A Career in Veterinary Nursing
How to Enroll
Once you have met the entry requirements detailed on this page, you should contact the RCVS for an application form for enrolment as a veterinary nurse.
Information Pack
If you would like further information on the career of a Veterinary Nurse, BVNA have produced an information pack, which includes a booklet providing further advice on training, the future career options available to Veterinary Nurses etc.
If you would like a copy of this information pack, please send a cheque or postal order made payable to BVNA for the sum of £5.00 to include postage and packing to the following address:
Information Pack
BVNA
Suite 11
Shenval House
South Road
Harlow
Essex
CM20 2BD
Further Information
You may also visit our website at
You will find a wealth of information regarding Veterinary Nursing, together with help and advice on training to become a Veterinary Nurse.
The British Veterinary Nursing Association, Representing Veterinary Nurses.
BVNA are pleased to provide help and advice to people who wish to make veterinary nursing their career.
Veterinary Nursing is a rewarding career, which offers variety, interest and daily contact with animals and their owners. As with any worthwhile job, the training you will need takes time, hard work and commitment.
Veterinary Nurses work alongside Veterinary Surgeons in order to provide a high standard of care for animals. Veterinary Nurses provide skilled supportive care for sick animals as well as undertaking minor surgery, medical treatments and diagnostic tests under Veterinary supervision.
Before you Start
Anyone wishing to embark on a career as a Veterinary Nurse should be aged 17 years or older, have 5 GCSE's at grade C or above, Scottish standard grades 1-3 or higher grades A-E, including English Language and two passes in a physical or biological science or mathematics. You also have to be employed at a Veterinary Nursing Approved Centre (VNAC) or Training Practice (TP). This course requires no formal entry qualifications.
For more information or to enrol on this course, please contact the BVNA.
Training to be Veterinary Nurse
Training to be a Veterinary Nurse usually takes two years and leads to a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)at levels 2 and 3.
During this time, students must be employed within a veterinary practice, which has been approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons(RCVS) as a Veterinary Nursing Approved Centre or Training Practice. Practical training will usually be supported by a college-based course.
Looking for a Position as a Veterinary Nurse?
BVNA's journal, Veterinary Nursing Journal, and other veterinary journals ie. Veterinary Record, have a 'Classified Advertisement' section, including 'Veterinary Nurses Appointments Vacant and Required'.
The BVNA Employment Register is also a good way in which you can find a position. This is a service whereby we hold your details and requirements on record for an agreed amount of time and provide them to recruiting veterinary practices who will contact you directly.
For BVNA Members this service is free, for non-BVNA members there is a small charge, please contact BVNA directly for further details.