ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ

May marks the celebration of Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM).

Every year during May, the veterinary profession recognises VNAM, proudly led by the  since 2004.

In the association’s 60th year, the campaign continues a theme of ‘Progression’ – reflecting the progress made by the Veterinary Nursing profession in the past 60 years and sharing ambitions for where it could continue to grow in the future.

The campaign aims to champion veterinary nurses, raising awareness of their important role within animal welfare amongst the public. To maximise the spread of awareness to the public, BVNA invites every member of the veterinary profession, along with pet owners and caregivers, to support the campaign.

At Harper Adams, we have dedicated team of Registered Veterinary Nurses leading the teaching of both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

To celebrate VNAM, we aim to share the diverse backgrounds and experiences that shape our roles within the veterinary profession in a series of short staff interviews – with Clinical Educator Joanne Ashcroft up next: 

Who are you and what role do you play at ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ?

My name is Joanne Ashcroft BSc (Hons) RVN PgC (TSLHE) FHEA and I am a Clinical Educator here at ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ. I also hold the role of first year Course Tutor for the Veterinary Nursing students.

When did you qualify? And what training did you do to achieve your qualifications?

I qualified as an RVN in 2018 with a degree in Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management from ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ.

What does being a Registered Veterinary Nurse mean to you?

To me being a Veterinary Nurse is a vocation which I am passionate about. As an RVN you are an advocate for your patients, working within a multidisciplinary team to provide the best care for both patients and clients.

What have you done recently to progress your knowledge or career path?

I will be beginning the International Cat Care Certificate in Feline Nursing in September 2025. I have a keen interest in feline health and welfare and this course will allow me to develop my current knowledge and skills.

What do you consider the most rewarding part of teaching the next generation of Veterinary Nurses here at ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ?

As part of my role, I am the first year Veterinary Nursing Course Tutor and I support students through their first academic year of undergraduate study. Seeing our students achieve their goals is really rewarding – whether it be handing in an assignment or the end goal of graduating – it is something that we can all celebrate, and it is amazing to see what students can achieve.

As the BVNA celebrates its 60th year, what do you see for the future of Veterinary Nursing?

Within the veterinary industry there are always advancements and Registered Veterinary Nurses can play a key role in advancing the care and welfare of our patients. Hopefully, RVNs can be recognised for their role in this and the great work that they do, often hidden in the background.

What advice would you give someone thinking about a career as a Veterinary Nurse?

I recommend anyone interested in Veterinary Nursing to get stuck in! Spend time in veterinary practice, shadow the Veterinary Nurses to see all the roles that we are involved in and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

_{To find out more about the Veterinary Nursing profession please visit  and to find out more about our Undergraduate Degrees in Veterinary Nursing, click here.}