A
Veterinary Nurse works alongside a Veterinary Surgeon, in order to provide
a high standard
of
care for animals. There are other options for Veterinary Nurses such as
teaching
in a
Veterinary Nurse College; becoming a practice manager or actually training
to become a
Surgeon. They also undertake minor surgery, medical treatments
and diagnostic tests
under
Veterinary supervision. A Veterinary Nurse can
also advise pet owners on
many issues to
care for their animal - many nurses run
preventative health clinics for
your animals and
can
provide excellent guidance are
an excellent source of guidance for advice in normal and
emergency
situations.
Training
to be come a qualified Veterinary Nurse takes at least two years and gives
you the right
to
use the letters VN after your name. Training will take place whilst being
employed by a
Veterinary
Practice which is an approved training centre and two NVQ examinations
must be
passed
(SVQ is the Scottish equivalent). The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
is the
Awarding
Body for these qualifications. You can train on a part-time basis.
Veterinary
Nurses train under the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons' Veterinary Nursing
Scheme.
Most Veterinary Nurses register to become members of The
British Veterinary Nursing
Association,
which
is responsible
for enrolment onto the scheme, maintaining training standards,
and
support the
nursing profession in many ways.
Normally,
to start on a career in Veterinary Nursing, 5 GCSE's are required at grade
C or above,
Scottish
standard grades 1-3 or higher A-E, including English Language and two
passes in a
physical
or biological science or mathematics. However the RCVS will also accept
a range of
qualifications
as GCSE equivalents including a BTEC National Diploma or Certificate in
Animal
Care
and GNVQ in Health and Social Care.