Nurse Training at Avenue Veterinary Centre

The Avenue Veterinary Centre is a Training Practice (TP) for Veterinary Nurse training. To qualify as a TP, the practice has to meet a high level of care and facilities laid down by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). The practice must also employ qualified members of staff who have trained further as NVQ assessors to over see and train the Student Veterinary Nurses (SVN). Avenue Veterinary Centre has several qualified NVQ assessors (D32/D33). Jenny Rawling and Lydia Walker are our main assessors, assisted by Ann Sterry and Alex Brown. We also have two assessors who are training, Lucy Smith and Georgina Haddrell (A1).

Before registering to train as a veterinary nurse, the trainee must fill certain criteria:

• You must be 17 years or older and employed at a Veterinary Nurse Approved Centre (VNAC) or at an RCVS registered Training Practice (TP).



• Have 5 GCSE's at grade C or above including English Language and two science subjects, one of which may be mathematics. Alternative qualifications of a comparable or higher standard may be accepted in lieu of the usual requirements at the discretion of the RCVS.

The trainee must be employed by a registered TP before being allowed to register with the RCVS and British Veterinary Nurse Association as a SVN.

Once employed in a practice, student Veterinary Nurses usually take two-three years to complete their training. This leads to a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at levels 2 and 3.

During training, students undertake a broad range of veterinary nursing practice under supervision. The students practical training is supported by a college-based course on either a day or block release basis. This is arranged through the training centre.

Students will be assessed in practice and will also undertake RCVS examinations at the end of their first and second years. The final exams include four practical and oral exams as well as two written papers. During the first and second years, the students must complete and submit a comprehensive portfolio containing detailed case logs displaying evidence of their knowledge.

During their first year (NVQ Level 2) they will cover Anatomy and Physiology, Genetics, Nutrition, First Aid, General Nursing, Basic Animal Management and Reception skills.

The second year (NVQ Level 3) covers Anaesthesia, Radiography, Laboratory diagnostic skills, Fluid Therapy, Surgical and Medical Nursing.

Alternatively, students can study for a BSc Honours in Veterinary Nursing degree, which consists of four years full-time study. The Avenue Veterinary Centre acts as a foster practice to Langford (Bristol University). We aid in teaching the students the practical skills they require and assist in their training and completing their portfolios.

The chart below shows your VN career options