes and providing NPL support and guidance to clinical coaches and students.

The successful candidate will be either an MRCVS or RVN and have recently acted in either a similar role or be an experienced clinical coach. Excellent communication and organisational skills, a keen eye for detail and a commitment to help students achieve are essential attributes for the role.

View Job Description | Apply

Internal Quality Assurer

Due to expansion we currently have a vacancy for an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) to join our team at our Potters Bar centre.

As an Internal Quality Assurer, you will have a varied and interesting role providing support to veterinary practices, Clinical Coaches and students both in the workplace and in the college setting.

You will be responsible for managing key relationships between the College and employers and other stakeholders, and for carrying out internal quality assurance of Veterinary Nursing Training.

The successful applicant will be an MRCVS or RVN who can demonstrate excellent communication skills, self-motivation, be highly organised and exhibit attention to detail. If you are looking to further your career in academia this could be the ideal opportunity for you to gain valuable experience.

View Job Description | Apply

If you’re interested in becoming an IQA, but aren’t sure whether it’s for you, read more about what it’s like to work as an IQA for The College of Animal Welfare.

If you’re keen to use your knowledge to help the next generation, but can’t see yourself leaving practice, have you considered training as a clinical coach?

Clinical coaches act as a mentor to veterinary nursing students in practice, and support them in completion of their Nursing Progress Log (NPL). We offer free clinical coach training to those working at CAW Training Practices, and those supporting CAW students.
View our upcoming clinical coach training sessions