You will probably find most of your questions answered here, however the Qualifications' section contains further information on specific qualifications. A list of approved centres (colleges) and lists of Training Practices can also be downloaded from the Qualifications' page.
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I don't have the required GCSEs, can I still train to be a veterinary nurse?
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Do I need to find a job in a veterinary practice in order to train?
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Should I take the degree route or vocational (Diploma) route?
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What is the significance of the RCVS List/Register of Veterinary Nurses?
What is the Diploma?
The Level 3 Diploma qualification is designed to prepare veterinary nurses for professional registration on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Register of Veterinary Nurses and replaces the previous NVQs and VRQs in veterinary nursing.
The qualification has a core and two option pathways, one in small animal nursing and one in equine nursing, as follows:-
I don't have the required GCSEs, can I still train to be a veterinary nurse?
Yes, the RCVS will accept a range of accredited qualifications as GCSE equivalents. Those most commonly put forward by candidates are:
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BTEC National Diploma in Animal Management, accepted along with Basic Skills at Level 2 in Application of Number
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BTEC First Diploma in Animal Care, accepted alongside the equivalent of an additional 2 GCSEs, plus a Basic Skills test in Application of Number at Level 2
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ABC Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants (ANA), accepted alongside Key or Functional Skills in Application of Number and Communication at Level 2
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City & Guilds National Certificate for Veterinary Care Assistants, accepted alongside Key or Functional Skills in Application of Number and Communication at Level 2
Please contact your local Centre directly with regards to entry requirements. Alternative qualifications of a comparable or higher standard may be accepted in lieu of the usual requirements. This decision will be made by your local Centre following assessment of your qualifications.
The Level 2 Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants (formerly known as Pre Veterinary Nursing) is awarded by ABC Awards; please contact ABC Awards (Nottingham) on 0115 854 1616 for further details or visit their website.
I have overseas qualifications, can I still train?
Yes, you will need to have your overseas qualifications assessed by UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the UK) to see if they are equivalent to our entry qualifications. You will need to get any relevant certificates translated as necessary and if you are from a non- English speaking country then you will need an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) pass at Level 7.
Do I need to find a job in a veterinary practice in order to train?
Yes, in most cases you will need to obtain a trainee post in an approved training practice (TP) before you can enrol as a student veterinary nurse. The exceptions are students undertaking full-time Diploma courses or courses in higher education (foundation or honours degrees) which include arranged work experience placements. To find out how your nearest Centre is delivering the award, please contact them directly.
In order to assist you, the RCVS publishes a list of approved training practices in your area. You may also contact your nearest Centre which may be able to assist you in finding a vacancy at one of their linked practices.
What is a Centre?
This is the college that you attend for your Diploma theory course and who will also look after your practical training and monitor completion of the Nursing Progress Log (NPL).
Can I train on a part-time basis?
Yes, as long as you work a minimum of 15 hours per week. Students must complete at least 60 full-time weeks (or part-time equivalent) of work experience in a training practice.
Can I still train as an equine veterinary nurse?
Yes, you can choose to specialise in the equine pathway in your second year. The first year consists of both small animal and equine units.
How am I assessed?
Students will undertake a variety of different examinations and assessments:
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RCVS MCQ (multiple choice question) examinations
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College-based examinations
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College-based assignments
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Work-based assessment (Nursing Progress Log)
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RCVS OSCE examination (practical exam)
Work-based assessment: The Nursing Progress Log (NPL)
The NPL is a record of the teaching, supervision and experience students receive in a practice. It is a web-based electronic tool designed to record work-based clinical skills and is based on a set of ‘day-one’ clinical skills that are expected of all qualified veterinary nurses when they join the RCVS Register. Your progress on the NPL is monitored by a nominated clinical coach within your practice who will be an experienced registered veterinary nurse or veterinary surgeon.
I have already been working in an approved training practice for a year; can I count some of this time towards my veterinary nurse training?
No, you can only count time spent from the date of your enrolment as a student. You will need all of the required training time (60 full-time weeks) in order to gain, and be assessed in, the skills which are set out in the Veterinary Nursing Occupational Standards.
Should I take the degree route or vocational (Diploma) route?
Vocational and higher education qualifications in veterinary nursing both lead to registration as a veterinary nurse.
If you are very practically-minded, and want to get“stuck in” to a job in a veterinary practice, vocational training is probably best for you.
A degree course will take a little longer and is more academic, but it is a higher qualification and can lead to additional career opportunities, such as research, the pharmaceutical industry and teaching, in addition to work in clinical veterinary practice.
What is the significance of the RCVS List/Register?
Veterinary care and treatment is regulated by Act of Parliament to ensure that the welfare interests of animals are protected. Veterinary Surgeons are responsible for diagnosing illness and providing medical or surgical treatment to animals in their care.
The Veterinary Surgeons Act permits Vets to delegate a specified range of care and treatments to qualified Veterinary Nurses, employed by him/her, who are Listed by the RCVS.
The List of Veterinary Nurses records the names of those individuals who are qualified to provide treatment and care under the Act. The List now includes the Register of Veterinary Nurses.
In addition to gaining their professional qualification, Registered Veterinary Nurses are required to keep their knowledge and skills up to date through Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Registered Veterinary Nurses have the same rights to provide treatment and care as other nurses on the List.
Registered Veterinary Nurses may use the post nominal letters 'RVN' whilst Listed Veterinary Nurses may use 'VN'. They are in much demand by progressive Veterinary Practices.
A 'nurse' who is not qualified and RCVS Registered/Listed should not be described as a Veterinary Nurse. Such individuals may legally undertake only a limited range of basic animal care and do not have the career opportunities open to an RCVS Registered or Listed Nurse.