Anne Colgan
The course is great fun - whether itâs for a career or just to enjoy. Most people are nervous when you meet a bunch of new people, but everyone was there to learn and have fun!
Entry Requirements
- Learners must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English language, maths and a science subject.
- A paid (apprenticeship) or unpaid work placement in an approved veterinary training practice for 1800 hours.
Details
On an Apprenticeship or Diploma programme, you will learn and develop a range of knowledge, skills and behaviours. These include:
- RCVS Code of Professional Conduct
- Organisational requirements and legislation related to a veterinary business and animal welfare
- The aims of effective health and safety within a veterinary practice
- Anatomy and physiology in relation to veterinary nursing practice
- Infection control in veterinary practice
- Correct usage, handling, storage, maintenance and disposal materials, equipment, instruments and veterinary pharmaceuticals
- The principles of record keeping
- Veterinary Nursing Care
- Emergency and critical care
- Diagnostic techniques for veterinary nurses
- Communication skills – working relationships with clients and within the veterinary team
End Point Assessment:
The employer and training provider will formally signoff the apprentice’s readiness for the independent End Point Assessment (EPA) at ‘gateway’. Gateway is the point at which the apprentice has met and can confidently apply the knowledge, skills and behaviours required, as detailed within the apprenticeship standard. The End-Point Assessment (EPA) will consist of 2 distinct components:
- Practical assessment of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
- Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence
Performance in the EPA will determine your overall apprenticeship grade i.e. Pass or Distinction
The VetSkill (awarding body) VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing includes the following units:
Year 1:
- VN01 - Professional Veterinary Nursing Responsibilities
- VN02 - Diagnostic Principles
- VN03 - Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care 1
- VN04 - Pharmacology and Dispensary Management
- VN05 - Practical Veterinary Nursing Skills and Professional Behaviours
Year 2:
- VN02 - Diagnostic Principles
- VN05 - Practical Veterinary Nursing Skills and Professional Behaviours
- VN06 - Anaesthesia and Theatre Nursing Skills
- VN07 - Life Stage and Medical Nursing Care and Support
- VN08 - Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care 2
- VN09 - Surgical Nursing and Patient Care
Work Experience
To achieve the veterinary nursing qualification, students must complete a minimum of 1,800 hours of practical experience in an RCVS-approved veterinary training practice. This includes 4 days a week in a veterinary practice, and one day a week in college. These hands-on placements complement the applied animal health, nursing, ethics, and welfare modules delivered at Hopwood Hall College.
- Assessment
- 6 MCQ exams
- 3 assignments
- Work based portfolio
- Practical assessment of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
- Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence
Progression
Veterinary nursing is a rewarding career with high job satisfaction, and there is a strong demand for qualified Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs). While most RVNs work in general practice, there are growing opportunities to specialise in areas such as patient surgery and medicine. Although the qualification primarily focuses on companion animals, the course also includes modules covering other species, broadening career opportunities for graduates.
A Level 3 Veterinary Nursing qualification opens the door to a variety of career opportunities and further progression in the field. After qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN), you can explore roles in:
- General Veterinary Practice – Working in small animal, equine, or mixed veterinary practices.
- Specialist Veterinary Referral Centres – Assisting in advanced procedures in areas like surgery, emergency care, or exotic animal nursing.
- Animal Charities & Rescue Centres – Providing nursing care in welfare organizations such as the RSPCA or PDSA.
- Education & Training – Becoming a veterinary nursing lecturer, assessor, or mentor for future nurses.
- Research & Pharmaceuticals – Supporting clinical research or working in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry.
- Practice Management – Advancing into leadership roles such as head nurse or practice manager.
For those looking to expand their knowledge, further study options include:
- Advanced Diplomas in specialist fields (e.g., emergency & critical care, anaesthesia, dentistry).
- BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing – A degree-level qualification to enhance career opportunities.
- Additional Certifications – Courses in rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, or behaviour to develop specialist skills.
UK Salary Expectations:
- Newly qualified RVNs: £22,000 – £26,000 per year
- Experienced RVNs: £26,000 – £30,000+ per year
- Specialist or Head Nurses: £30,000 – £40,000+ per year
