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- .Veterinary Technician / Nurse

- medical
- Soldier
- Regular
Veterinary Nurse
Keep Army animals bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Gain valuable experience, get qualifications, travel worldwide and make some great friends along the way.

Royal Army Veterinary Corps
Starting salary
£27,282 - £36,103
Age range
18 - 36
Role details
Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.
Age
You can join between the ages of 18 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 17 years & 9 months old and 35 years & 6 months old.
Fitness
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
2km run 12 min
Education
Must be a qualified Veterinary Nurse and registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Need help?
Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.

Royal Army Veterinary Corps
The Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) work mainly with military horses and dogs. Roles include vets, veterinary nurses and dog handlers.
Animals – mostly dogs and horses – are an important part of Army life. As a Veterinary Nurse, you take care of them alongside our highly skilled Army Vets. You work all over the world and deal with everything from injured search dogs to sick cavalry horses. You could be preparing an operating theatre one day and nursing hospitalized animals the next. It’s great experience that can help you get valuable qualifications and a job if you return to civilian life. When you’re not building your skills and career, you’ll have time to enjoy sports and make some amazing friends.
Key responsibilities
Overcome physical challenges
Manage equipment and veterinary supplies
Use patience and a consistent approach to get the best out of animals
Work in both a clinic and in the field
Carry out other military duties
Step 1
Initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier. This covers everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. This course takes place at either Pirbright in Surrey or Winchester, Hampshire and lasts 13 weeks.
Step 2
You will then be posted into the Defence Animal Training Regiment at Melton Mowbray for 8 weeks, where you will complete a Transition to Military Practice course and the Patrol Dog Handler course.
Earn £27,282 during training. When your training is finished, you will earn £36,103.
The Army will support and train you throughout your career, offering you considerable opportunities to develop your skills.
You will earn a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Veterinary Nursing in this role.
Your application journey
From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.
Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.
Online application
Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.
Individual Careers Discussion
Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Medical Checks
Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.
Assessment centre
Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.
Security clearance
Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.
Real Army Life
Ask a Soldier
Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.
It’s similar to a normal working day, with gyms, food halls and social spaces available on camp.
Living on a base gives you a good balance of structure and normal day‑to‑day life. Your days usually have a routine, like training, work and meals, but there’s also plenty of time to relax. You live close to the people you work with, so there’s a strong sense of community. In the evenings or downtime, you might go to the gym, watch TV, play sport or just catch up with mates. Everything you need is close by, which makes settling in much easier.
Holly J
Royal Adjutant's Corps
From day one you’re trained, supported and developed - you’re never left to figure things out alone.
You’re very well supported. Instructors are there to guide you, and don't forget, you join alongside others who are just as new, so you learn and settle in as a team.
Carlington R
Royal Engineers
I’ll usually have physical training in the morning, and for the rest of the day there can be lessons or tasks like servicing vehicles and weapons.
It’s a mix of both. You’ll spend time building your fitness, but just as much time learning new skills, from technical training to teamwork and leadership.
Steven R
Royal Logistic Corps
Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.
Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.
Tori C
Royal Army Medical Services
Every day is different day in the Army, your not going to be doing the repetition of doing the same thing all the time because end of the day we have to adapt, we have to learn.
You could be on exercise for one whole week and the next week you could then be flying to somewhere else to do AT (Adventure Training), ski, snowboard.
Your day will usually follow a routine, with time for training, learning new skills and staying fit. There’s structure to help you progress, but every day brings something a bit different.
Craig D
Movement Controller
Your future starts here
Every Veterinary Nurse started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.


