Veterinary nurses work alongside veterinary surgeons to provide care for sick and injured animals. Their responsibilities include assisting in surgical procedures, administering medications, monitoring anaesthesia, taking blood samples, and providing advice to pet owners about animal care and nutrition. The role requires compassion, attention to detail, and the ability to handle animals safely and kindly. Most veterinary nurses in the UK are required to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The job can involve working irregular hours, including weekends and evenings, especially in emergency or animal hospital settings.
The average salary for a veterinary nurse in the UK ranges from £18,000 to £26,000 per year, with experienced nurses earning up to £30,000.
There are over 20,000 registered veterinary nurses in the UK, according to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as of 2023.
Around 90 percent of veterinary nurses work in private veterinary practices, while others work in animal hospitals, charities, zoos, or research.
Specialises in providing nursing care for horses, working alongside vets in equine hospitals, clinics, or stables.
Focuses on caring for domestic pets such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and other small animals in veterinary practices.
Works with vets to care for injured or ill wild animals, often in wildlife rehabilitation centres or conservation projects.
Obtain at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 C or above, including English, maths, and science.
Most veterinary nurse training programmes require a minimum of 5 GCSEs, including passes in English, mathematics, and science. Science subjects, like biology, are particularly important as they provide a foundation for understanding animal health. If you are interested in this career, focussing on your schoolwork in these subjects will help you meet entry requirements.
Apply for a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons RCVS approved Level 3 Diploma or a foundation degree in veterinary nursing.
There are two main routes: a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, which is often completed through an apprenticeship at a veterinary practice while studying part-time at college, or a full-time foundation or honours degree in veterinary nursing at university. Both routes combine academic study with hands-on practical experience. Check the RCVS website for a list of approved training providers.
Undertake work experience in a veterinary practice as part of your course.
Work placements are a key part of veterinary nurse training, giving you the opportunity to develop practical skills such as animal handling, assisting in surgery, and providing inpatient care. These placements are supervised by qualified professionals and are essential for meeting course requirements and gaining real-world experience.
Volunteer or work with animals in settings like shelters, farms, or animal charities.
Alongside formal placements, any extra experience with animals will help you become more confident and skilled. Volunteering at animal shelters, rescue centres, or even farms can provide valuable insights and improve your ability to work with different species and temperaments.
Apply for professional registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons after completing your qualification.
You must be registered with the RCVS to practise as a veterinary nurse in the UK. Once you have completed your training and met all the practical and academic requirements, you can apply for your professional registration. This gives you the legal right to use the title Registered Veterinary Nurse RVN.
Keep your skills current through ongoing learning and training.
Veterinary nurses are expected to take part in Continuing Professional Development CPD throughout their career. This can include short courses, attending workshops, or learning new techniques. CPD ensures you stay up to date with the latest developments in animal care and maintain your registration.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Veterinary Nurse. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
The closest match is 'Veterinary nurse' itself, as it is specifically a healthcare professional specialising in animal care within a veterinary setting. Both roles require veterinary-specific qualifications, clinical skills, and patient management, distinguishing them from general nursing or healthcare assistant roles.
You can get into this job through:
You can do a foundation degree or degree in veterinary nursing. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has a list of accredited courses.
You'll usually need:
You can study for a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at college.
You'll spend some time in the classroom and periods of training on placement in a veterinary practice.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has a list of approved training organisations offering the course.
You'll need:
You can begin your career by doing a Veterinary Nurse Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
The training takes up to 3 years to complete.
You'll usually need:
You could get some work experience with a vet, local kennels or animal welfare centre before you start training. You could also try animal charities like the PDSA or RSPCA.
You can join the British Veterinary Nursing Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
You can learn more about how to become a veterinary nurse from the British Veterinary Nursing Association.
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