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Animal Care

Veterinary Nurse

Veterinary nurses provide nursing care for sick and injured animals, assist in surgery and support diagnostic work. You must be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to practise.

See roadmap
Career fit

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Entry level
£24,000 (starter)
Mid-career (typical)
£24k – £32k
Senior / lead
£32,000 (experienced)
What you'll do

A day in the life

  • Monitor animals before and after surgery
  • Prepare theatres and equipment
  • Give medication and treatments under vet direction
  • Run nurse clinics and advise owners
  • Take samples and do lab tests
The path

Your career roadmap

Every milestone from school to senior. Track progress as you complete each stage.

  1. 1

    GCSEs

    education
    Usually 2 years at school; resit courses vary

    Study GCSEs or accepted equivalents, focusing on English, maths and science for entry to veterinary nursing training.

  2. 2

    Relevant Level 2 preparation

    education
    Often 1 year; apprenticeships may take longer

    If needed, complete relevant Level 2 animal care study or strengthen qualifications before applying for veterinary nursing training.

  3. 3

    Level 3 Veterinary Nursing qualification

    qualification
    Around 2–3 years, including clinical training and assessment

    Complete an RCVS-recognised Level 3 veterinary nursing qualification, combining taught study with supervised training in an approved practice.

  4. 4

    Clinical placement

    experience
    Runs alongside the Level 3 qualification

    Train in an approved veterinary practice alongside your Level 3 studies, assisting with patient care under supervision.

  5. 5

    Clinical competencies

    experience
    Throughout clinical training

    Develop and document required clinical skills, including patient monitoring, infection control and nursing care, with your clinical coach.

  6. 6

    Final assessment

    qualification
    At the end of training; scheduling varies

    Complete the final assessments required by your qualification and, where applicable, apprenticeship, including practical assessment of veterinary nursing skills.

  7. 7

    RCVS registration

    certification
    After qualification; processing times vary

    Apply to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses after completing your recognised qualification and required training.

  8. 8

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

    role
    Ongoing career

    Work as a Registered Veterinary Nurse, delivering nursing care, supporting procedures and advising owners within your professional competence.

What you need

Skills you'll build

Qualifications
  • RCVS-recognised Level 3 veterinary nursing qualification
  • RCVS-recognised veterinary nursing degree
Certifications
  • RCVS registration