Course Overview

In order to meet the breadth of experience required to complete this course you need to be over the age of 18 years when you start this course.

You need to be employed to start an Apprenticeship. Please visit our vacancy page or if you have an employer, please ensure you add full contact details of your employer within your application. If you are unable to secure employment, you could enrol on a full-time study programme and transfer to an Apprenticeship at a later date. Please apply for a full-time course as your second option.

This course is suitable for those who wish to qualify as a veterinary nurse whilst in the workplace. You attend College one day per week for two years and work for the remainder of the week in veterinary practice. To enrol as a student veterinary nurse you need to be employed in a veterinary practice that has met the standards set by the awarding body, City & Guilds. Veterinary practices that have been inspected and meet these standards are known as Training Practices (TPs).

Topics include:

• Essential veterinary nursing skills
• Anatomy and physiology
• Animal welfare, health and husbandry
• Nursing support in the provision of veterinary care
• Principles and practices of diagnostics for veterinary nurses
• Pharmacology and pharmacy support for veterinary nursing practice
• Surgical theatre practice for veterinary nurses
• Supporting anaesthesia in veterinary practice
• Relationships and accountability in veterinary nursing practice
• Health and safety in veterinary nursing practice

Click here to view the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education Standard for this course.

Assessment Methods

Theory aspects of the course are taught at College by qualified registered veterinary nurses and prepare you for the National City & Guilds examinations. You will be required to complete written assignments, online multiple choice examinations, written and practical examinations during the course. A Progress Reviewer will visit your workplace every six to eight weeks to monitor your progress and help you and your practice with any concerns.

You will complete an online log known as the ‘Nursing Progress Log’; NPL. This provides a record of the clinical skills which you need to learn, practise and reach a satisfactorily consistent standard. You will be supervised by a nominated clinical coach and be provided with a Progress Reviewer who oversees your training at work and College.

On successful completion of the course and entry to the register, you will be authorised to use the post nominal letters R.V.N.

Progression Options

On successful completion of the course you could find a position in a specialist veterinary centre or you could further your career with specialist qualifications such as the Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing. The Diploma also counts towards university entrance for a degree level qualification.