Explore the Cert VN ECC

Yes. The course is flexible to accomodate any bumps in the road you may have. If you need a little longer for your assignments/coursework we can arrange an extension for you. Alternatively if you need a bit longer or need to take a break, we can arrange a deferment for you to a later intake. This means you can pause your place on the course, then pick back up where you left off when you are ready. You have 3 deferment options to use throughout your enrolment and there are applicable fees for these options.

The qualification is open to all RCVS registered veterinary nurses and our internal colleagues with a similar accredited qualification. However, we do appreciate that not all candidates will have the opportunity to gain such a qualification. Therefore, we do consider all applications and will take experience into account if an equivalent nursing qualification is not available. For these candidates, we would ask for supporting documentation regarding any qualifications (incuding syllabus and content covered), completion of a skills checklist and a recommendation letter (to be verified by an appropriately qualified veterinary colleague) and on occasion, completion of an entrance exam to verify knowledge and understanding, as well as English language and report writing and referencing skills. We will contact any applicants we require more information from directly with full details of what should be submitted and by when.

Yes. The coursework is all delivered online, so can be accessed at any time/anywhere that is suitable for you. You can utilise an online reader, print the notes off, change the screen colour, whatever makes you most comfortable. There are some assignments to write, but we have significantly reduced the number of these, swapping them for a more balanced mix of assessments, including short answer case-based learning activites and quizzes to reinforce learning. Extensions are available if you need them for your coursework and extra time or any other reasonable adjustments required in the final assessments.

No. The course is entirely theory-based and you are provided with all the content you require to complete the course via our online learning portal Moodle. You will also receive free access to a huge library of additional resources and recorded webinars to support your learning as you progress through the course.

No. We provide all students with free access to a huge library of additional resources and recorded webinars to support their learning. We also provide free access to the Veterinary Nurse Journal for all students, and discounted rates for JVECCS and BSAVA access. There are some recommended textbooks/reading, but these are not mandatory and are only recommended. If you join the facebook group as well, there are sometimes second hand copies for sale from other students.

No. Students do not have to be currently working in practice to enrol, however you may find it beneficial to do some ad hoc shifts in practice, as practical experience will help reinforce your learning. This is just a suggestion though, so not required if you are not currently able to do so.

No. If you wish to work in the UK you must meet the listed requirements of our governing body the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. There are some overseas qualifications that are deemed equivalent to the UK nursing qualification, so may be acceptable, but you may also be required to provide further documentation/complete assessments etc. This qualification may support your application, but it could not form the basis of your application. More information on this can be found on the RCVS website.

You will gain an accredited Level 4 industry recognised qualification in emergency & critical care nursing. You will receive official certification from the awarding body, an exclusive pin badge to celebrate your achievement and you can use the post nominals Cert VN ECC. As the Certificate is well known and respected throughout the veterinary industry, some companies/practices may offer an increased salary for those candidates who have achieved the award (for example Vets Now offer a qualification award to staff who have achieved the Cert VN ECC). However, this is not guaranteed, as it is dependant on individual practices, but the qualification is recogised throughout the industry.