Alumni Profiles
Anna Johansson
RVC Graduate 2006
In response to the huge shortage of qualified veterinary nurses in the UK, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) launched a new Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing in 2004. It’s a three year course, which on completion, entitles students entry into the registry of vet nurses.
The first student to graduate from the RVC’s Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing has crossed oceans to fulfill her ambitions. Anna Johansson left her native Sweden in order to train as a veterinary nurse in the UK and now working in Norfolk, she is relishing the challenges that have come her way. She took up her post at the Fakenham-based surgery straight after graduating in December 2006 and since then, has not only become more experienced in taking care of peoples’ much loved pets but is no stranger to looking after the odd injured seal either.
Anna always knew she wanted to work with animals but after doing some work experience, realised her calling was veterinary nursing. “I wanted to study in the UK because the qualification you get here is recognized abroad,” she recalled. “I did some research and when I read about the RVC I knew it was the place for me. The course was quite intense and when I first arrived I didn’t like London at all, but I wouldn’t change a thing now - I learned so much and got some great experience.”
During her seventy weeks of practical placements during the course, Anna worked in many different veterinary practices, including the RVC’s Queen Mother Hospital. “The placements were my favourite part of the course,” she explains. “I enjoy getting stuck in and you can back up what you learn in classes. I think doing so many different placements is the real advantage of going into higher education rather than vocational training, where you only work at one surgery, because it helps you learn what you want to specialize in,” she explains. “I realised that I particularly enjoyed assisting the vets in surgery because it’s really hands-on. I decided to take the job here at the Grove Veterinary Group because I get to spend lots of time in the operating theatre.”
When asked about her plans for the future, Anna revealed that she intends to stay in Norfolk. “I like it here and I love my job because it is so varied. I might take the surgical diploma in a few years so I can get even more involved during operations,” she concludes.
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See also:
Winner of the Times Higher Education 'Most Improved Student Experience' Award 2011
