BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing Degree (Middlesex University) London, Huntingdon or Leeds

With the exception of the electives in the third year, all modules are compulsory and are not shared with non-veterinary nurse students. Modules are taught in semesters, with two semesters per year. Over the course of the degree programme you will undertake the following modules:

Year 1:

• Introduction to Professional Issues
• Introduction to Nursing Care
• Applied Functional Anatomy
• Working in a Veterinary Environment

Year 2:

• Clinical Nursing
• Pathology for Veterinary Nurses
• Theatre Practice
• Evidence Based Veterinary Nursing

Year 3:

• Pharmacology for Veterinary Nurses SQP
• Principles of Imaging and Anaesthesia
• Dissertation and Professional Practice Module
• Elective Module (choose one of the following: Equine Nursing, Management and Business, Nursing Exotics and Wildlife, Companion Animal Behaviour and Training, Veterinary Education and Professional Development, Applied Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, International Veterinary Nursing).

Clinical experience

This three year course blends 50% on placement in veterinary practices with 50% theory. This meets and exceeds important requirements of the profession, including the RCVS Veterinary Nursing by-laws.

You are offered an opportunity to choose between placements near to your home where possible (potentially a considerable cost saving) or closer to the campus you are studying at. All placements are arranged by the University and in accordance with the RCVS Veterinary Nursing by-laws may only be undertaken at RCVS approved Training Practices.

Assessment

In order to successfully complete the degree, you will be required to pass all of the University’s practical and written assessments and examinations.

The demand for places on this programme is extremely high and, as a consequence, the selection process is competitive. Offers of places are given through a process of initial application and academic assessment, interview, group discussion and written assessment. Admission tutors are most likely to be interested in applicants that show a commitment to pursuing a career in veterinary nursing, and can demonstrate a caring and professional approach towards their work.

The academic requirements consist of a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above (9-4) in English Language, Mathematics, one Science plus two other subjects.

Prospective students would also be expected to hold a minimum of one of the following or equivalent:

• A level – BBC – BBB, include a grade C or above in science (preferably Biology); or;
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) – DMM (distinction, merit, merit) – DDM (distinction, distinction, merit)
• A Recognised Access to HE Diploma – D: 0 credits M: 45 credits P: 0 credits in a science or health related subject with an overall pass.

Prospective applicants who are over 21 years of age and meet the minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above in Mathematics, English Language, a Science plus two others but do not hold further qualifications, and are able to show high levels of ability and experience within the veterinary care sector (evidenced by a supportive reference by a Veterinary Practice Principal), are also invited to apply.

We welcome applications from International students looking to undertake veterinary nurse training here in the UK. Applicants holding international qualifications are required to have all international qualifications officially translated into English with a notarised stamp. Furthermore, they must have proof of competence in the English Language by holding either the ESOL qualification or IELTS at a minimum score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in all four components) where the qualifications were not taught and assessed in English, plus equivalent qualifications in the Sciences.

Don’t meet the entry requirements? Take a look at the BSc (Honours) Veterinary Nursing with Foundation Year at Huntingdon.

Prior to applying for this programme, please ensure you read the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Disability Guidance on the Recruitment of VN Students which can be downloaded here.

Work experience

To apply for the BSc in Veterinary Nursing you will need to have a minimum of four weeks (each week 35 hours) work experience within a veterinary practice in order to have developed animal handling skills and obtained an insight into the work of veterinary nurses. You will need to have completed the minimum requirements to enter onto the course. The experience does not need to be in an RCVS approved training practice, although this would be beneficial.

For offer making purposes, the University will only consider work experience that has taken place in the period two years immediately before the course start date to ensure that you have recent experience on the most up to date approaches and procedures carried out in veterinary practice .

Further information

Applicants are encouraged to have at least two weeks recent experience in a veterinary practice before they can be considered for interview. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the evidence of the experience when requested. This evidence must include a reference from each practice attended. A total of at least 4 weeks is required overall to meet the work experience element of the entry requirements.

The RCVS has a website facility called Find a Vet which can be helpful when locating a veterinary practice based on a postcode search. It is important when contacting veterinary practices for relevant work experience you explain that you are applying to study Veterinary Nursing at degree level at University and that it is an entry requirement for the course.

More information regarding fees can be found on the Middlesex University website.

Registering as a newly qualified veterinary nurse (RVN)

On completion of the Middlesex University BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing Degree, students are eligible to apply to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses. Following the submission of the registration form and fee, successful applicants will then become entitled to call themselves a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) and use the post nominal term, RVN, after their name. They will also receive a Registered Veterinary Nurse badge from the RCVS that, when attached to their uniform, identifies them to members of the public and their colleagues as being of professional status. The registration also demonstrates to employers and the general public that the RVN is accountable to the RCVS for their professional conduct and are committed to keeping their knowledge and skills up-to-date by means of CPD.

Progression and employment prospects in veterinary nursing

As a result of a high demand for registered veterinary nurses across the country, job prospects are excellent both within veterinary practice and in other related areas. Salary prospects have improved significantly in recent years, meaning that veterinary nurses now earn an average of £24,227 per year (SPVS Salaries Survey 2021). We advertise current veterinary nurse jobs on our job board, if you’re looking for a place to begin your job search.

Many opportunities are afforded to graduate veterinary nurses in relation to working in first opinion veterinary practice, or moving into more specialist areas – such as surgical nursing – in a referral practice or large veterinary hospital. On completion of degree level training and study, your career prospects could also expand into team leadership, research, teaching, sales or rehabilitation.

Remember that, on achieving professional status, it is the responsibility of veterinary nurses working in practice to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) on a regular basis. Our CPD and short courses are designed for both registered and student veterinary nurses, allowing delegates to refresh their veterinary knowledge and understand the latest developments in the profession.

CAW Connect

After you complete your studies with The College of Animal Welfare, you will be invited to join our alumni association, CAW Connect. CAW Connect is a social networking website and education hub which gives you the opportunity to connect with other alumni, enjoy industry discounts, make use of exclusive careers advice and resources, find new job opportunities and keep up-to-date with the latest industry news. Find out more about CAW Connect