Level 3 Small Animal Veterinary Nursing Course in Northampton. Classes run at Moulton College, full-time during the day over three years. Fees may be free if you are 16 to 18 years old at the start of the course. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply, though loans and fee reductions may be available depending on your circumstances. Before enrolling, you must have a confirmed student veterinary nursing placement with an RCVS approved training practice in writing, and a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above. The course covers professional veterinary nursing responsibilities, diagnostic principles, pharmacology, dispensary management, and practical nursing skills. Completing it qualifies you to register as a Veterinary Nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Who this course is for
All students must have a confirmed student veterinary nursing
placement with an RCVS approved training veterinary practice in writing before
enrolling on the course.
Students must have a minimum of 5 x GCSEs at grade 4 or
Entry requirements
All students must have a confirmed student veterinary nursing
placement with an RCVS approved training veterinary practice in writing before
enrolling on the course.
Students must have a minimum of 5 x GCSEs at grade 4 or
What you will learn
You'll develop professional veterinary nursing responsibilities and clinical standards.
You'll study diagnostic principles used in small animal practice.
You'll learn pharmacology and how to manage a dispensary.
You'll practise hands-on veterinary nursing skills in a real training practice.
You'll cover the knowledge requirements set by the RCVS for registration as a Veterinary Nurse.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Moulton College combined with practical training at your RCVS approved placement practice. Assessment covers both the theoretical knowledge and the practical nursing skills required by the RCVS. You must complete your placement hours alongside your college study throughout the three years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Moulton College will confirm anything else you need before you start. An equipment list is available to download from the college website.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Registered Veterinary Nurse: work in small animal practices after RCVS registration.
Veterinary Nurse (small animal): day-to-day clinical care in a veterinary practice.
Veterinary Receptionist: front-of-house and client support in a vet practice.
Animal Nursing Assistant: support qualified nurses in clinical settings.
Veterinary Technician: specialist diagnostic and procedural support roles.
What you could study next
BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing: a degree route for those wanting to deepen clinical knowledge or move into leadership, research, or specialist practice.
RCVS Advanced Practitioner status: a post-registration route for experienced veterinary nurses specialising in areas such as anaesthesia, emergency care, or medicine.
Veterinary Practice Management qualifications: for those moving into practice management or business roles within a veterinary setting.
