Veterinary Nurse
What is the work like?
As a veterinary nurse you would support veterinary surgeons (vets) by providing nursing care for sick and injured animals.
Your nursing duties would include:
- holding animals and keeping them calm during treatment
- giving injections and drugs (under direction of the vet)
- collecting blood, urine and other samples and carrying out in-house lab work
- sterilising instruments
- taking x-rays
- preparing animals for operations
- assisting during operations by handing instruments and maintaining levels of anaesthetic
- carrying out minor procedures such as suture removal.
You would often have other responsibilities, including:
- taking care of in-patients (feeding, cleaning quarters, grooming and exercising)
- conducting clinics for suture removal, post-operation checks and second vaccinations
- advising owners about the care of their animals.
You could also have administrative and reception duties.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can qualify as a veterinary nurse in two ways:
- work-based training or
- higher education.
Both lead to Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) registration as a veterinary nurse.
Work-based training
To begin work-based training as a veterinary nurse you must be at least 17 years of age and be employed at a veterinary practice which is approved by RCVS – visit the RCVS website for details of approved practices.
You would need:
- five GCSEs at grade C or above including English, maths and two science subjects or equivalent qualifications or
- the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) Animal Nursing Assistant qualification – see the BVNA website for details.
In some areas you can complete the City & Guilds/NPTC National Certificate for Veterinary Care Assistants as an alternative to the BVNA Animal Nursing Assistant qualification.
It could be an advantage when looking for work as a trainee or assistant if you have relevant experience – for example, with a local vet, or in other kinds of work with animals, such as local kennels or RSPCA centres.
During your training you would work under the supervision of qualified staff. You would also attend college on day-release or block-release and do private study. Your training would take at least two years, with exams at the end of each year. You would then receive:
- NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Veterinary Nursing and
- RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Nursing Theory.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
Higher Education
As an alternative you can do a RCVS-approved veterinary nursing degree or BTEC HND course, which includes work experience placements, and combines the RCVS-approved training with the academic qualification. This way of qualifying will take longer than work-based training, but could give you more career opportunities, such as research or teaching.
To get onto a higher education course you would usually need at least two A levels or equivalent qualifications, preferably in chemistry and biology, and five GCSEs (A-C) including English language and maths and two sciences. You should check with individual colleges and universities for their exact requirements – see the RCVS website for a list.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are qualified and experienced, you can add to your skills and knowledge by doing short courses or further qualifications, including:
- RCVS Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing
- BVNA Pharmacy Management for Veterinary Nurses
- BVNA Certificate in Dentistry.
You could develop your career prospects by taking higher qualifications such as HND, foundation degree or degree courses.
Where can I go for more information?
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
62-64 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 2AF
Tel: 020 7222 2001
31 Market St
Fordham
Ely
Cambridgeshire
CB7 5LQ
Tel: 01638 723555
Harlow Business Park
Harlow
Essex
CM19 5QE
Tel: 01279 408644
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Veterinary nurses can earn between £15,000 and £20,000, depending on experience.
- Senior veterinary nurses can earn £20,000 to £24,000.
Accommodation may be provided.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As a veterinary nurse you would work between 35 and 40 hours a week, often with evening, weekend and on-call duties.
Your employer would usually provide a uniform and protective clothing.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- concern for animals without being too sentimental
- a tactful and sympathetic approach with upset or nervous owners
- calmness and confidence when handling animals
- an interest in science, particularly biology
- willingness to carry out messy or unpleasant tasks
- the ability to communicate well with owners and colleagues
- administrative and keyboard skills.
What opportunities are there?
Many veterinary nurses are employed in general veterinary practices, but you could also find work in research establishments, laboratories, universities, colleges, zoological/wildlife parks, charities, pharmaceutical companies and breeding/boarding kennels.
With experience in a veterinary practice you may be able to take on more responsibility, such as practice management, supervision of staff, and training support staff. You could also do further study to become a lecturer or researcher.
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