Veterinary Nurse

Veterinary Nurse

On a veterinary nurse apprenticeship course, you’ll help provide expert nursing care for sick animals.

Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment at a veterinarian clinic.

As a veterinary nurse, you’ll work as part of a team to provide expert nursing care to sick animals. You’ll also play a key role in educating pet owners on how to keep their pets healthy.

Under the guidance of a veterinarian, you will conduct technical work and acquire expertise in executing various diagnostic tests, medicinal treatments, and minor surgical procedures.

Veterinary nurses are licenced professionals who follow the standards and scope of practice established by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

What you’ll learn

On a veterinary nurse apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

  • Work in line with health and safety regulations.
  • Work within the constraints of data protection legislation.
  • Follow proper operational procedures and manufacturer instructions while using equipment, materials, or medicinal products.
  • Use various communication methods to communicate efficiently, politely, and properly.
  • Organise nursing clinics
  • Prepare and maintain all aspects of the veterinary practice at all times.
  • Work safely and efficiently.
  • Prepare equipment, medication, and store, and dispose of appropriately.
  • Control one’s performance and growth.
  • Take measures to improve your performance and competence.
  • Take part in continuous professional and personal development.
  • Use professional standards of practice to self-assess performance.
  • Adhere to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science for an advanced apprenticeship 
  • Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End-Point Assessment comprises two components:  

  • A Professional Discussion  
  • A Practical Assessment in the form of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

  • Duration: 30 months
  • Level: 3 – Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Relevant school subjects: Science
  • Potential salary upon completion: £21,000 per annum

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 3 Veterinary Nurse Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.

Updated on January 25, 2024

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