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A Career as a Veterinary Surgeon
A Career as a Veterinary Nurse
A Career as a Veterinary Nurse |
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Gemma Horne |
What
is Veterinary Nursing?
Veterinary Nurses, or VNs, work alongside veterinary surgeons in order to provide a high standard of care for animals. VNs provide supportive care for animals and undertake tasks such as monitoring during anaesthesia, medical treatments and diagnositic tests under veterinary supervision. VNs also provide an important service to clients and owners, and help to educate them in good standards of animal care.
Entry Requirements
In order to start a career in veterinary nursing you must be over 17 years of age. You should also have 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, which must include English Language and two passes in a physical or biological science. Alternatively, you may have the level 2 Certificate in Animal Nursing Assistant qualification (previously known as BNVA pre-veterinary nursing course). To enrol on this course you must be at least 16 years old and be working in veterinary practice.
You must also be employed at a Veterinary Nurse Approved Centre (VNAC) or Training Practice (TP). Details of practices that are VNACs or TPs can be obtained from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons website: www.rcvs.org.uk.
Training
Training to be a veterinary nurse usually takes two years and leads to a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) levels 2 and 3. During the training, students must be employed within a veterinary practice which has been approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Practice training will usually be supported by a college-based course, most commonly on a day release basis.
Looking for a position as a veterinary nurse
There are various journals that have ‘classified advertisements’ sections including a section for veterinary nurse appointments. These include BVNA’s Journal, Veterinary Nursing Journal, Veterinary Record and Veterinary Times.
The BVNA employment register which is free to members, but is available for a small charge to non-members is also a good way to find a position. The service will hold your details and requirements on record for an agreed amount of time, and put you in touch with recruiting veterinary practices.
Enroling
Once you have found a position and met the entry requirements you can then enrol with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a Student Veterinary Nurse (SVN).
Summary
Veterinary Nursing is a rewarding career. It offers great variety, intense and daily contact with animals and their owners. The training does take time, a lot of hard work and commitment but as with any other worthwhile job, it is satisfying and rewarding.
Further Information
Advice from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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