Animal Nursing Certificate – Level 2

Required qualifications

4 GCSEs Grade 4/D or above, ideally including English, maths and science.

Or

Level 1 qualification in a related subject and adequate standard of English and Maths.

Mature learners with other qualifications and/or experience are also welcomed.

You should have a strong interest in working with animals and demonstrate a commitment to succeed.

What skills will I develop?

You will gain an insight into different medical and surgical conditions as well as various conditions such as infectious diseases and parasites.

You will gain skills in basic radiographic procedures including the equipment required, the types of materials used etc. Administering and dispensing of medication will also be covered but in practice this can only be done under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon, veterinary nurse or suitably qualified person.

You will develop skills in communication, and how to work effectively within a team and also learn how to adapt and conduct yourself in a manner that promotes sound husbandry and high animal welfare.

The modules covered across the year are:

• Introduction to Animal Anatomy and Physiology
• Principles of Infection Control for Animal Nursing Assistants
• Companion Animal Parasitology and Zoonosis
• Principles of Companion Animal Anaesthesia and Fluid Therapy
• Provide Basic Nursing Treatments to Animals
• Maintain Animal Accommodation
• Provide Nutrition to Animals
• Principles of Animal Nursing Assistance
• Handling and Restraint of Animals

Careers

As a Veterinary Care Assistant you will work hands-on with the animals in private and charity veterinary practices, assisting the Vets and Vet Nurses. You should expect to earn on average around £16,250 per year.

Many veterinary care assistants go on to train as a veterinary nurse. The VCA qualification, alongside a full level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics (i.e. GCSE Grade 4 or above/Functional Skills Level 2) will give you the academic entry requirements to progress onto a veterinary nursing course.

Work experience

You will be required to complete up to a maximum of 600 hours at an industry placement as part of your study programme. Uniforms are normally provided at no cost to yourself. The minimum hours in practice to complete this course is 60 hours.

Please note the veterinary practice does not need to be a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS) approved Training and Assessment Practice (TP or a TP).

You will normally attend college for 3 days and complete a placement on the other two days.

Industry placements will help you learn essential employability skills and give you an in depth knowledge of your specific sector area. Some learners go on to employment or an apprenticeship following a successful Industry work placement.

English and maths

Your Study Programme includes maths and/or English, if you have not yet achieved these subjects at grade A*-C or grade 4 or above.

Maths and English play an important role in the veterinary sector as calculations are important for medication, anaesthesia and nutrition. During this course maths and English will be incorporated into all of your units.