Vet Nursing - Funding For A 2nd Degree!!

anna2000

Hi, I studied for a Bsc in Animal Welfare (2005) and got a Student Loan.


In hindsight my degree isn't worth the paper its written on, as its never helped me get any job, let alone a job with animals. I've always thought it was a big waste of 3 years and I would have been much better off spending those years studying/training to be a Veterinary Nurse. There always seems to be a huge demand for Vet Nurses too.


I've being trying for the past 9 months to get a Vet Nurse training placement with a vet practice, and I've been applying to vets not just in my local area but all over the country, as I'd happily relocate to do the training. But despite a couple of interviews I've gotten nowhere, as competition for training placements is so fierce.


So this week I've been thinking of taking the alternative route of becoming a Vet Nurse by going back to university to study for a Bsc in Veterinary Nursing, or a Foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing.


The thing is though, as I already have a degree, I don't think I'm eligible for any Student Loan/funding/help with tuition fees. Tuition fees would be the killer as we're talking around £9k per year.


There seems to be a huge confusion about financing 2nd degrees. Depending on who you talk to, I keep getting told different things! One university told me I could get financial help if I did a Foundation Degree 'as its more vocational and the government with help fund 2nd degrees that are more vocational/professional.' Another uni told me Student Finance only fund 'medicine, dentistry, architecture 2nd degrees', whilst another told me I could get funding if I went back to uni for Bsc. Veterinary Science (a vet not being something I want to be), but you get the picture re different people saying different things...including the Student Loans Company and Student Finance!


Could anyone clarify for me please? Also if anyone knows how to get a Vet Nurse training placement at a vets please let me know as I'm finding it nigh on impossible and it would save me messing around going back to uni.


Cheers, Anna x

DomRavioli

Its unlikely.

This is from the NUS - http://www.nus.org.uk/en/advice/money-and-funding/ive-already-got-a-uk-honours-degree--can-i-get-funding-for-more-higher-education/
Please read it, and if you have any questions, ring student finance.

This is only in England/Wales; if you are elsewhere you will need to put into google your location and the relevant authority will come up.

pawsies

Keep trying for the vet nursing placements. Getting another degree won't do you any favours, as you have already found out they want experience.

Volunteer for as many local vets as will have you, even if it is just for a Saturday. Getting your name out there as well as your face is the only way when you have little experience. Let them know actively that you are job seeking and would be very interested in any future positions etc.
Work your hardest and show them you are worthy of employment!

anna2000

^ I've done all that and its got me nowhere though. Hense I thought I've got a better chance trying to get on a vet nurse course. I've. A feeling I could be hanging on for another 5 years waiting for a plcement to come up. And truth be told the BVNA are so ignorant and useless They ignore any questions/emails and if they eventually do get bck to you its just a blunt 'see our website.'. I think the whole thing needs shaking up.

jackieblack

Very few vet practices in our area take on student nurses doing the diploma. My daughter was told she'd need to do the 2 years placement on a voluntary basis to be considered.
If you are over 19 or already have a degree you would also have to pay to do the diploma (at our nearest college, at least)
She decided to go the degree route.
Talking to other parents at interviews, it seems that there are more opportunities in other areas of the country. Several other girls had got interviews for apprenticeships lined up.
Vet nursing is hard to get into these days, it seems. Degree courses are massively over subscribed and highly competitive.

Good luck.

anna2000

^ thank you jackie. Which areas of the country are there more opportunites? There seems to be nothing in the north west, where I am

jackieblack

The people I was talking to lived in the Derby area, I believe.

There are a limited number of Unis that offer Vet Nursing, but several are in your part of the country.
If any were close enough for you to live at home while studying, would that be an option? An FdSc would be cheaper than a BSc.