Advanced Apprenticeship Veterinary Nurse Apprenticeship

Information for employers

As an employer you want to ensure your veterinary nurses have the skills to work effectively, skilfully and with autonomy. Develop the best standards of veterinary nursing practice in your workplace through the Veterinary Nursing Advanced Apprenticeship programme. It’s a cost-effective way to attract and train new talent to the sector or retain experience within your veterinary practice.

Veterinary nurse holding a dog during a procedure

Develop passionate, knowledgeable talent

This apprenticeship develops the key knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of well-trained and competent veterinary nurses. Apprentices gain a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Small Animal), and once they have successfully completed their apprenticeship, they will be able to apply for registration with the RCVS.

Who is this apprenticeship for?

This Advanced Apprenticeship is suitable for employees who you wish to progress into a veterinary nurse role. They will develop their technical and professional skills and knowledge. You may wish to create a new role within your organisation to attract fresh talent or develop your existing staff.

Capabilities to better your organisation

A cost-effective way to develop and retain talent

Employer co-investment/cost: the funding and employer contribution is determined by the age of the apprentice at the start of their course and the number of employees your company has. The Training Plan contract and Apprenticeship agreement you will sign with us will outline the course details, costs, terms and commitment of all parties.

To find out more about expected employer co-investments, please visit the key information section on our apprenticeships for employers page.

Our dedicated consultant can talk you through the detail.

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons logo

Accredited by the RCVS

Upon successful completion your apprentice will gain accreditation with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). The RCVS sets, upholds and advances the educational, ethical and clinical standards of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. Apprentices achieving this apprenticeship standard will be eligible to apply for professional registration with the RCVS.

Delivered by experts with delivery options to meet your organisation’s needs

Our Veterinary Nursing Apprenticeship is delivered through a blend of on-the-job training and on-campus learning activities from sector specialists and practitioners.

At least 20% of apprentices' contracted hours will be classed as ‘off the job’. This time will be dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship, and therefore is not part of their usual work duties.

What are the entry requirements?

As an employer you set out the person specifications for the role, but the apprentice will need to meet our entry requirements to be accepted onto the course. You can view the full entry requirements on our Veterinary Nursing apprentice course page. The apprentice must be employed by RCVS Training Practice.

Our dedicated consultants can talk you through the detail.

Helping you find the right apprentice

Apprentice watering plants in a greenhouse

Recruitment support

Our dedicated apprenticeship team is on hand to help you attract the best candidates for your organisation. We can help with:

  • Crafting job advertisements
  • Adding your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service ‘Find an Apprenticeship’ on your behalf
  • Our consultants will also be happy to support you in determining the suitability of the candidates you receive.

Next steps

If you'd like to know more about the apprenticeship, have a current employee in mind or are thinking of recruiting an apprentice for your organisation, our designated team of experts are here to support you at every step. Get in touch today.

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