Course Overview

This BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing degree programme- jointly developed, delivered and assessed by Middlesex University and The College of Animal Welfare was the first of its kind in Europe, and offers a unique opportunity to study a BSc (Hons) in veterinary nursing.

The degree is a single award from Middlesex University and was the first programme in the UK to be given direct accredited status by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). This means that unlike those training on non-directly accredited programmes, graduates will not need to undertake further assessment in order to be eligible to apply to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses in accordance with the requirements of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) and the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Registration Rules. It is by means of RCVS registration that veterinary nurses achieve their highly valued professional status.

As well as modules covering relevant theoretical knowledge, there will be an emphasis on gaining direct experience throughout this veterinary nursing degree programme. As such you will be encouraged to experience not only first opinion practice, but also veterinary referral centres and leading animal welfare clinics and hospitals. The practical training offers valuable opportunities to gain hands on practical experience in veterinary practices that have been carefully selected and arranged for you. This will give you a professional advantage on completion of the qualification and prepare you for the responsibilities and challenges that come with your chosen career.

What Next?

Registering as a newly qualified registered veterinary nurse (RVN)

On completion of the Middlesex University BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing Degree, students are eligible to apply to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses. Following the submission of the registration form and fee, successful applicants will then become entitled to call themselves a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) and use the post nominal term, RVN, after their name. They will also receive a Registered Veterinary Nurse badge from the RCVS that, when attached to their uniform, identifies them to members of the public and their colleagues as being of professional status. The registration also demonstrates to employers and the general public that the RVN is accountable to the RCVS for their professional conduct and are committed to keeping their knowledge and skills up to date by means of continuing professional development (CPD).

Progression and employment prospects in veterinary nursing

As a result of a high demand for registered veterinary nurses across the country, job prospects are excellent both within veterinary practice and in other related areas. Salary prospects have improved significantly in recent years, meaning that veterinary nurses can now earn an average of £30,000 per year. We advertise current veterinary nurse jobs on our job board, if you’re looking for a place to begin your job search.