Veterinary Students
The Willows Veterinary Group is RCVS accredited and a registered Training Practice, we work with the Veterinary Universities to provide Extra Mural Studies and vacation work experience for undergraduates. We offer placements for all levels of Veterinary Students from all 18 small animal practices, our Farm practice and Equine centres.
All students are supervised by our experienced Veterinary Surgeons and Nurses, we aim to provide a supportive and wide variety of experience from observation and involvement in clinical work, clinical discussions and assisting with surgical procedures (as appropriate for your year of study).
If you would like to be considered for a placement at the Willows Veterinary Group, please forward your details to Julie-Ann Goryl at Recruitment@willowsvetgroup.co.uk, include details of any particular areas of interest and any EMS placements to date.
Veterinary Nursing – Placements and Work Experience
If you are seeking a Work Placement or Work Experience, please contact your local surgery. Further details of all our branches can be found here.
Student Veterinary Nursing Roles
The Willows Veterinary Group is an Approved Training Practice for Veterinary Nurses and works with the local Colleges to provide placements for their students. We offer placements from all 18 small animal practices and our Equine centres.
Routes in to Veterinary Nursing are detailed below.
All students are supervised by our experienced Nurses, and supported with a Clinical Coach. We aim to provide a supportive and wide variety of work experience.
Our Veterinary Nurses provide skilled supportive care for sick animals as well as undertaking minor surgery, monitoring during anaesthesia, medical treatments and taking x-rays and carrying out diagnostic tests.
Our Nurses also play an important role in advising owners on the health and welfare of their pets.
Our student nurses typically spend 12 months in practice gaining essential skills and experience before applying to college. Roles are generally full-time including weekend / bank holiday working and a night rota (over-night accommodation provided on-site).
Qualifications requirements
You require at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English, Maths and Science, or
Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants with Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths.
In addition, a full UK driving licence is required.
If you would like to be considered for a Student Nurse role at the Willows Veterinary Group, please forward your details to Julie-Ann Goryl at recruitment@willowsvetgroup.co.uk.
Due to the demand for places, preference will be given to those candidates with previous experience of working with animals.
How do I become a Veterinary Nurse?
There are two main routes to becoming a qualified veterinary nurse; vocational training through employment, or via higher education.
Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
This course can be undertaken whilst being employed at a Veterinary practice; where your time will be split between learning theory at college (through day release or block release) and gaining practical experience while on your placement in your practice; or on a full-time basis with block of work placements at approved training practices.
During both courses your clinical skills will be assessed, complete assignments theory exams, undertake a ‘Nursing Progress Log’ and final exam.
Higher Education Training
This route is offered by a number of institutions leading to a Foundation or BSc (Hons) degree in Veterinary Nursing.
Level 2 Diploma Veterinary Care Assistant
This is a recognised qualification in its own right and is an introductory level course providing a route to the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (the qualification you required to become a fully qualified veterinary nurse).
