Thirteen of the new Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) took part in the formal ceremony ahead of their main graduation, surrounded by family, friends, tutors, and representatives from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
The declaration ceremony was presided over by Kirsty Young, Head of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). A Registered Veterinary Nurse and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Kirsty has over 20 years’ experience in veterinary nursing education and curriculum development. She has chaired multiple RCVS accreditation panels across the UK and is widely respected for her work advancing evidence-based patient care and veterinary education.
In her address to the graduates before they took their declaration, Kirsty said:
“Veterinary nursing is a relatively young profession, but one that has come such a long way – and you are now part of shaping where it goes next. You’ve shown the commitment, compassion and skill needed to earn your place in it. Never stop learning, support one another, and always take pride in the difference you make to both animals and the people who love them.”
She then led the group through the official declaration: “I promise and solemnly declare that I will pursue the work of my profession with integrity and accept my responsibilities to the public, my clients, the profession and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and that, above all, my constant endeavour will be to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to my care.”
This is the third cohort to graduate from Reaseheath’s Veterinary Nursing degree, which was formally accredited by the RCVS in 2023 after meeting the profession’s highest standards.
The qualification allows graduates immediate entry onto the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses, positioning Reaseheath as one of the region’s leading providers of veterinary education.
Since accreditation, the programme has continued to grow in size and reputation, attracting students from across the UK and earning praise from the RCVS for the quality of its teaching, clinical placements, and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
Steph Jackson, Programme Leader for Veterinary Nursing at Reaseheath College and University Centre, said: “This is such a proud moment for our graduates and for the whole veterinary nursing team. Watching them make their professional declaration is incredibly moving – it represents years of study, placement work, and dedication to animal welfare.
“Our students have shown true professionalism and compassion throughout their training, and I have no doubt they will go on to make a real difference in veterinary practice. Seeing them now as qualified nurses, standing with confidence in one of the most respected professions in animal care, is a highlight of the academic year.”
Reaseheath’s BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing combines academic study with extensive clinical experience. Students benefit from modern skills suites, specialist laboratories, and a network of clinical placement partners that help them develop confidence and competence from day one.
Visit our blog listings page or view our latest blogs below.
Events
Canine Behaviour
Environment & Conservation Sciences
