Veterinary Nurse Training

RE: Veterinary Nurse Training

Kirsty RVN — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 01:25:13 GMT

Hi Carys

Like previously mentioned by the first comments there are three routes into training

Full time diploma over two years but this will be un paid and spend a day or two at college and the rest in practice and chances are you would need to fund the course.

Part time diploma over three years but you need to find a practice willing to employ you and pay for your training which is the hardest route.

Full time degree which three to four years and spend blocks at uni and blocks in practice.

I personally ended up doing the degree as I struggled for 9 years to find a student role and volunteered on farms, vets, pet shops, kennel and so on

Must practices at the time when I was applying would only take on degree students as they did not have to pay you however some practices I have worked at prefer to train their own students.

It can be difficult to work around the course. I was not allowed as I had to work various shifts on placement. Early late weekend and nights so it is really difficult.

I really wish you luck in your search

Kirstie

RE: Veterinary Nurse Training

Carys Evans — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 13:06:12 GMT

Thank you all for your replies! I've been in touch with local veterinary practices regarding volunteering and one practice seemed keen therefore fingers crossed something will come from that! I would like to do the diploma and therefore be employed however I'm not currently employed in a practice and as you say - post which offer the opportunity to train are few and far between. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

RE: Veterinary Nurse Training

Heather Bacon — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 12:58:00 GMT

Have you looked in to the diploma? Where you work full time in a vets and go to college 1 or 2 days a week. That way you are employed, earning a wage and some practices will pay for your training too? It can be very hard trying to find this sort of position but they are out there.

RE: Veterinary Nurse Training

Selena Carnell — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 18:33:32 GMT

to complete vet nurse training you would need to employed in veterinary practice or at full time college/degree with placements at a vets. i believe it has to be a minium of 15 hrs per week. You can do animal nursing assistant or vet care assistant courses, with out employment but usually work experience required.

RE: Veterinary Nurse Training

Carys Evans — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 17:41:10 GMT

Thank you ever so much for your reply and for sharing your experience!

I will be contacting all of my local vets to ask if I can do some voluntary work but like you - I work full time therefore it'll be tough to fit it in. I'll have to use all of leave and weekends which I'm happy to do. I too will be paying for my own qualification hence why ideally I'd like to compelte the training part time so that I can work and earn money while studying. I will keep trying. If you have any other advice or guidance I'd be very grateful.

Thank you!

RE: Veterinary Nurse Training

sarahkat — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 06:43:32 GMT

Hi Cary's,

I too came into nursing later, I also found it incredibly difficult to find a job / placement. I strongly advise you to do as much work experience within different practices.

This will - ensure you know if its the career for you!!! nursing is incredibly hard work, lots of mundane cleaning etc involved. Also it will give you a chance to impress potential future employers that may be a training practice.

I originally had a full time job in another industry, used my holidays to do lots free work experience and was fortunate enough to find a practice willing to let me do one day a week voluntary. I worked hard and became an Animal Nursing Assistant (paid for by me!). But it did get me a job once I had qualified. I then did an anaesthesia certificate.

Five and a half years later I am now a second year nursing student who has just become deputy head nurse. It has been extremely difficult at times and will be for you but if you really want it, go for it!! Finance is crap!! I am paying for my own qualification but hey I am doing the best job in the world

Good Luck!!!!!