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Frequently Asked Questions
I don't have the required GCSEs, can I still train to be a veterinary nurse?
Do I need to find a job in a veterinary practice in order to train?
What is the significance of the RCVS List of Veterinary Nurses?
What are NVQs?
National Vocational Qualifications are vocational qualifications which are based on agreed national standards for competence. These qualifications are gained through training in the workplace, in the case of veterinary nursing this primarily takes place in a veterinary practice. Learning and competence is assessed both at work and through independent assessment (examination). NVQs are nationally regulated so that employers may be assured that these awards indicate a consistent level of knowledge and skill. Veterinary nursing NVQs are awarded at Levels 2 and 3; these levels broadly equate to GCSE (Level 2) and university entrance (Level 3). The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is the awarding body for veterinary nursing NVQs.
I don't have the required GCSEs, can I still train to be a veterinary nurse?
Yes, the RCVS will accept a range of qualifications as GCSE equivalents. Those most commonly put forward by candidates are:
BTEC National Diploma in Animal Management is accepted along with Basic Skills at Level 2 in Application of Number
BTEC First Diploma in Animal Care is accepted alongside the equivalent of an additional 2 GCSEs plus a Basic Skills test in Application of Number at Level 2
ABC Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants (ANA) is accepted alongside Key Skills in Application of Number and Communication at Level 2
City & Guilds/NPTC Advanced National Certificate in Animal Care is accepted alongside the equivalent of an additional 2 GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics
Please contact your local Veterinary Nursing Approved Centre (VNAC) 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 VNAC following assessment of your qualifications.
The Level 2 Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants (formerly known as Pre Veterinary Nursing) is regulated by the British Veterinary Nursing Association; please contact the BVNA for further details.
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 exception is students undertaking full-time academic (degree and HND) courses which include arranged work experience placements.
In order to assist you, the RCVS publishes a list of approved training practices or you may search our database of veterinary practices for a training practice in your area. You may also contact your nearest Veterinary Nursing Approved Centre which may be able to assist you in finding a vacancy at one of their linked practices.
What is a Veterinary Nursing Approved Centre?
A Veterinary Nursing Approved Centre (VNAC) is an organisation which provides veterinary nurse training and assessment. It does this through linking with suitable veterinary practices to provide on-the-job veterinary nursing training and work experience. The approved centre must ensure that you are trained and assessed in accordance with the required national standards. VNACs do this through regularly visiting training practices in order to monitor standards. VNACs are, in turn, monitored by the RCVS. Veterinary Nursing Approved Centres also ensure that student veterinary nurses undertake a suitable course of instruction in support of their training. A list of Veterinary Nursing Approved Centres is available here.
Can I train on a part-time basis?
Yes, you may train as a part-time student if this suits your circumstances and those of your employer. You must work for at least 15 contracted hours per week and complete the equivalent of 3,290 hours (excluding leave and absence) within five years. This equates to the normal full-time minimum training period of 94 weeks.
How much studying will be involved?
You will be expected to study theoretical subjects in support of your practical training and assessment. Normally, you must attend a college-based course. You should be prepared to undertake at least 2 - 3 hours of private study per week in addition to your college course. This time will be spent reading round subjects studied at college and cases seen at work and in recording evidence in your assessment portfolio.
Will I be assessed at work?
Yes, your practical skills and knowledge will be assessed continuously during your training. You will be assessed by an experienced veterinary nurse or veterinary surgeon. He or she will observe your practical work and ask relevant questions to test your knowledge. You will record your assessments in a portfolio.
What are the Veterinary Nursing Examinations?
The RCVS holds external examinations throughout the year. You will normally take these at the end of your first and second years in training.
At the end of your first and second years you will take examinations consisting of two multiple choice (MCQ) papers of 90 minutes each. These examinations provide final external assessment of the Certificate in Veterinary Nursing Theory (VRQ) at Levels 2 and 3. The examinations are offered by means of a computer based system at Pearson VUE test centres across the country and are held three times per year.
At the end of your second year (Level 3) you will also undertake a practical examination which tests key veterinary nursing skills. This examination provides the final external assessment for your NVQ Level 3 Award in Veterinary Nursing. The practical examinations are held over four weekends per year at a number of centres across the country.
The Veterinary Nursing Examinations are an important way of ensuring that all Veterinary Nurses, regardless of where they have received training, reach a consistently high level of competence to practise. You must pass the Level 2 and Level 3 examinations in addition to your work-based assessments in order to receive the necessary NVQ and VRQ Awards to qualify as a Veterinary Nurse.
Can I undertake just NVQ level 2?
No, in order to register on the RCVS List of qualified veterinary nurses you must have achieved both Levels 2 and 3. Level 2 is seen as a stage of training; possession of this qualification on its own will not permit you to work as a qualified VN. However, if you achieve Level 2 and take a subsequent break in training, you may recommence training for Level 3, provided that this is within ten years of your Level 2 certification (if more than five years have elapsed you will be asked to undertake a short period of re-training first).
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 will need all of the required training time (94 full-time weeks) in order to gain, and be assessed in, the skills which are set out in the Veterinary Nursing Occupational Standards.
What is the significance of the RCVS List (Register) of Veterinary Nurses?
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 Nurses are required to keep their knowledge and skills up to date through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and, from 2010, are subject to a disciplinary framework in the event of alleged professional misconduct. Registered Nurses have the same rights to provide treatment and care as other nurses on the List.
Registered Nurses may use the post nominal letters 'RVN' whilst Listed Veterinary Nurses my 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.
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