Veterinary science is the study of animal health and welfare. It is a popular subject in the UK, and thousands of international students come to the UK to train as veterinary nurses and pursue careers in this field. Entry is extremely competitive, though, with only a few UK universities offering dedicated veterinary nursing degrees.
Two of the world’s top ten veterinary science universities are located in the UK, the Royal Veterinary College and University of Edinburgh (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024), and if you want to learn more about why you should study a veterinary nursing programme in the UK, read on below.
Ready to begin your UK university application or have any questions that need answering? Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
Five Reasons to Choose a Veterinary Nursing Course in the UK
1. UK universities are amongst the best in the world
The UK is one of the best countries in the world for offering quality education in veterinary nursing. The University of Edinburgh, University of Cambridge, University of Glasgow and University of Bristol all regularly place in the global top 20 for veterinary nursing programmes and if you want to secure veterinary nurse qualifications that are respected globally, the UK is the place to be.
2. State-of-the-art facilities
Studying veterinary nursing in the UK allows students to take advantage of state-of-the-art facilities, which may include a mock veterinary practice (with consulting rooms and diagnostic facilities), nursing simulation suites, and first-opinion facilities. Students will also be able to work with industry-standard anaesthetic, radiography, and theatre equipment.
3. Career prospects and employability
One of the primary reasons students opt to study veterinary nursing in the UK is high employability rates. Veterinary nursing course career options include being a veterinary nurse, lecturer, and training practice liaison. The theoretical knowledge and practical skills you acquire by studying in the UK mean that graduates leave industry ready.
In addition, veterinarians’ salaries in the UK are among the highest in the world, with an average wage of £47,584 per year (Indeed).
4. Great internships and placement opportunities
While studying for your veterinary nurse qualifications, you can intern at a local organisation to gain the experience and exposure needed for a successful career. Students will be expected to undertake a clinical placement for at least 52 weeks, meaning they have first-hand experience of their future workplace and what is required to become a successful veterinary nurse.
5. All veterinary nursing courses are professionally accredited
Accreditation plays an important role in a student’s professional life. The UK’s veterinary nursing degree programmes are accredited by top bodies such as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the country, and the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB). These organisations implement guidelines that make the course curricula favourable for clinical placements.
Study Veterinary Nursing Courses in the UK
Are you considering making a career as a vet nurse and planning to study a veterinary nursing course in the UK? Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London to begin your journey today.