In order to be registered on the Register of Veterinary Nurses you must hold a qualification in veterinary nursing that is recognised for the purpose of registration by the Veterinary Council.

Qualifications in veterinary nursing that are not recognised by the Veterinary Council for the purpose of registration do not entitle a person to be registered to practise in the State.

For information on registrable qualifications, click here

If you have a recognised qualification in veterinary nursing, please proceed to make an application to register by clicking

Qualifications in Veterinary Nursing that are not Recognised

Persons who hold qualifications in veterinary nursing that are not recognised by the Veterinary Council are not entitled to be registered or to practise veterinary nursing in Ireland.

Persons who hold a primary qualification in veterinary nursing that is not recognised are entitled under Section 96A of the Act to apply to have their qualification assessed by the Council to determine if they can be deemed eligible for registration.

Upon the assessment of a qualification the Council may determine that a person is eligible or ineligible for registration.

To apply to have your qualification assessed for the purpose of registration under Section 96A of the Act, please contact the office team by email to education@vci.ie. 

Pursuant to the Veterinary Council of Ireland (Fees) Regulations 2022, the fee payable for an application for a veterinary nursing qualification made under Section 96A(2)(b) to be assessed is €150. The Veterinary Council of Ireland Schedule of Fees can be viewed here.