- Framework:
- Veterinary Nursing
- Level:
- 3
As a Veterinary Nurse, you would work as a member of the veterinary team, providing expert nursing care for sick animals, routine treatments, and play a significant role in the education of owners about maintaining the health of their pets. Once qualified, you can undertake a range of diagnostic tests, carry out medical treatment and minor surgery procedures under veterinary direction. You would be playing a key role in promoting animal health and welfare through the support and education of veterinary clients.
Registered Equine Veterinary Nurses provide expert care, support and treatment to horses under veterinary direction and also play a key role in promoting animal health and welfare through the support and education of veterinary clients
Experienced veterinary nurses have the opportunity to become head nurses and practice managers, work in specialist referral centres, teach in agricultural colleges and universities and work in pharmaceutical and veterinary supplies industries.
This framework also provides a progression pathway to move into animal behaviour, animal physiology and medical or surgical nursing.
Pathway options and levels
Veterinary Nursing – Level 3
Pathway 1: Small Animal – supports the role of Veterinary Nurse Small Animal and Head Veterinary Nurse.
Pathway 2: Equine – supports the role of Veterinary Nurse Equine and Head Equine Veterinary Nurse.
Further information
Duration
3 years
Progression routes
Progression to Higher Education courses such as a HNC/D, Foundation Degree or Degree (BSc). Examples of courses available across the UK include:
- Veterinary Nursing with Business Management
- Veterinary Nursing and Animal Behaviour
- Veterinary Nursing with Practice Management
- Bioveterinary Science
- Equine Veterinary Nursing
Further in Higher Education with courses such as a Masters Degree, which could include:
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health by Distance Learning
- Veterinary Science
- Clinical Veterinary Science
Qualifications
Level 3: Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in chosen pathway
What are the entry requirements for this pathway?
All apprenticeship pathways in Wales have entry requirements.
If you are interested in undertaking this pathway – you need to have the following entry level qualification(s);
Level 3
Due to the industry being highly regulated, The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons require candidates to have five GCSE passes at grade C or higher. Subjects must include
- English language;
- Mathematics; and
- a science subject plus 2 other GCSEs.
If you do not have such qualifications, you may have alternative qualifications that are demonstrably equivalent. Some possible alternative qualifications which maybe acceptable are:
- ABC Level 2 Diploma for Work-based Animal Nursing Assistants (QCF)
- ABC Level 2 Certificate For Animal Nursing Assistants (QCF)
- City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants (QCF) CQ
- Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants (QCF)
These qualifications are deemed acceptable as entry qualifications because they also incorporate significant work-based experience, directly relevant to veterinary nurse training. However, these qualifications are acceptable only when accompanied by Essential or Key Skills at level 2 in Application of Number and Communication or the relevant GCSEs.
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