If you are looking to book a cat vaccination, please be aware that there is an ongoing shortage of some cat vaccines affecting all UK Veterinary practices. Find out more here.

Training Practice

We play an integral role in training the veterinary nurses of the future

At Crown Vets we are an RCVS approved training practice meaning that we play an integral role in training of student veterinary nurses (SVNs). We provide both vocational training as well as clinical experience for students undergoing full time training. Being accredited means that we meet stringent standards set by the RCVS, training nurses to a consistent level of skill and knowledge. We have several of our Registered Veterinary Nurses appointed as Clinical Coaches. They have each undergone specific, additional training to allow them to train and coach students through their qualifications. Many of our student veterinary nurses have stayed on at Crown Vets to join our ever expanding nursing team. We also encourage them to further develop their skills and knowledge once qualified with regular continual professional development (CPD) as well as joining a programme called Nurse Academy to enhance their skill and knowledge base. 

Nurses can train through a variety of colleges or universities dependent on what suits their needs however they must all complete a set amount of practical hours in a training practice in order to qualify as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).

As well as student veterinary nurses, we provide the same service for veterinary care assistants (VCAs). The role of veterinary care assistants within the practice is to work alongside the rest of the clinical team to provide vital nursing care to a high standard. Their tasks can be varied day to day but can include:

  • Exercising, grooming and feeding inpatients
  • Monitoring and providing supportive care to inpatients
  • Preparing theatre areas as well as maintaining surgical equipment and instruments
  • Cleaning and preparing accommodation for inpatients
  • Restraining animals for treatment
  • Reception duties

Again, VCAs are appointed a clinical coach and must meet tight guidelines as set out by their training centre. Many veterinary care assistants continue their training onto become student veterinary nurses however it is not essential.

Finally, we also offer training to student veterinary surgeons. In order to complete their training they must undergo extra mural studies (EMS) throughout their university degrees. EMS provides students with an unrivalled opportunity to gain real-life work experience to enhance their university-based studies. They are in turn more prepared for starting their careers as qualified veterinary surgeons with having an abundance of practical experience behind them. Like SVNs and VCAs, vet students are appointed a mentor in practice who is a qualified veterinary surgeon. Their aim is to enhance the student's level of knowledge and skill throughout their time spent at the training practice. We have had many different students do perform their EMS placements with us and often many return year after year, some have even ended up in full time employment with us once they are qualified.

Throughout the year we also take school work experience students for week long placements during term time. These placements are to give school students the opportunity to see if a veterinary career is suitable for them or not before making final subject choices. They are exposed to all aspects of a veterinary practice throughout their placement to give them an all encompassing experience. Placements are arranged through their school and students must be at least fifteen years of age to attend the practice at a time mutually agreed by the student and the practice. 

If you would be interested in a career within the veterinary profession or have already secured a place on a course, please contact us as soon as possible to arrange a placement. We unfortunately cannot accommodate everyone and placements are in high demand often being booked up well in advance.