This programme – jointly developed, delivered and assessed by Middlesex University and The College of Animal Welfare, offers students an alternative entry pathway onto the BSc (Honours) Veterinary Nursing programme. It is aimed at those who do not meet the necessary entry requirements, or those who are not yet quite ready to undertake study at degree level.

The first (foundation) year is classroom based and introduces key veterinary nursing topics as well as preparing you to study at degree-level. It will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to progress onto the BSc (Honours) Veterinary Nursing programme. All modules in the foundation year are delivered and assessed at level 3 (A-level standard) and, as such, are an ideal stepping-stone onto the first year of the full degree programme.

Students who successfully complete the foundation year but do not to progress on the full degree programme will be awarded a Foundation Certificate in Animal Health Studies. Successful students who gain the grades required in the foundation year may continue on to study the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing programme at Huntingdon.

If you are hard-working and passionate about animals then veterinary nursing could very well be the career for you. You will work alongside veterinary surgeons and other team members to provide vital nursing care and support to a variety of small animal patients. No two days are the same which makes the job varied and rewarding! The demand for registered vet nurses (RVNs) in the UK and overseas continues to be high, meaning that your job prospects on graduation are excellent!

What Next?

Foundation year…

Students who successfully complete the foundation year may continue to study the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing programme at Huntingdon. Students who successfully complete the foundation year and do not to progress on the degree programme will be awarded with a Foundation Certificate in Animal Health Studies.

For some students, progression onto a Level 4 degree programme may not be the right step. For those wishing to continue to study at Level 3, there will be the option to apply to undertake the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing instead.

BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing…

For those students who progress on to, and complete, the veterinary nursing degree you will be eligible to apply to join the Register of Veterinary Nurses held by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) are able to use the post nominal letters RVN and will receive a badge that, when attached to their uniform, identifies them to members of the public and their colleagues as being of professional status. Registration also demonstrates to employers and the general public that they are 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

Due to the high demand for RVNs across the country, job prospects are excellent both within veterinary practice and in other related areas. Many opportunities are afforded to graduate veterinary nurses in relation to working in first opinion veterinary practice, or moving into more specialist areas – such as surgical nursing – in a referral practice or large veterinary hospital. On completion of degree level training and study, your career prospects could also expand into team leadership, research, teaching, sales or even rehabilitation with continued learning.