Veterinary Nursing

Veterinary Nursing is a career that not only involves the care of the patient but leads to a wider range of experience such as Radiology, Anaesthesia, Laboratory techniques and 'Schedule 3 Nursing' to name but a few.

The 'R.C.V.S. Veterinary Nursing Certificate' is a widely recognised and well respected qualification opening various career avenues. Over the last few years it has become a recognised by professionals within and out with the veterinary field. Veterinary Surgeons are now very much aware of the qualified nurses potential within the practice and the benefits they bring to the working team.

Progression

There are ample opportunities to continue developing your nursing skills once in practice by enrolling on the Diploma of Advanced Nursing in either the Medical or Surgical field. Alternatively, you could continue learning within a general veterinary practice or progress to a specialist practice to expand your role in a specialist area such as Orthopaedic referral. Equine enthusiasts can gain an Equine Nursing Certificate by working in an equine practice. Once qualified, a Veterinary Nurse can continue their education to a higher level by entering the 3rd year of a Degree course.

Related careers

If being in practice doesn't appeal but you still want to retain a link to the veterinary world, then here are some options that may be available to you.

• Veterinary pharmaceutical companies
• Nutritional adviser (veterinary companies)
• Practice Management
• Veterinary Nursing in the forces working with horses or guard dogs
• Zoo
• Lecturing
• Representative within the veterinary industry

Also many registered Veterinary Nurses still want to be involved in practice but would like to care for different species, there are excellent opportunities to work abroad within wildlife parks or even sea world centres. In Florida such places aren't just theme parks some of these centres are strongly involved in research such as breeding projects involving fertility work with dolphins!