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Veterinary nurses support vets by caring for sick and injured animals.
You could work: evenings / weekends; on a rota
In this role you could:
You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.
You could work at a veterinary practice or at an animal welfare centre.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a foundation degree or degree in veterinary nursing accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
You'll usually need:
You can study for a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at college.
You'll spend some time in the classroom and periods of training on placement in veterinary practice.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has a list of approved training organisations.
You'll need:
You can do a veterinary nursing advanced apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:
You'll need some work experience before you start training. You could volunteer with a vet, a local kennel or animal welfare centre, or with animal charities like the PDSA or RSPCA.
You'll need to:
You could join the British Veterinary Nursing Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
You can find out more about becoming a veterinary nurse from the British Veterinary Nursing Association.
With experience, you could take on more responsibility, like practice management, supervising and training new staff, or working in sales of veterinary supplies.
You could also train to specialise in working for a zoological/wildlife park, charity, pharmaceutical company or breeding/boarding kennels.
With further study you could work towards becoming a lecturer or researcher.