Skip navigation and go to main content

The Veterinary Nurse Merit Awards are designed for the motivated nurse in primary care practice and offers structured CPD for qualified veterinary nurses who have an interest in developing their knowledge and skills in particular topics, without the commitment of a certificate or diploma.

The awards are delivered in a blended fashion (combination of online teaching and attendance days) and are worth between 30 – 50 hours of CPD, depending on the subject.

Following completion of the teaching, there is an assessment designed to be relevant to clinical practice, which will further enhance the learning experience. VNs who successfully complete the course will be awarded a BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Award in their chosen subject.

What do the VNMA’s offer?

  • Teaching from outstanding speakers delivering practical and clinically relevant information
  • An opportunity to develop discipline based knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in practice
  • Flexible yet structured study
  •  A new confidence and enthusiasm in assisting the clinical team and running clinics
  •  A source of like-minded individuals to discuss cases with, and build friendships along the way
  •  Support throughout your studies

Prices start from £475 plus VAT for BSAVA members and £700 plus VAT for non members.

If you have any questions, please email courses@bsava.com

Courses available in 2025

Wound Management

The Vet Nurse Merit Award in Wound Management is designed to develop veterinary nurses’ knowledge and skills in taking care of patients with wounds. Topics will include wound healing, infection control, bandaging techniques, and management of scar tissue.
The Vet Nurse Merit Award in Wound Management is a structured CPD course which counts for 30 hours CPD.
The programme consists of 10 recorded webinar sessions, and an online resource which will encourage support in your learning through online resources and activities including a discussion forum.
Online sessions:
Anatomy of the skin and underlying structures
Physiology of wound healing and aims of wound management
Factors that delay healing
Wound cleansing and infection control
Wound debridement: Surgical, mechanical, chemical & autolytic
Wounds: To close or not to close
Dressings
Bandaging techniques and how to avoid complications
Drain management and novel techniques
Wound reconstructions and we can do
A practical attendance course will take place at BSAVA HQ, in Gloucester which will give you chance to meet the colleagues who have been studying at the same time as you and to get your hands on experience in wound management and bandaging techniques.
The course will finish with an online assessment and case study.
Online resource opens Monday 15 September 2025
First session available Monday22 September2025
Venue for practical attendance day: Woodrow House, Gloucester
Date for practical attendance day: Friday 27 February 2026

 

.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the criteria for enrolment?

You must be a qualified veterinary nurse. Due to the nature of the final case study, it is preferable for you to be working in practice. However, if you are not in practice but still wish to enrol, please contact us.

Are the VN Merit Awards accredited by a professional examining body?

This course is not formally accredited; rather it provides high-quality CPD that will enhance your theoretical and practical understanding of a subject area. If you complete the course successfully, you will receive a certificate and a badge.

Is the practical course compulsory?

If a practical is included in the programme, then yes you are expected to attend.

Some of our past students say…

 

Josie Lees RVNRehabilitation and Physiotherapy VNMA – Josie Lees RVN
Added: “It’s a really great course I learnt a lot and it has really helped grow my confidence in the area and I have built quite a client base who come in regularly for physio and rehab, we have even had a few dogs avoid needing surgery. The practice has even invested in new equipment. It’s definitely worth it!”

 

 

 

 

Jody Barry BSc (Hons) RVN holding a pair of black puppiesDermatology VNMA – Jody Barry BSc (Hons) RVN
Added: “I would say do not hesitate to enrol. I have been in practice for 17 years and this is the best course I have ever undertaken. The days were well structured, the tutors excellent and the learning materials invaluable.
Added: This course provides candidates with the tools to practically increase their skill set and bring so much more to their clients and practice. It has furthered my career in ways no other course has managed.”