Could I train for a career working with animals at 42?

[Poppy04]

I have spent the past 16 years working in the legal sector, but am considering a change of career to work with animals, e.g. as a veterinary nurse or in another type of animal care setting. Am I too old at 42 when I am likely to be competing for jobs with young college leavers? If I did decide to go for it, what would be the best way to get into it? Would I have to work and study at the same time?

Vet nursing is a degree level qualification.

www.sparsholt.ac.uk/courses/fdsc-veterinary-nursing-science-degree-full-time/

Entry Requirements
A Level – Three A Level passes, including two at grade C or above one of which should be in a life science
BTEC National Ext. Diploma – DMM
City & Guilds Advanced Technical Ext. Diploma (1080) – DMM in an appropriate pathway
BTEC National Diploma – N/A
City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720) – N/A
Access to HE – A Merit profile in a relevant Access course with 96 tariff points including a minimum of 15 credits at merit in science-based units
International Baccalaureate – 25 points with HL Biology at 4. Good grades in MYP English, Maths, and Science
*Plus five GCSEs at C/4 or above, including Maths, English and Science
*Two weeks’ work experience in a Veterinary Surgery

Veterinary nursing is not degree level. I work for a training provider who is well know in the veterinary industry, OP, you can PM me for more information but vet nursing is a level 3 diploma or degree, and entry requirements for the level 3 diploma are English, maths, science grade C or equivalent. We can help you achieve those if you don't already have them.

42 as an age is no issue at all, our students range from 18 to late 50s, it's never too late.

I can also explain the work/study combination, the Royal Society of Veterinary Surgeons governs vet nurses and there are certain hours and activities to be be completed during training, it's not just study

Oh, that's interesting. Do you not actually need the degree then, and can do the nursing straight from the L3 course? (What's the point of the degree?)

I have no knowledge of the qualifications but definitely not too old!!

My mum retrained as a teacher when she was 40, absolutely do this - good luck 😊

Degree is just an alternative, but you can do the diploma straight from GCSE or equivalents.

Your either work or do a placement as a student vet nurse during either qualification

Hi, Just wondering if you de idea to this? Thanks