Beware of unapproved veterinary nursing courses

We would like to warn would-be veterinary nurse students to check that the course they enrol upon is approved by us, or it will not lead to qualification as a veterinary nurse. Practices should also be wary of paying for students to attend such courses.

Candidates should also be wary of training providers who demand money upfront online.

We have reported one such course, run by Direct Veterinary Services of Oxford, to Trading Standards: it advertises ‘accredited training for veterinary nurses’ leading to ‘an honours degree in veterinary nursing’ without being an RCVS-approved training provider or awarding organisation.

“Would-be veterinary nurse students should always check that the course they are embarking upon will lead to a qualification that is recognised by the RCVS for the purposes of registration, or they may be in for a disappointment,” says RCVS Head of Veterinary Nursing, Libby Earle.

“Only those courses approved by the RCVS will lead to registration, and without registration (or listing), individuals should not call themselves veterinary nurses and cannot legally carry out medical procedures and minor surgery under Schedule 3 to the Veterinary Surgeons Act,” she adds.

Candidates should also be wary of training providers who demand money upfront online.

All new veterinary nursing courses and qualifications must be approved by the RCVS and this process can take some time.

A list of accredited veterinary nursing qualifications, together with details of the approved centres delivering them, is available on our website.