RCVS Academy
Explore the RCVS Academy - our digital learning platform offering interactive courses for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
Working in the UK: online courses
The RCVS Academy’s online courses support overseas-qualified veterinary professionals preparing for a career in the UK. They'll help you understand how to register with the RCVS and practise in the UK.
On this page
About the RCVS Academy online courses
There are two courses available on the RCVS Academy:
You'll be asked to sign into RCVS Academy to access the courses. These online courses combine regulatory guidance with practical career support. They’ll help you navigate everything from examination preparation to finding employment in the UK veterinary sector.
Who the courses are for
These courses are designed for vets and vet nurses educated outside the UK who are considering working here.
What the courses cover
Our courses will help you better understand:
- What’s it like to practise as a veterinary professional in the UK
- How to register with the RCVS
- How to prepare for your pre-registration or membership exams
Online course overview: vets
Introduction
This module will give you an understanding of the role of the RCVS, veterinary professions in the UK and the support you can access. The modules you complete next will depend on your role, qualifications, and where you studied.
Registering in the UK
This module explains the registration process and helps you identify which forms and evidence are relevant to your qualification.
Statutory Membership Examination
You may need to pass the RCVS Statutory Membership Examination (licensing exam) before you can work as a vet in the UK. This module consists of two sections:
- Part 1: Declaring your intention to sit the exam
- Part 2: The exam application process
Exam preparation
This module provides guidance on preparation for the Statutory Membership Exam. The exam has three sections covering:
- Seeing practice
- Written exam preparation
- Practical exam (OSCE) preparation
Course conclusion
This module provides career support and links to help you find employment in the UK.
Online course overview: vet nurses
Introduction
This module will give you an understanding of the work and role of the RCVS, the veterinary professions in the UK and the support you can access.
The modules you complete next will depend on your role, qualifications, and where you studied.
Registering in the UK
This module explains the registration process and helps you identify which forms and evidence are relevant to your qualification.
Preparing for and sitting examinations
You may need to pass the RCVS pre-registration examination. This module guides you through the process, including what to expect on the day of the exam.
Code of Professional Conduct
This mandatory module must be completed once your application has been accepted. It introduces you to the Code of Professional Conduct, which sets out the standards expected of all veterinary professionals in the UK.
Course conclusion
This module provides career support and links to help you find employment in the UK.
How to register for your online course
- Create an RCVS My Account if you don't already have one
- Visit the RCVS Academy platform
- Go to the ‘Career Support’ section and choose the Working in the UK course for vets or vet nurses
The modules will be unlocked based on the information you provide about your background, so you’ll only see what’s relevant to you.
Questions
We're here to help you navigate your journey to UK veterinary practice. If you have questions about the courses or need additional support, contact our team at [email protected].