Age-barrier removed for VN trainees

The lower age limit for student veterinary nurses – previously set at 17 – has been removed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, in order to comply with age discrimination legislation.

The entry requirements remain unchanged: five GSCEs at grade C or higher, or five Scottish Standards at grades one to three (including English Language, Maths and a Science subject).

Candidates must also have a place with an RCVS-approved Training Practice or on a recognised veterinary nursing degree course.

“We hope that the removal of this age barrier will be seen as a positive step that will serve to improve access to training,” says Libby Earle, Head of Veterinary Nursing. “Practices remain free to recruit as they see fit to meet the particular demands of their business,” she adds.

New veterinary nursing careers leaflets have been produced to reflect the change and are available from [email protected] / 020 7202 0711, or to download from the publications section of RCVSonline.