Hi,
I'm 23 and on the 15th Jan I applied for 5 different veterinary nursing degrees through UCAS, I left education in 2012 and have been working in the animal industry since in veterinary practices but mainly medical research and I've already been offered an unconditional place at the college of west anglia for the vet nursing and applied behaviour (my second choice) and an interview with middlsex uni for vet nursing (my first choice) and I'm awaiting replies from the other 3.
You have health care experience and that will go down nicely with the colleges/unis. My advice would be to get some hands on animal experience, namely in a practice. Really sell yourself in your personal statement and you'll have no trouble... Good luck!!