Carly Thornton

Career Overview

My veterinary nursing journey started at Hartpury, where I completed an honours degree in Veterinary Nursing Science. I worked in the industry as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in small animal first opinion practices and orthopaedic and ophthalmic referral veterinary practices, before developing an interest in veterinary nurse education and clinical animal behaviour.

I joined Hartpury as a Veterinary Nursing Lecturer in 2008 and completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and an MSc in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling. After several years as a Programme Manager, I progressed to Associate Head of Department in 2016.

Alongside my role at Hartpury, I have had opportunities to act as an external examiner for other veterinary nursing degrees, as a reviewer for the RCVS Academy (a digital learning platform for veterinary professionals) and to contribute to the work of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors as a committee member.

Teaching and supervision

• Clinical Animal Behaviour for Veterinary Nurses
• Undergraduate Dissertation (supervisor)
• Level 6 Academic Tutor for BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing/Equine Veterinary Nursing

Research interests

My research interests link to veterinary nurse education and clinical animal behaviour. Previous projects have included reproductive behaviour of primates and attitudes of primary school-aged children and their caregivers to dog breeds in the UK.

Owners perception of veterinary medical emergencies
Williams, J., Jones, D. & Thornton, C., 19 Jul 2017, In: Veterinary Record. 181, 4

Supporting quality of life in feline patients with chronic kidney disease
Thornton, C., 24 May 2017, In: The Veterinary Nurse. 8, 4

Professional memberships

I am a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Registered Veterinary Nurse.

I am a Committee Member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, fulfilling the role of Treasurer and contributing to the veterinary liaison sub-committee.

See also...