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.

During year 2 of the programme, you will undertake a full-time unpaid work placement in an RCVS approved veterinary practice. You will undertake 40 hours per week for 45 weeks of placement across the 52 weeks.

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