Certificates in Advanced Veterinary Nursing

The RVC’s Postgraduate Certificate courses are part-time, distance-learning, advanced veterinary nursing qualifications awarded by the RVC and University of London.

These qualifications provide progression options for Registered Veterinary Nurses qualifying from all existing level qualifications (from Level 3 Diploma through to BSc).

If you wish to develop greater professional knowledge and skills with particular focus on clinical patient care and subject area specialism (either Emergency & Critical Care or Anaesthesia and Analgesia), then these courses are for you. These qualifications can open doors for you in the job market and help prepare you for employment in more specialist areas of clinical practice.

Why study at the RVC?

The RVC has a well-established programme in VN Higher Education, setting up the first BSc Honours in Veterinary Nursing in Europe in 1998. Since this time, the RVC’s Centre for Veterinary Nursing has been providing excellence in VN education, and specialist and advanced online VN courses. This means we have the expertise and experience to deliver a programme, which combines a course of high academic standard with an exciting and effective delivery method.

Whether you work in a first-opinion practice, a charity clinic or a large specialist referral practice, you will share an ambition to excel in the veterinary field, a desire to improve animal health and welfare and the skills to become leaders in the future development of the veterinary nursing profession.

By the end of your studies, you will:

• Be better equipped to influence the health of animal patients within your care and practice
• Be able to apply new solutions and approaches to often complex problems at work, and proved enhanced input into your clinical teams
• Benefit your patients, your colleagues, and practice’s clients with your motivation and ability to make an enhanced contribution to the workplace
• Employ enhanced communication skills with clients and other members of the veterinary care team.

To apply for a place on the Postgraduate Certificate, you must hold a: BSc VN or RVC Graduate Diploma or other FHEQ level 6 qualification and: are on the current RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses (or hold a recognised accredited overseas equivalent professional qualification/status); are employed in, or have agreed access to placement in, a suitable professional environment, tailored to your area of focused study; have the support of your employing/supervising veterinary practice, who will be required to allow time and access for training; successfully complete the Contemporary Study Skills bridging short course (unless given permitted exemption).