Annual Salary
£20,000 to £31,000
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
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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: