Register of Advanced Veterinary Nurses (AVN)

An Advanced Veterinary Nurse (AVN) is a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) who demonstrates advanced knowledge and understanding and, in the case of the VetSkill Level 5 Advanced Veterinary Nursing qualifications and VTS qualifications, mastery of nursing skills in an area of special interest beyond those of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Skills and Competences.

VetSkill’s Register of Advanced Veterinary Nurses showcases those who actively hold a post-registration advanced qualification in veterinary nursing. This register brings those that have achieved a VetSkill Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing and those holding widely recognised advanced qualifications including the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) and RCVS CertAVN and DipAVN, together on one accessible register.

The purpose of the Register of Advanced Veterinary Nurses is to help the public to recognise a VetSkill registered AVN who is knowledgeable, competent and committed to high standards of professionalism. VetSkill Registered AVNs are responsible for ensuring competence within their role. Continued Professional Development (CPD) is a mandatory process for VetSkill AVNs. Find out more about CPD here.

VetSkill Register of Advanced Veterinary Nurses Qualifications

To become a VetSkill Registered AVN, you will need to have achieved a recognised qualification, which includes:

  • VetSkill Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Practice Nurse),

  • VetSkill Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Medical),

  • VetSkill Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Surgical),

  • VetSkill VTEC Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Emergency and Critical Care),

  • The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (CertAVN),

  • The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (DipAVN),

  • A recognised Advanced Veterinary Technician Specialist qualification.

  • If you have completed a VetSkill qualification that leads to Direct Entry onto the VetSkill Register of Advanced Veterinary Nurses, there is no registration fee. The registration process can be completed here.

  • Please apply for your Annual Registration here.