Veterinary Nursing

How to become a Veterinary Nurse

To become a student veterinary nurse it is essential that you find yourself a veterinary practice placement. This can be full-time or part-time, but must be in an approved training practice (TP).

Qualifications

The NVQ course requires placement before you can commence on the course. It is ideal, but not essential, that you have 5 grade A-C GCSEs. These can be in English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.

If you do not have the specific grades to enter straight on to the course, then your practice can send you on an animal nursing assistants course (ANA) which will give you the relevant qualifications to enter the NVQ course. Exams are taken at the end of each academic year with your final exams including practical tests.

So, you still want to become a veterinary nurse?

It's a low paid job in general, but with huge job satisfaction. There is such a demand for trained nurses. If you ever decide that you want to move on then you can usually find a job within a few days in any part of the country, often with accommodation and, if you're really lucky, use of a practice vehicle. Always ensure you find out about the practice before you commit yourself.