Register as a UK-qualified veterinary nurse

Your route to registration depends on your qualification - either a diploma or a degree.  

All applicants must have:

• Completed 2,990 total training hours, with at least 1,800 hours in clinical practice
• Demonstrate competence in Day One Skills and Schedule 3 procedures

These requirements make sure you are ready to provide safe and effective care as a vet nurse.

This route applies if you completed your veterinary nursing training through a further education college or training provider.

Step 1: Qualification confirmation

Your awarding organisation will send us your results within eight weeks of your qualification. You don't need any action at this stage – we'll receive your details automatically.

Step 2: Registration invitation

Once we receive confirmation that you've passed, we'll email you with instructions on how to register. This typically happens within a few days of receiving your results from the awarding organisation. While you can apply before you receive our email, we strongly recommend waiting until you receive it. If you apply early, you will not receive the registration invite email and may miss important information.

Important: Check your spam folder if you don't receive an email. We process pass lists weekly, so there may be a short delay.

Step 3: Complete your application

Follow the link in our email to complete your online registration. You'll need to:

• Make a declaration
• Upload your record of training
• Verify your Day One Competences
• Upload a copy of your identification document (passport or UK driving licence)
• Pay the registration fee

Receive your certificate

We'll send your RVN certificate and badge within four weeks of successful registration. You must register within 12 weeks of qualifying to avoid complications.

This route is for graduates from UK university veterinary nursing degree programmes.

Step 1: University coordination

Your university will coordinate with us throughout your final year. We work directly with them to track graduating students and ensure smooth registration.

Step 2: April registration email

We'll email all degree students in April with registration instructions. This gives you time to complete the process before graduation.

Timing matters: Start your application promptly to ensure registration before your graduation ceremony.

Step 3: Submit your application

Complete your online registration using the link we provide in your email. You'll need to:

• Make a declaration
• Upload a copy of your identification document (passport or UK driving licence)
• Pay the registration fee

You will also need to submit a Record of training directly to your university. This confirms that you’ve completed your 2990 training hours.

Step 4: Registration timing

We aim to complete your registration before graduation so you can celebrate as a qualified RVN. Your certificate and badge will follow within four weeks.

We understand the pandemic created unique challenges for veterinary nursing students. If your training was affected, we've made accommodations to support your registration.

Modified requirements: We may accept alternative evidence for clinical hours or competency demonstrations if traditional training was disrupted.

Each case is assessed individually. Contact our Veterinary Nursing Team on 020 7202 0788 or email [email protected] to discuss your specific circumstances.

We'll work with you to find a suitable pathway to registration that recognises the challenges you faced during this period.

Membership year: The RCVS membership year runs from 1 November to 31 October. If you register between 1 May and 31 October, you'll pay a reduced fee as your first renewal is due soon after.

Fee changes: Fees may change between 15 April to 1 May and 15 October to 1 November. Check our current fees.

Legal requirement: You cannot perform Schedule 3 procedures or use the title Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) until you're registered. Working unregistered is a legal offence.

Failed examinations: If you don't pass your final assessments, we'll hold your application until you successfully complete all requirements.

Application suspension: If you don't register within 12 weeks of qualifying, your application will be suspended. You'll need to reapply and may need to meet additional requirements.

Our Registration Team is here to help with any questions about the registration process.

Registration queries:
Phone: 020 7202 0707
Email: [email protected] 

General vet nursing questions:
Phone: 020 7202 0788
Email: [email protected] 

Address:
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
1 Hardwick Street
London EC1R 4RB

For detailed information about requirements, see the Veterinary Nurse Registration Rules 2017 and our Day One Competences and Day One Skills for Veterinary Nurses documentation.