Working with animals

Veterinary Nurse
Veterinary nurses care for animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. A nurse works as part of the veterinary team, providing expert supportive care for sick animals under the direction of a vet. They are also skilled at undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures under veterinary direction. They also play a significant role in the education of owners about maintaining the health of their pets.

What qualifications do I need?

GCSE
You will need 5 GCSEs at grade C or higher or five scottish standard grades 1 to 3. These must include English Language and two science subjects, one of which may be Maths.

Training
You can train either as a small animal verterinary nurse or as an equine (horse) veterinary nurse. Training can take place in a RCVS approved training practice. Student nurses undertake clinically-based training which involves at least two years working in the practice, attending college on a day-release or block release basis.

Assessments
Student nurses are continually assessed at work and will be required to take RCVS independent examinations at the end of their first and second years.

Qualifications
Success in these assessments and examinations will lead to National Vocational Qualifications at levels 2 and 3.

For more infomation please contact:

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Belgravia House
62-64 Horseferry Road
London SW1P 2AF 

Telephone: (020) 7222 2001