HOW TO BECOME A VETERINARY SURGEON

To become a vet, you will need to obtain a veterinary degree from university. There are six universities in the UK which offer veterinary degrees. These Universities are found at Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and London. The course lasts for five to six years, depending on the university.
You need to have a broad range of GCSE's, (with particular attention paid to Science, Maths and English) and at least three 'A' levels, at grades A or B, in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. All universities require applicants to have work experience before their application, such as on a farm handling livestock or at a veterinary practice.
Courses cover the major species of animals encountered in practice. It is not possible to specialise in one particular species until you have obtained your veterinary degree.
Once you have your degree and would like to start practicing, you must be registered by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Once registered, the individual has the right to use the letters MRCVS after their name.

Careers Contacts:

BRISTOL
Veterinary Admissions Clerk
University of Bristol, Senate House
Bristol BS8 1TH
Tel: 0117 928 9000
Web: www.vetschool.bris.ac.uk/

CAMBRIDGE
The Department Secretary
Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine
University of Cambridge, Madingley Road
Cambridge CB2 0ES
Tel: 01223 337600
Web: www.vet.cam.ac.uk

The Cambridge Intercollegiate Applications Office
Kellet Lodge, Tennis Court Road
Cambridge CB2 1QJ
Tel: 01223 333308

EDINBURGH
Admissions Officer
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Royal School of Veterinary Studies
University of Edinburgh, Summerhall
Edinburgh EH9 1QH
Tel: 0131 650 6130
Web: www.vet.ed.ac.uk/

GLASGOW
Admissions Officer
University of Glasgow Veterinary School
464 Bearsden Road, Bearsden Road
Glasgow G61 1QH
Tel: 0141 330 5700
Web: www.gla.ac.uk/faculties/vet/index.html

LIVERPOOL
The Admissions Sub-Dean
Faculty of Veterinary Science
University of Liverpool
Liverpool, L69 7ZJ
Tel: 0151 794 2000
Web: www.liv.ac.uk/vets/

LONDON
The Head of Registry
The Royal Veterinary College
Royal College Street
London NW1 0TU
Tel: 020 7468 5000
Web: www.rvc.ac.uk/

Return To Top

HOW TO BECOME A VETERINARY NURSE

Anyone wishing to enter training to become a Veterinary Nurse (VN) should have five GCSEs at grade C or above, or Scottish Standard Grades 1-3, or Scottish Higher Grades A-E. These qualifications must include English Language and two passes in a physical or biological science (such as Physics, Chemistry or Biology) or mathematics.
Alternatively, you can take the BVNA's Pre-Veterinary Nursing Course. This day-release course has been approved by The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and will enable you to enrol for VN training without any other GCSEs. The course lasts one year and is undertaken as part of employment within a suitable veterinary practice.
You must be at least 17-years-old. There is no upper age limit on how old you have to be to train. If a vet who is approved to train VNs is prepared to take you on, that's all you need.
You must be employed in a veterinary practice before you can be enrolled as a trainee nurse, and you must arrange this yourself. This will usually be in a Training Practice (TP) which has been approved by the RCVS to train veterinary nurses.

For general information about veterinary nursing as a career

Contact:

The British Veterinary Nursing Association
Level 15, Terminus House
Terminus Street
Harlow, Essex CM20 1XA
Tel: 01279 450567
Web: www.bvna.org.uk

If you have decided you'd like to train as a veterinary nurse and need information about where to train, or you'd like to enroll with the RCVS as a student veterinary nurse

Contact:

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Belgravia House
62-64 Horseferry Road
London SW1P 2AF
Tel: 020 7222 2001
Web: www.rcvs.org.uk

Return To Top

HOW TO BECOME A RECEPTIONIST

A Veterinary Receptionist is often the first person a new or existing client talks to on the telephone or sees when they visit their veterinary practice. Sometimes they need information or reassurance that their pet will receive the best care and attention.
As well as dealing with clients, Veterinary Receptionists can deal with financial aspects (ie: invoivces, payments, client records) and can assist the whole practice team and be a valuable team member.
Training is not always required, sometimes the veterinary practice will provide in-house training. However, if somebody wanted to undergo external training, there are several courses that could apply.
The BVNA Animal Nursing Assistant qualification includes a unit called 'Finance, Veterinary Reception and Administration'. Candidates can enrol on this course and undertake this specific unit. Upon passing the multiple-choice examination, candidates will be awarded a Unit Of Achievement.

For more details about becoming a Veterinary Receptionist visit the following websites:

The British Veterinary Nursing Association

Vetlink

Return To Top

VACANCIES

A career at Animal Ark

Our promise to the Animal Ark crew is "To create a unique and challenging work environment for animal lovers."
We aim to provide job satisfaction by providing a challenging and stimulating work environment.
We aim to reward our crew for their efforts, along with experience and work culture that will progress their career.
We also assist in providing appropriate scope and resources to enable people to further their studies.
We believe the success of Animal Ark is based upon the quality and attitude of all crew members. Based upon this philosophy, we unashamedly recruit the brightest and best people that have a passion for animals and dealing with people.
If you are interested in a career at Animal Ark, please contact us.

Current Vacancies

If no vacancies are listed below, please forward your CV to us.

Return To Top