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Register as a UK-qualified veterinary nurse

If you've trained as a veterinary nurse in the UK, you'll need to register with us to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). This page explains how to register, whether you hold a diploma or a degree, and what to do if your studies were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Routes to registration

Your route to registration depends on your qualification - either a diploma or a degree.  

All applicants must have:

  • Completed 2,990 total training hours, with at least 1,800 hours in clinical practice
  • Demonstrate competence in Day One Skills and Schedule 3 procedures

These requirements make sure you are ready to provide safe and effective care as a vet nurse.

Registering with a diploma

This route applies if you completed your veterinary nursing training through a further education college or training provider.

1 : Qualification confirmation

Your awarding organisation will send us your results within eight weeks of your qualification. You don't need any action at this stage – we'll receive your details automatically.

2 : Registration invitation

Once we receive confirmation that you've passed, we'll email you with instructions on how to register. This typically happens within a few days of receiving your results from the awarding organisation.

Important: Check your spam folder if you don't receive an email. Our weekly pass lists are processed every Thursday, so there may be a short delay.

3 : Complete your application

Follow the link in our email to complete your online registration. You'll need to:

  • Make a declaration
  • Upload your record of training
  • Verify your Day One Competences
  • Pay the registration fee

Registering with a degree

This route is for graduates from UK university veterinary nursing degree programmes.

1 : University coordination

Your university will coordinate with us throughout your final year. We work directly with them to track graduating students and ensure smooth registration.

2 : April registration email

We'll email all degree students in April with registration instructions. This gives you time to complete the process before graduation.

Timing matters: Start your application promptly to ensure registration before your graduation ceremony.

3 : Submit your application

Complete your online registration using the link we provide in your email. You'll need to:

  • Make a declaration
  • Pay the registration fee
  • Pay the registration fee

You will also need to submit a Record of training directly to your university. This confirms that you’ve completed your 2990 training hours.

4 : Registration timing

We aim to complete your registration before graduation so you can celebrate as a qualified RVN. Your certificate and badge will follow within four weeks.