Purina launches 90-hour nutrition pathway for veterinary nurses

UK – Purina has launched the Nurture: Nurse Development Pathway, a free continuing professional development (CPD) programme designed to strengthen veterinary nurses’ knowledge and practical skills in pet nutrition.

The programme provides 90 hours of certified study across four progressive online modules, taking participants from core nutrition principles through to advanced clinical application. 

Veterinary nurses can access the programme flexibly around their workplace commitments, with online learning supported by webinars, podcasts, clinical assessment tools, worksheets, guides and protocols. 

Purina’s Vet Center also provides free pet nutrition education resources for veterinary teams.

Participants receive rewards after completing each module, while those who complete all four modules can access optional one-to-one high-level personal coaching support.

Purina said the pathway has been developed to address the growing need for veterinary nurses to strengthen their nutrition knowledge and confidence when supporting both patients and clients.

Purina Veterinary Nurse Development Manager Laura Hughes RVN C&G Cert SAN said the programme is intended to provide benefits beyond technical nutrition training.

“The pathway is so much more than nutrition training. Of course we will be building knowledge, skills and confidence in pet nutrition, but we will also be providing access to practical tools to use in-clinic and a rolling programme of personal development skills.”

Hughes added that the programme will also give participants opportunities to connect with peers and receive support from Purina’s veterinary team and a qualified business coach.

Building nutrition skills in veterinary practice

The four-module structure is designed to help veterinary nurses progress from fundamental nutrition knowledge to its practical application in clinical settings.

According to Purina, the pathway reflects growing recognition of veterinary nurses’ contribution to patient and client care, alongside increased demand for training and mentoring that can support career development.

Hughes said veterinary nurses are showing a stronger drive to develop their skills across different areas of clinical and client care.

“There is significant demand to access training and mentoring that will help them thrive within a demanding clinical environment and enhance the opportunities for career progression,” she said.

The programme is available to eligible Purina veterinary nurse customers working in UK veterinary practices. 

Interested nurses must register their interest and, once eligibility is confirmed, will receive access to the first module.

Purina said the flexible format allows participants to dip in and out of the programme around the demands of a busy veterinary workplace.

The launch adds to Purina’s wider veterinary education offering, which includes self-learning resources, CPD-accredited eLearning modules, webinars and practical tools for veterinary professionals.

The company said the Nurture pathway is intended to help veterinary nurses build greater nutrition knowledge, confidence and practical skills that can be applied in everyday practice.

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