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Veterinary Nursing Apprenticeship – Level 3

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Courses Code

PW3APSVET

Study method

Part Time

Location(s)

Work based

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Is this course for you?

This apprenticeship is suitable for anyone who wants to work as a veterinary nurse.

Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. A veterinary nurse works as a veterinary team member, providing expert nursing care for sick animals whilst playing a significant role in educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets. They carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures under veterinary direction.

There are two intakes for this apprenticeship each academic year which typically tend to start in November and April. The apprenticeship lasts for two and a half to three years and will see learners attend Rodbaston College one day a week. The rest of the practical training will be done on the job alongside experienced, skilled staff in a veterinary practice where one of the college’s workplace assessors will visit periodically to check on the learner’s progress.

On successful completion of this qualification and End-Point Assessment, learners will have achieved the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) awarded by VetSkill.
Required qualifications

Learners should be aged 17 or above at the time they start the apprenticeship but there is no upper age limit.

To be accepted onto the apprenticeship, learners must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including English, maths and science, or equivalent level qualifications. Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths are sufficient as an equivalent to GSCEs.

In addition, learners need to have completed either at least 600 hours or 6 months of practical work experience working as a Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA), Patient Care Assistant (PCA) or Animal Nursing Assistant (ANA) in a veterinary practice.

The Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support qualification is not essential but advantageous.
What skills will I develop?

The learner will study the core knowledge, skills and behaviours as laid out in the apprenticeship plan. It has been designed to develop veterinary nurses with a holistic approach to their work, a passion for making a difference to the lives of animals, and a robust understanding of their professional responsibilities. It will cover the following units for dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs in which they will also be assessed:
- Professional Veterinary Nursing Responsibilities
- Diagnostic Principles
- Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care
- Pharmacology and Dispensary Management
- Practical Veterinary Nursing Skills and Professional Behaviours
- Anaesthesia and Theatre Nursing Skills
- Life Stage and Medical Nursing Care and Support
- Surgical Nursing and Patient Care
Careers

There is a mandatory qualification attached to this standard where the apprentice will work towards a range of knowledge, skills and behaviours associated with the job role. On successful completion of the qualification and End Point Assessment the learner will be awarded the RCVS – accredited Licence to Practise Veterinary Nursing qualification at Level 3.
Work experience
English and maths
Other important information

The facilities at Rodbaston College for veterinary courses include its own dedicated veterinary science block which houses:
- A large laboratory style classroom with microscopes for microscopy lessons.
- An X-ray room with X-ray machine for practical radiography lessons.
- An operating theatre to practice surgical nursing skills and anaesthesia skills.
- A medical nursing room to work on bandaging, physiotherapy and administration of medication.
- A smaller laboratory for lab tasks.
There is also an onsite zoo, ‘Rodbaston Animal Zone’, for practical handling days working with animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles and rodents.

Is this course for you?

This apprenticeship is suitable for anyone who wants to work as a veterinary nurse.

Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. A veterinary nurse works as a veterinary team member, providing expert nursing care for sick animals whilst playing a significant role in educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets. They carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures under veterinary direction.

There are two intakes for this apprenticeship each academic year which typically tend to start in November and April. The apprenticeship lasts for two and a half to three years and will see learners attend Rodbaston College one day a week. The rest of the practical training will be done on the job alongside experienced, skilled staff in a veterinary practice where one of the college’s workplace assessors will visit periodically to check on the learner’s progress.

On successful completion of this qualification and End-Point Assessment, learners will have achieved the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) awarded by VetSkill.
Required qualifications

Learners should be aged 17 or above at the time they start the apprenticeship but there is no upper age limit.

To be accepted onto the apprenticeship, learners must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including English, maths and science, or equivalent level qualifications. Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths are sufficient as an equivalent to GSCEs.

In addition, learners need to have completed either at least 600 hours or 6 months of practical work experience working as a Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA), Patient Care Assistant (PCA) or Animal Nursing Assistant (ANA) in a veterinary practice.

The Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support qualification is not essential but advantageous.
What skills will I develop?
The learner will study the core knowledge, skills and behaviours as laid out in the apprenticeship plan. It has been designed to develop veterinary nurses with a holistic approach to their work, a passion for making a difference to the lives of animals, and a robust understanding of their professional responsibilities. It will cover the following units for dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs in which they will also be assessed:
- Professional Veterinary Nursing Responsibilities
- Diagnostic Principles
- Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care
- Pharmacology and Dispensary Management
- Practical Veterinary Nursing Skills and Professional Behaviours
- Anaesthesia and Theatre Nursing Skills
- Life Stage and Medical Nursing Care and Support
- Surgical Nursing and Patient Care
Careers

There is a mandatory qualification attached to this standard where the apprentice will work towards a range of knowledge, skills and behaviours associated with the job role. On successful completion of the qualification and End Point Assessment the learner will be awarded the RCVS – accredited Licence to Practise Veterinary Nursing qualification at Level 3.
Work experience
English and maths
Other important information
The facilities at Rodbaston College for veterinary courses include its own dedicated veterinary science block which houses:
- A large laboratory style classroom with microscopes for microscopy lessons.
- An X-ray room with X-ray machine for practical radiography lessons.
- An operating theatre to practice surgical nursing skills and anaesthesia skills.
- A medical nursing room to work on bandaging, physiotherapy and administration of medication.
- A smaller laboratory for lab tasks.
There is also an onsite zoo, ‘Rodbaston Animal Zone’, for practical handling days working with animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles and rodents.

Testimonials

“I am training to become an RVN after 9 years in the animal care industry aspired me to keep progressing with my learning and becoming a vet nurse was always my biggest aspiration. I want to do this profession because we make a difference to an animal’s life, and whilst the job is an emotional rollercoaster, it’s rewarding. Do a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Alice Evans

Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Apprentice

“I love being a Student Veterinary Nurse at South Staffordshire College. Each day brings new challenges and rewards, and each victory reminds me of what a privilege it is to be a source of comfort and care for animals. It is incredibly fulfilling to know that I'm making a difference in the lives of animals. I am so proud to be an SVN, and I am excited for my future within the profession.”

Chloe-Jade Money

Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Apprentice

“I began my nursing career as a mature student after having my family and deciding that now was the time to finally follow my dream of wearing the iconic green scrubs! I love my job as every day is different, I am constantly learning and working with animals is literally living the dream for me, I genuinely couldn't imagine doing anything else now! You won't find a more rewarding career.”

Kirsty Hadley

Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Apprentice

Veterinary Nursing Apprenticeship – Level 3

Is this course for you?

Required qualifications

What skills will I develop?

Careers

Work experience

English and maths

Other important information

Testimonials