Study Veterinary Nursing at The College of Animal Welfare

Veterinary nurses are vital to the running of a successful veterinary practice, and are responsible for working with veterinary surgeons to provide care and treatment to a variety of different animals such as dogs, cats and rabbits.

They carry out nursing and technical work and perform a range of important diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures under veterinary surgeon direction. Beyond technical work, Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) also educate owners on the welfare of their pets. In many practices they run their own nursing clinics.

In any given day you will find yourself involved in a variety of different tasks, from helping a veterinary surgeon in theatre to advising an owner on the most appropriate method of flea control for their pet. Your regular work may include:

• Preparing animals for surgery and performing minor surgical procedures
• Monitoring anaesthetised animals
• Nursing sick animals and administering medication
• Taking x-rays and carrying out diagnostic tests
• Advising owners on the health and welfare of their pets
• Taking bookings, payments and completing necessary paperwork
• Running nurse clinics, such as diet and grooming consultations

In order to become a veterinary nurse, you need to complete a structured training programme approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

There are two main education routes to becoming a qualified veterinary nurse:

• Further Education (Diploma): This route involves completing a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. This route combines practical work experience with academic study. At The College of Animal Welfare, we deliver the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from training centres all over the UK. Find out more
• Higher Education (Degree or Foundation Degree): Alternatively, you can pursue a degree in Veterinary Nursing. We deliver the BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing Degree (Middlesex University) from our campuses in Huntingdon, Leeds and North London. Find out more

Veterinary nursing is a natural choice for those with their minds set on working with animals. If you have a passion for animal welfare, then you are likely already familiar with the profession and the important role that veterinary nurses play in raising animal welfare standards.

Gain real job prospects

Job prospects for registered veterinary nurses continue to remain high in veterinary practice and in related industries. What’s more – salary expectations have increased significantly in recent years, the median salary package for qualified veterinary nurses is now £30,500 (SPVS Salaries Survey 2022/3).

Join a rewarding profession

Veterinary nurses make a real difference to the lives of animals every single day. The sense of purpose that comes from nursing an ill, abandoned or stray animal back to health, and the long-lasting friendships fostered whilst working as part of a close-knit team in practice, makes veterinary nursing a rewarding and worthwhile career.

Benefit from varied career options

Upon completion of formal studies, veterinary nurses have numerous professional opportunities. You could remain in first opinion practice; move into referral practice and specialise in a particular area, train as an equine veterinary nurse, or find work in related industries such as management, research, teaching, sales or rehabilitation with further training.

Gain the gift of life-long learning

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a mandatory requirement for Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs), with 15 hours being required by the RCVS over a one year period. This gives those working in the profession the gift of life-long learning and education, and leaves plenty of opportunity to pursue professional interests and undertake specialist training in a range of topics, particularly the care of exotic pets, feline medicine, anaesthesia and dentistry.