If you’re not employed in a veterinary practice, you may be eligible to apply for one of our programmes as a non-employed applicant. We consider applications from non-employed students for some of our programmes, on condition that you meet all other requirements (these will be outlined on the individual course pages below). However, please be aware entry onto these courses is competitive; therefore, you may wish to read more about how to strengthen your application.
We are looking for students who are committed to attending practice and have a realistic understanding of what the role involves. As such, a minimum of four weeks (each week 35 hours) work experience within a veterinary practice is required prior to applying for the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing (Middlesex University. As a starting point, we would suggest making contact with your local practices to check for opportunities. We have also compiled some additional advice here.
For the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing non employed route, 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.
Please see below for programmes that accept students who are not employed in a veterinary practice:
- *Non-employed* Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
- FdSC Veterinary Nursing (Royal Veterinary College)
- BSc Hons Veterinary Nursing with Foundation Year (Middlesex University)
- BSc Hons Veterinary Nursing (Middlesex University)
Placements in Veterinary Practice
We have a dedicated Placement Liaison Team, who use connections with over 600 Training Practices (TPs) across the UK to source placements for non-employed students on companion animal diploma and degree programmes. You can also try to source your own placement in a veterinary practice. This practice must be an RCVS approved Training Practice (TP) or Auxiliary Training Practice (aTP), and the practice must be able to offer you clinical coach support. We have compiled some advice about sourcing work placements here.
Do you have any more questions? If so, feel free to connect with us on social media, email us at admin@caw.ac.uk, call us on 01480 422060 or talk to us via web chat.