Veterinary Nursing interview information and guidance

What you will need to submit

You will be required to submit the following clear scanned documents on an online platform:

• Original academic certificates - GCSE/O-level, A-level and/or any other equivalent certificates (such as BTEC) already achieved
• References - veterinary practice and animal work experience that you may have completed already
• Original birth certificate
• Original passport photo page and/or UK Driving Licence photo page/card

Work Experience

Gaining at least 2 weeks work experience in a veterinary practice will be a distinct advantage for your application, however any animal related or customer focussed work experience will be considered by admissions tutors.

The following types of work experience are useful for your application and future career:

• Kennels/catteries
• Zoos
• Rescue centres (small and large animal, wildlife, reptile)
• Equestrian centres/equine yards/riding schools
• Farms/city farms
• Pet shops
• Dog groomers
• Dog day care/pet sitting/dog walking
• Care work with humans
• Customer focused work experience

If you have work experience references to submit, your reference letter should be in the following format to maximise your success:

• On headed paper and signed and dated by the referee
• Include the dates you worked there and number of hours completed
• Include a brief synopsis of your duties
• If a veterinary practice work experience reference, signed by a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) or Veterinary Surgeon (MRCVS). If you would like a template for this letter then please email bscadmin@caw.ac.uk

Preparing for the interview

Online interview

You should expect your online interview to take up to an hour. You can download a copy of the Veterinary Nursing Applicant Interview Questions .

How we'll assess you at the interview

Your knowledge

• Demonstration of your knowledge and understanding of the role of a Registered Veterinary Nurse
• Experience of caring for animals and challenges for personnel providing this care in veterinary practice
• Awareness of a Registered Veterinary Nurse’s role and responsibilities in the field

Your outlook

• Evidence of appropriate personal awareness, empathy and caring approach

Your skills and qualities

• Clear and coherent communication skills
• Good time management skills
• Knowledge of, and coping strategies for the challenges of the programme
• Knowledge of advantages and disadvantages of working in teams
• Able to carry out practical tasks with accuracy and efficiency

Further reading

We highly recommend you read the following material for additional information and guidance given by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) relating to recruitment for veterinary nursing programmes:

• Fitness to Practise:  A Guide for UK Providers of Veterinary Nursing Education and Student Veterinary Nurses
• Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses
• Career profile of a veterinary nurse

After your interview

We aim to contact you within seven working days to inform you of the outcome of your interview and test. If you are successful we will update your UCAS track record with your offer and the conditions you need to meet. You will also receive an email from us if you have been successful.

Studying at Middlesex University and the College of Animal Welfare

Learn more about the BSc Veterinary Nursing at Middlesex University

This undergraduate course has been jointly developed, delivered and assessed by Middlesex University and The College of Animal Welfare (CAW) and is the first of its kind in Europe. It offers a unique opportunity to study a degree in veterinary nursing and has direct accredited status by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).