A number of institutions offer full-time integrated higher education courses leading to a Foundation or Honours Degree in veterinary nursing. The RCVS certificate in veterinary nursing is also awarded to all graduates. It should be noted that candidates for veterinary nurse training must satisfy both the entry requirements for veterinary nursing qualifications and the entry requirements of their chosen university. Please note that applications for university should be made through UCAS.
The list of centres, available to download from the 'Related documents' box, top right, contains the details of all the educational institutions that offer qualifications (both vocational and higher education) leading to registration as a qualified veterinary nurse. Please contact centres directly for more information on the qualifications they offer.
Higher education and vocational qualifications in veterinary nursing both lead to registration as a veterinary nurse. A degree course will take a little longer than a vocational qualification and is more academic, but you will be required to undertake clinical placements in an approved training practice. A degree in veterinary nursing can lead to additional career opportunities, such as research, working in the pharmaceutical industry and teaching, in addition to work in clinical veterinary practice.