Annual Salary
£20,000 to £31,000
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
Swap to Agriculture or Environment or go back to all job sectors
Swap to Agriculture or Environment or go back to all job sectors
Veterinary nurses support vets in the treatment and care of sick and injured animals.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: evenings / weekends; on a rota
There will be
5.4% more Veterinary nurse jobs in 2027.
As a veterinary nurse, you could:
You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.
You could work at a veterinary practice or at an animal welfare centre.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
You can get into this job through:
You can do a foundation degree or degree in veterinary nursing. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has a list of accredited courses.
You'll usually need:
You can study for a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at college.
You'll spend some time in the classroom and periods of training on placement in a veterinary practice.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has a list of approved training organisations offering the course.
You'll need:
You can begin your career by doing a Veterinary Nurse Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
The training takes up to 3 years to complete.
You'll usually need:
You could get some work experience with a vet, local kennels or animal welfare centre before you start training. You could also try animal charities like the PDSA or RSPCA.
You'll need to:
You can join the British Veterinary Nursing Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
You can learn more about how to become a veterinary nurse from the British Veterinary Nursing Association.
With experience, you could:work as a supervisor or mentor new staff; manage a practice; move to a larger veterinary hospital; lecture in veterinary nursing science
You might also move into zoo or wildlife park work or sales of veterinary supplies.
You'll need: