Veterinary Courses

Click Here for Veterinary Degree and related courses for those wishing to study to become a veterinary surgeon

Veterinary Nursing Courses:

Want to find out more about what to expect from a career as a Veterinary Nurse?

If you, like many people are finding it difficult to find the all the answers to your veterinary nurse training queries, the following FAQ’S about Veterinary Nursing courses by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and FAQS’ on becoming a Veterinary Nurse by the Veterinary Nurse Training website should help!

Veterinary Nursing Qualifications:

There are three main paths to becoming a veterinary nurse; the BSc in veterinary nursing, the NVQ in veterinary nursing and the Foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing.

a)The BSc (Honours) in Veterinary Nursing: prepares graduates for career opportunities in teaching, research, clinical nursing, practice management, animal insurance companies and journalism. The degree is a four year, full time, programme that allows students to develop analytical and communication skills whilst providing a thorough grounding in the sciences, nursing and research necessary for those wishing to take on a professional role in veterinary nursing. Opportunities exist for students to undertake work placements in a wide variety of settings including first opinion and equine practices, veterinary hospitals and referral practices.

b) NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Veterinary Nursing: must be completed in order for students to become a qualified veterinary nurse. Students must be employed in a veterinary practice which is either a Veterinary Nurse Approved Centre (VNAC) or a Training and Assessment Practice (TP). To achieve the award students must have been in employment: a) full time (35 hours or more per week) for a minimum of two years or b) part time (20 hours or more per week) for a minimum of four years.

c) Foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing: is a broad, two-year programme of learning which offers a stimulating introduction to the essentials of veterinary nursing. You will also complete at least 70 weeks of practical training at a range of veterinary practices—giving you hands-on experience and real insight into the day-to-day role of the veterinary nurse.

Veterinary Nurse Course providers:

Middlesex University

BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing

BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing (Top-up)

Royal Veterinary College (RVC):

Foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing

BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing

Veterinary nurses who already hold the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Veterinary Nursing Certificate can undertake an individualised academic programme leading to a degree in veterinary nursing.

For a full list of RCVS approved veterinary nursing course providers Click here. This document is very comprehensive and worthwhile downloading if you are searching for an approved course provider.

Animal/Veterinary Care Assistant
Most veterinary practices and veterinary hospitals will employ junior staff to assist with day to day duties of cleaning and feeding animals and generally helping out. This is also a great starting point for future vets and nurses to gain valuable working experience
there is high competition for these positions so a qualification will greatly increase chances of employment. There are a few excellent online animal care diplomas that give a good basic grounding in the general care and welfare of animals particularly the animal care and welfare course or pet care/vet assistant course

Veterinary Receptionist
Veterinary receptionists are vital members of the team at any veterinary practice. They are almost always the first contact a client has with the practice and the impression that they project can cement or destroy the relationship. Veterinary receptionists need to understand the basics of many veterinary conditions as well as being able to cope with the administration in what can be a very busy 'office' if they are to carry out their duties effectively. They are the interface between the veterinary surgeons, practice nurses and the client so need to know how best to explain recommended treatments and be able to help in sometimes difficult and complex situations. A qualification is not essential and many vet practices will provide in-house training. However an animal care and welfare course or pet care/vet assistant course would definitely improve job prospects.