Veterinary nurse
Care for sick and injured animals and support vets in surgery, X-ray and treatment. A registered profession you can train for through an apprenticeship.
- Salary£24,000 – £32,000
- Hours35 to 40 hours a week, including evenings and weekends on a rota
- Working for yourselfUsually employed
What the job is like
Veterinary nurses are the hands-on carers in a vet practice. They prepare animals for operations, help during procedures, look after in-patients and reassure worried owners. It is skilled clinical work that needs a mix of science, practical care and calm under pressure.
To practise you register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). You get there through an RCVS-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, which can be done alongside a job as an apprenticeship, or through a veterinary nursing degree.
What you'll do
- Prepare animals for treatment and assist vets during procedures
- Take X-rays, give injections and medication, and remove stitches
- Monitor and care for in-patient animals
- Keep the practice, kennels and equipment clean and hygienic
- Explain treatment and aftercare to pet owners
- Help with reception and admin work
Where you'll work
- Indoors
- In a team
Skills and hobbies that help
Weighted by how much they matter in this job, from the official job profile's skills and tasks. Tap one to see other careers that use it.
Key skills
Used a lot
Hobbies that give you a head start
How to become a veterinary nurse
Apprenticeship
Veterinary Nurse Level 3 apprenticeship (typically about 30 months); usually 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including English, maths and science
College
Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing with placements in a veterinary practice, from an RCVS-approved training organisation
University
RCVS-accredited foundation degree or degree in veterinary nursing
Qualifications, licences and cards
- Registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- Enhanced background checks
Where it can lead
- Supervisor or mentor for new staff
- Practice manager
- Work in a larger veterinary hospital
- Lecturing in veterinary nursing, zoo or wildlife park work, or veterinary sales
Good to know
- The job can be emotionally as well as physically demanding
- Work experience with a vet, kennels or an animal welfare charity helps before you apply
- The British Veterinary Nursing Association offers training and professional contacts
Courses and training
-
Apprenticeship search
Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK
The official GOV.UK service for searching and applying for apprenticeship vacancies in England.
-
Course search
Find a course – National Careers Service
The National Careers Service search for college and training provider courses in England, including Skills Bootcamps.
Official information
Sources
We checked these pages in September 2026. Rules, pay and courses change, so always confirm with the official source.
- National Careers Service: Veterinary nurse nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/veterinary-nurse
- Skills England apprenticeship: Veterinary nurse (Level 3) skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0343-v1-2
- RCVS: how do I become a vet nurse? rcvs.org.uk/students-and-careers/i-want-to-be-a-vet-nurse/how-do-i-become-a-vet-nurse