Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary nursing is a clinical profession concerned with the care, nursing, and support of animals undergoing veterinary examination, diagnosis, and treatment. Veterinary nurses work alongside veterinary surgeons in small animal practices, equine clinics, farm animal practices, and specialist referral centres, providing skilled nursing care before, during, and after procedures, monitoring patients, preparing operating theatres, administering medications, and supporting clients through their animals' illness or treatment. The role demands both practical clinical skill and the ability to communicate compassionately and clearly with animal owners who may be anxious or distressed.
At Nottingham Trent University you will study this three-year full-time degree with a typical entry tariff of 120 points. The programme combines academic study with extensive clinical placement in veterinary practice settings, giving you the hands-on experience that the profession requires. You will study veterinary anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, surgical nursing and anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging, laboratory techniques, medical nursing, and the ethical and legal frameworks that govern veterinary practice.
The welfare of the animals in your care is a central concern throughout the curriculum, and you will develop both the technical skills and the professional judgement to ensure that patients receive the highest standards of nursing care. NTU has strong relationships with veterinary practices in the Midlands that support the clinical training component.
Qualified veterinary nurses are registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and work in small animal general practice, specialist referral hospitals, equine and farm practices, zoo and exotic animal facilities, and research institutions. The profession has strong employment prospects and offers genuine career development through specialist qualifications in areas such as anaesthesia, medicine, surgery, or emergency and critical care. Some veterinary nurses go on to practice management, veterinary education, or postgraduate study in animal science or related fields.