Myerscough veterinary nursing education commended by regulatory body

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is responsible for monitoring the educational, ethical and clinical standards of the veterinary profession in the UK.

Full RCVS five-year accreditation was granted for a new, sector leading degree programme delivered at Myerscough’s state-of-the-art veterinary nursing centre in February 2025.

A progress review meeting has been held by a representative from the RCVS at Myerscough College & University Centre last month with Louise Sutherland, Curriculum Area Manager for Veterinary Nursing and Rebecca Gillett, Higher Education Programme Lead.

During the meeting, the discussion focused on the RCVS Standards Framework for Veterinary Nursing education and training, how compliant Myerscough has been with the updated requirements, and any areas for improvement.

The report from the meeting has now been received, and it concluded: "The RCVS is reassured that this provision continues to make progress and strives for development of veterinary nursing education.

‘’Commendations have been made and it is noted that the team were very welcoming and engaged during the meeting."

A significant amount of hard work went into preparing for the new accreditation and continues through the delivery of the new foundation degree course, so we are naturally delighted with this report and reassured that we are performing well.

With over 80% of students passing our first-semester modules and great feedback from them, it’s clear we’re on the right track.

Myerscough worked closely with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to develop a sector leading programme, with the degree designed with direct input from students and industry professionals to ensure students graduate fully prepared for the veterinary world.

VNs work alongside surgeons and provide a high standard of care and treatment for ill animals as well as undertaking minor surgery, monitoring animals during anaesthesia, providing medical treatments and carrying out diagnostic tests.

Myerscough School of Veterinary Nursing has been an established provider of education and training for veterinary nurses for half a century, and was first granted approval from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1975. In this time Myerscough has successfully taught many small animal and equine student nurses from all parts of Britain and Europe.

Highlights of this exciting programme, which can be found in much more detail here, include:

This exciting industry-ready curriculum will teach you the fundamental skills to thrive as a veterinary nurse, under the guidance of experienced teaching professionals, learning in a cutting-edge environment at a dedicated, purpose built centre at Myerscough’s main Preston campus.

The curriculum is designed and structured based on industry and student feedback. This means the modules are more effectively structured to ensure students are ready for practice when they go into their placements.

Practical assessments are woven into the curriculum from year 1 to prepare students for OSCEs (Observed Structured Clinical Examinations) as end point assessments.

Anatomy and physiology are now woven throughout the curriculum to help students embed the theory. For example, we will teach the skeletal and musculoskeletal system when students learn about positioning for x-rays and the required anatomical landmarks.

We have a standalone module called interprofessional skills at level 4, which is filled with those necessary skills for students to thrive in the veterinary industry, such as resilience, mental health first aid, mindfulness techniques, communication and incivility.

Innovative and aligned assessments will prepare students for the industry, role plays for communication, practical tasks for handling, and care plans for evidence-based nursing.