Steps to starting a career in Veterinary Nursing

Step 1

Research your options to decide if would you prefer the Apprenticeship route, which mean you must be employed in a veterinary practice. There are also degree and self-funded options for both qualifications (although we do not offer these at KSVN). Further information can be found on University websites and at this link:

https://bvna.org.uk/information-on-training/

and

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/students-and-careers/i-want-to-be-a-vet-nurse

Taking the Apprenticeship route?

step 2

Have you got the entry requirements for Level 3? These are five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English language, Maths and a Science plus two others or suitable equivalents such as Level 3 in Animal Management (merit+) as well as GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English & Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills in English & maths.

Level 2 does not have any formal entry requirements other than being employed in a veterinary practice. If you are an apprentice under 19 years of age, you will be required to undertake Functional Skills Level 2 in maths & English unless exempt. If over 19, you can study maths & English alongside the qualification, or opt out of these if you do not need them for future training opportunities.

step 3

Getting some work experience or a Saturday job (e.g. kennel assistant) in a veterinary practice to sample life as a VN to give you an insight into the role.

step 4

Finding employment in a veterinary practice, approved to train student Veterinary Nurses. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) provide a list of approved training practices. Please follow this link to find training practices in your area so you can make contact with staff there:

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/students-and-careers/i-want-to-be-a-vet-nurse

step 5

Discuss training options with the practice management team as they will decide when you will start your VCA/VN training.

If you decide veterinary nursing is not for you but you would still like to study & work with animals, you may wish to consider the animal based courses at Canterbury College:

https://www.canterburycollege.ac.uk/study-with-us/landbased-environmental-and-animal-care/

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