Vet Nursing degree route

Re: Vet Nursing degree route

Rachael_24 — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 09:44:34 GMT

I trained via the degree route and am very glad I chose to do this. For most roles as a VN I don't think having a degree makes any difference but if you were ever to consider a slight change of role then a degree will be helpful. For example, I spent a year working as a Lecturer, a job which I would not have got had I not had a degree. I'm afraid I don't know much about student loans for mature students but I'm sure there is help available. One thing to consider is that you will need to be placed in a training practice in order to gain the practical skills required. Some universities place students far afield so just check this with them to be sure that this will work for you.

Re: Vet Nursing degree route

Steph Smith BSc(hons) RVN — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 14:46:25 GMT

Sorry forgot to add, husband was also a student then.

Re: Vet Nursing degree route

Steph Smith BSc(hons) RVN — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 14:45:17 GMT

Erm bus fares*

Re: Vet Nursing degree route

Steph Smith BSc(hons) RVN — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 14:43:05 GMT

Hiya, I studied the BSc at Napier in Edinburgh as a mature student and lived in privately rented accommodation with my husband (bf at the time). I had no financial help from family but hubby had a couple of random jobs to help. We paid our bills with student loans and survived. However, I didn't have any tuition fees to pay - if I'd of had to pay these fees, and work part-time on top of full-time unpaid placement including bus gates etc. there's no way we would have managed. It may be an option to do a 2-year diploma course and follow it up later with a top-up degree. I'd recommend starting with a maths module through a local college before you start anyway because it will help you immensely when you are learning drug/gas flow/fluid calculations. Hope this helps

Re: Vet Nursing degree route

Charley83 — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 12:09:50 GMT

I considered it but as I already have degrees I was told I would need to pay feel tutition fees which i could not afford. I opted for the diploma option glad i did as its only 2 years, don't get paid any extra for having a degree, get the same qualification RVN status and saved money. Good luck whatever you decide.

Re: Vet Nursing degree route

Lesley M — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 16:50:09 GMT

Yes, you need a-c in maths plus a couple of a levels for the degree (usually biology being one). I did not have biology but had 4 a levels and had already done a degree when I was young. When I did it it was 4 years and £3k per year fees. It is now 3 years but £9k fees per year (at Middlesex). Now it is 3 years you spend few months in lectures then year in practice, then practically whole year of lectures then further practice. It is 50/50 between the two really and whilst on placement they do not pay you so if you need an income it may not be the route for you especially with the fees. There are some grants etc out there but certainly nothing that would enable you to have an annual income. Luckily I was able to manage and my placement was a hospital so they sometimes paid me for overnights etc which helped. Other people in my year were also in placements around 30mins - hour from where they live and there is no help with travel expenses either which I know is often a reason some people leave. Student loans are available but the rules can be a bit different for mature students so you would need to investigate this.

All in all it is a route that is obviously a lot more costly so not for everyone but I really loved it and Middlesex was great

Re: Vet Nursing degree route

jc91 — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 10:18:52 GMT

Thank-you

unfortunately, I have a D in maths so do not think I could do this. although I am completing my ANA course I don't think this makes up for this grade does it?

Although, I could re-take my GCSE

Re: Vet Nursing degree route

Mark Hedberg — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 10:05:33 GMT

Hi JC!

http://www.caw.ac.uk/courses/veterinary-nursing/bsc-hons-veterinary-nursing-middlesex-university-course/ is how our degree course runs; others are available of course, but may give you an idea of what it entails.

Kind regards,

Mark