Next level nursing: Meet the Cardiology VTS
14th September 2026
No Comments
Veterinary Technician Specialists in cardiology – the inside scoop
September means back to school – so what better time to shine a spotlight on some of the opportunities available for veterinary nurses with our inside insight?
At HeartVets we have even more reason to celebrate, as two of our cardiology nurses Lauren and Charley have recently achieved their Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) qualification in Cardiology.
And this is no small achievement…
The Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) is an internationally recognised advanced qualification for veterinary nurses and technicians who want to specialise in a particular area of clinical practice.
While the qualification originated in North America, it is becoming increasingly accessible to veterinary nurses in the UK. There are still only a small number of UK nurses who hold a VTS qualification, making this a particularly exciting area of development for veterinary nursing.
Whilst juggling their day-to-day for HeartVets, Lauren and Charley’s work for the Cardiology VTS involved demonstrating substantial clinical experience and developing advanced knowledge and practical skills across a broad range of nursing. This isn’t a qualification you simply enrol on and complete over a set number of years – candidates must demonstrate advanced knowledge and practical competency through case logs, skills assessments, CPD, detailed case reports. Then finally, Lauren and Charley’s least favourite bit – formal examination!
It’s not just about learning the answers to an exam – although rigorous, the course built genuine knowledge and practical experience along the way. This included everything from electrocardiography (ECG), blood pressure measurement and cardiac monitoring to echocardiography, anaesthesia, emergency care, pharmacology and nursing patients with cardiovascular disease.
So, while there is plenty of studying involved, it is very much about demonstrating that knowledge in real clinical practice too. It has really helped to empower our already amazing cardiology nurses, and add solid skills they will use every single day in practice.
Veterinary nurses already play a vital role in the management of cardiac patients. Developing advanced knowledge can allow nurses to take this even further! From recognising subtle changes in a patient’s cardiovascular status and understanding the significance of monitoring parameters, to supporting complex anaesthesia and helping owners understand long-term cardiac care.
And VTS is just one route.
There are a number of ways for veterinary nurses to develop advanced expertise, including postgraduate qualifications, certificates, focused CPD and extensive experience within a particular area of practice. The route will look different for everyone, and there is certainly no requirement to pursue a formal specialist qualification to become an excellent nurse.
What matters is having the opportunity to keep learning, developing your clinical skills and finding the area of veterinary nursing that really interests you.
We couldn’t be prouder of our two newly qualified Cardiology VTS nurses. Achieving this qualification takes considerable commitment, clinical experience, study and dedication – and it represents a real investment in developing their expertise and, ultimately, the care they can provide to cardiac patients.
With this depth of specialist nursing expertise within the HeartVets team, we are in a unique position to raise the bar for veterinary nursing CPD. We are excited to be able to provide nurses and students with even more high-quality, clinically relevant cardiology education.
Stay informed and ahead of the game on all our upcoming CPD at https://heartvets.co.uk/learning-zone/
Veterinary Technician Specialists in cardiology – the inside scoop
From clinical confidence to career development, echocardiography is a skill that keeps on giving. Choose from our three upcoming courses to suit every level.