What is the Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing?

"I realised that I particularly enjoyed assisting the vets in surgery because it’s really hands-on." Veterinary Nursing Graduate

The Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing is a full-time 3 year programme taught at our Hawkshead campus.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has granted full approval to this course, which means that students enrolled on the course are exempt from sitting the RCVS external examinations.

What is Veterinary Nursing?

Veterinary Nurses work alongside Veterinary Surgeons in order to provide a high standard of care for animals. They normally work within a veterinary surgery or veterinary hospital and are involved in a wide range of care and treatment, including: providing skilled supportive care for sick animals; undertaking minor surgery; monitoring during anaesthesia; medical treatments and diagnostic tests under veterinary supervision. Veterinary Nurses also play an important role in the education of owners on good standards of animal care.

Many qualified Veterinary Nurses working in a veterinary practice continue to take on greater responsibilities as time goes by, such as supervision of staff and hospital wards, practice management and teaching/training other nurses or supporting staff.

Positions outside veterinary practice include work in research establishments, laboratories, universities, colleges, zoological/wildlife parks, charities, pharmaceutical companies and breeding/boarding kennels.

An exciting curriculum by design

The foundation degree programme is run in partnership with the College of Animal Welfare - the UK's leading provider of veterinary nursing education. You will therefore enjoy the best of both worlds: a strong practical training in essential nursing skills, underpinned by the academic excellence of the RVC.

As the UK’s only independent veterinary school, the RVC has an established reputation for developing innovative approaches to learning. We will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen profession.

(Three Veterinary Nurses stroking a cat) (Veterinary nurse student holding dogs paw)

Hands on experience

As a Veterinary Nursing student you'll complete at least 60 weeks of practical training at a range of excellent veterinary practices - including the RVC's own world-leading hospitals - giving you hands-on experience and real insight into the day-to-day role of the veterinary nurse.

What's next...

Hopefully this is just the start of your relationship with the RVC and we hope to meet you in the near future at RVC on Tour, a UCAS Convention, an RVC Campus tour, an Open Day or at interview. To see all of the opportunities that are available for you to visit the RVC take a look at the Visit Us page.

Undergraduate Courses