Veterinary nursing is an associated animal care sector and often provides a career progression for people working within the other animal care businesses.  Veterinary nurses work in association with vets in the care and treatment of animal patients.  Work is mainly with domestic animals, but can also involve work with horses, farm animals or exotic species which are increasingly becoming popular pets.

Number of veterinary nurses:

• 6,565 listed
• 1,364 un-listed
• 173 unqualified veterinary nurses
• 3,855 student veterinary nurses

Key statistics on the industry:

• 42% of businesses employ less than 10 people, 54% employ 10-49 staff
• 65.6% of proprietors are female
• proprietors are commonly aged over 45 years
• 66% of employees are aged below 35 years
• 12.7% of all establishments report vacancies, of which 4.8% are hard-to-fill
• no skill shortage vacancies are reported

Most students are female, white British, and between the ages of 25-35 and work in small animal practices.  There is on average 16 people working in each practice, of which 13% are listed qualified veterinary nurses and 43% are support staff.

Recruitment is not an issue for veterinary nursing as it is a very popular choice for many school leavers.  Competition from other employers paying higher rates of pay, and offering better conditions is a major de-motivating factor for veterinary nurses.

There are several ways in which to train as a veterinary nurse, but all involve practically based training of at least two years working in an approved training practice.

Skills required encompass a broad range of job specific skills as well as the need for generic skills such as ICT, numeracy, literacy, problem-solving and communication skills.  The requirement to keep learning is also expected to keep abreast of new drugs and treatments.

Innovations in the industry has resulted in a demand for alternative treatments and therapies, which is enabling veterinary nurses to extend their traditional skills base.  There is an increasing need for skills in nutritional management and alternative treatment therapies.

The current workforce needs to have high-level technical skills and be multi-skilled.  Those wishing to enter the workforce need problem solving skills, willingness to learn, flexibility and initiative, together with 5 GSCEs of Grade C and above including English language, and either mathematics and a science subject or two science subjects.

Industry drivers affecting future work and employment include:

• the perceived end of practice financial viability
• the need for higher professional standards and duty of care for all those handling animals
• new legislations and regulations on veterinary medicines
• new regulation arrangements for veterinary services
• changing consumer lifestyles and tastes
• technological advancements
• policy reforms particularly for the Common Agriculture Policy
• the introduction of the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme and the Gateways to the Professions initiative
• increasing globalisation

Source: Sector Skills Agreement Stage 1: Key Drivers of Skill Demand 2005, Sector Skills Agreement Stage 1: Annex 2.7 2005 and Veterinary Nursing Industry report 2005

For regional distribution of businesses and employees in the industry see:

Regional distribution of veterinary nursing workforce, 2005