Student Veterinary Nurses are enrolled with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to undertake training and assessment to qualify as a Veterinary Nurse and enter the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses.
SVNs enrol on a veterinary nursing course to study core units with the opportunity to specialise later in their training by taking either small animal or equine units.
Small animal nurses work mainly with cats and dogs but will also learn to care for smaller pets, such as guinea pigs and hamsters, and sometimes more exotic animals like snakes and tortoises. Equine nurses mainly work with horses.
Student Veterinary Nurses normally work within a veterinary surgery or veterinary hospital and are involved in a wide range of care and treatment of animals. They work alongside and under the supervision of Veterinary Surgeons and Registered Veterinary Nurses.
Tasks vary from one veterinary practice to another, but usually include:
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Preparing and cleaning animal accommodation
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Preparing and providing food and water to hospitalised animals
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Cleaning the different areas of the veterinary practice
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Cleaning and preparing equipment
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Holding and calming animals while they are examined and treated
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Monitoring vital signs, such as temperature, heart rate and breathing rate and ensuring that patients receive appropriate care
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Administering medication, giving injections and drugs to animals
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Preparing animals for operations
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Sterilising surgical instruments
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Maintaining anaesthetic levels and assisting vets during operations
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Wound management, changing the animals dressings
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Assisting vets and veterinary nurses perform diagnostic imaging techniques such as x-rays or ultrasound
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Providing advice and guidance to the owners of the animals
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Collecting blood, urine and other samples required for diagnosis and analysing these samples to gain results
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Maintaining records
Student Veterinary Nurses work around 35 to 40 hours a week. Work may be on a rota basis to include evening, weekends and on-call emergency duties. Part-time work is often available.
In small animal practice most of the work is carried out indoors, in all areas of the veterinary practice, including the reception, treatment rooms and operating theatre. Practices vary from spacious, modern animal centres and hospitals to small, individual practices run by one or two vets.
Work in an equine practice will involve working in different areas including stable yards and clinical rooms.
Work in areas where pets are staying can be noisy. There are also parts of the job which include physical work such as lifting, moving animals and mucking out in stables. The job may not be suitable for people with certain allergies.
Most employers provide uniforms and necessary protective clothing for the operating theatre and treatment work.
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and where people live:
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Starting salaries are usually from around £12,000 a year
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Experienced Veterinary Nurses may earn between £14,000 and £20,000
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Senior Student Veterinary Nurses or Supervisors may earn up to £25,000 or more
In some practices, benefits may include private health insurance or subsidised veterinary care. Accommodation may also be provided in some practices situated in rural areas.
- Maintain good standards of health and safety for self and others
- Process payments for veterinary services
- Admit animals for care
- Make appointments for clients and their animals
- Assist in the preparation of patients for medical procedures and investigations
- Maintain examination rooms for use
- Manage clinical environments, equipment and materials
- Assist qualified veterinary staff during medical procedures and investigations
- Administer basic nursing care to animals
- Administer emergency first aid to animals and assist with the provision of emergency treatment to an
- Clean accommodation to maintain the health and safety of patients
- Monitor and care for patients in accommodation
- Advise clients on the care and progress of animals
- Discharge animals from care
- Demonstrate the care of animals
- Provide veterinary materials to clients
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements.
- Improving own Learning and Performance
- Working with others
- Numeracy
- Communication
- Initiative
- Self confidence
- Attention to detail
- Safety awareness
- Customer Care / People Skills
To qualify as Registered Veterinary Nurse the training route must be approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
The majority of student Veterinary Nurses train through the RCVS Veterinary Nurse training scheme. This training scheme includes on the job training and attendance at an RCVS approved training provider. It can also be delivered as an Apprenticeship scheme.
It is also possible to enter this career upon successful completion of a degree or foundation degree course in Veterinary Nursing, which can lead to registration as a Veterinary Nurse. Entry requirements may vary, and applicants should check with their local college or university, or on the UCAS website.
Applicants onto the RCVS approved training scheme must:
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Be at least 16 years of age
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Have a minimum of five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English, maths and a science. Alternative qualifications of a comparable or higher standard may be accepted
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Be employed full time or part time in a RCVS approved training practice (TP). A list of TP's can be obtained from the RCVS website
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Colleges may recruit full-time students who then undertake clinical placements in veterinary practices. A list of colleges can be obtained from the RCVS website
It can be difficult securing a position in a training practice (TP). People may find there is a lack of student places available and for those that are available competition is generally fierce.
Generally, experience of voluntary or paid work in a veterinary practice, kennels or with an animal charity is useful as it may demonstrate commitment to a prospective employer.
Training
The RCVS Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing is designed to prepare Veterinary Nurses to register on the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses. Students attend college for a minimum of 22 weeks, normally over a period of 2 years.
Student Veterinary Nurses are assessed in a number of ways, including:
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External RCVS multiple-choice examinations
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External RCVS practical examinations
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College based assignments and examinations
Practical skills on a range of veterinary nursing tasks are assessed and recorded on an electronic web-based Nursing Progress Log (NPL).
Degree courses however are usually taken over three or four years depending on the type of course chosen. The assessment requirements vary from course to course.
The British Veterinary Nurses Association (BVNA) represents the veterinary nursing profession and offers employment support, education and training to members. Membership is open to anyone interested in the profession and prospective veterinary nursing students are welcome.
Veterinary Nursing Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are open to all age groups (above 16yrs) whether you are just leaving school, have been working for years or are seeking to start a new career.
The Veterinary Nursing Apprenticeship includes the following qualifications:
Further information on the Veterinary Nursing Apprenticeship can be found on the Apprenticeship website
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A competence-based element – Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (previously known as NVQ level 3)
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A knowledge-based element which tests the underpinning knowledge of the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
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Transferable skills – these are key or functional skills which test English, maths and IT skills
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Employment rights and responsibilities – this helps the learner understand their rights and responsibilities within the workplace
Applicants onto the RCVS approved training scheme must:
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Be at least 16 years of age
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Have a minimum of five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English, maths and a science
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Alternative qualifications of a comparable or higher standard may be accepted
It is important to have a:
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Genuine interest in animals and their welfare
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Strong commitment to providing the best possible animal care
There are around 7,700 Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) qualified Veterinary Nurses in the UK. The majority work for individually run veterinary practices. Jobs are also available in veterinary hospitals, animal welfare centres and colleges, for charities such as the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) and in some larger zoos and wildlife centres. There is often strong competition for training positions.
There may be promotion opportunities for experienced Veterinary Nurses to Supervisor, Senior Practice Nurse or Manager. These are more likely in larger animal hospitals and practices.
Some Veterinary Nurses may choose to develop an interest in different aspects of animal health, such as behaviour or alternative therapy. Some may move into training, lecturing or become a veterinary drugs company representative.
You can find out about other progression opportunities in this industry here
For further support and information on careers in the Veterinary Nursing industry you can contact the Lantra Connect Service:
Tel: 02476 69 69 96 or e-mail veterinaryactivities@lantra.co.uk
Industry Information
You can find additional information from the following organisations and publications:
Publications(some may be priced):
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Veterinary Nursing Journal
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Veterinary Nursing Times
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Veterinary Record
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Veterinary Times
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So you want to work: with animals - Trotman
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Real Life Guides: Working with animals and wildlife - Trotman
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RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses
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TP Times - The Veterinary Nurse Training Magazine