Course description
The Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing has been designed to provide you with the expertise you need to become a qualified, Royal College of Veterinary Science (RCVS) registered Veterinary Nurse. Throughout this veterinary nurse apprenticeship, you'll develop your underpinning knowledge in veterinary nursing by attending Writtle College for one day a week, while building your practical industry experience with employment in a relevant role.
Following your apprenticeship, you can take your first steps towards a rewarding veterinary nursing career. As a veterinary nurse, you can expect to work as part of a wider veterinary team, usually at a veterinary practice. You'll learn to provide expert nursing care to sick animals, as well as provide advice to pet owners on how to best care for their pets and keep them healthy.
By the end of your Veterinary Nurse apprenticeship, you'll be able to demonstrate your competency in a number of key veterinary nursing tasks, including to carry out technical work, undertake a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures, whilst under veterinary supervision.
Veterinary nurses are registered with the RCVS, and so must work within, and adhere to, the standards of practice defined by the RCVS. You'll study towards the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing which is a key, mandatory qualification to become an RCVS registered veterinary nurse.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Entry requirements
In addition to the person specifications that have been set out by your employer, these are the entry requirements for the course.
- You must hold 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above. These must include English Language, Maths, and a science. English and Maths Level 2 Functional Skills are also accepted.
- You must be in paid employment as a Trainee Veterinary Nurse within an approved Veterinary Training Practice on a permanent contract exceeding 30 hours per week.
- Employer support to undertake this course.
- Confirmed eligibility to be funded as an apprentice as set out within the ESFA’s Funding Rules.
You must be employed by a RCVS Training Practice, and our dedicated consultant can talk through the details with your employer.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
Course highlights
- Work in a large and diverse sector that offers opportunities in areas such as livery yards and riding schools through to Stud and Racing yards
- Progression route to Advanced Level 3 Senior Equine Groom to advance your career
- Gain on-the-job experience and qualifications whilst employed and earning a wage
Training Course Content
Core modules
- Unit 1: Veterinary Nursing in practice
- Unit 2: Application of veterinary nursing incorporating laboratory diagnostics
- Unit 3: Application of veterinary nursing incorporating supply of medicines
- Unit 4: Application of veterinary nursing incorporating diagnostic imaging
- Unit 5: Anaesthesia and theatre nursing
Course delivery details
An apprenticeship is a job with training, combining practical experience with vocational learning.
At least 20% of your contracted working hours will be classed as 'off-the-job'. This time will be dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship, and therefore is not part of your usual work duties.
The off-the-job learning will be delivered through on-campus learning sessions and activities, and practical learning experiences in your usual work setting.
Assessment
Throughout your on-the-job training you will develop a portfolio to demonstrate your core knowledge, skills and behaviours and be assessed throughout your training. You will:
- Complete work-related tasks and assessments
- Be required to achieved both theory and practical exams throughout your course
You will be assessed throughout your apprenticeship and also undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete your apprenticeship.
The EPA for this apprenticeship consists of two parts:
- A Professional Discussion
- A Practical Assessment in the form of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Why choose Writtle University College
Ranked Top University-Sector Institution in East Anglia for overall student satisfaction!
*Based on NSS 2022 Based on Taught Data
Beautiful rural campus situated close to the city of Chelmsford, 40 minutes from London and the coast.
Expenses
Apprenticeships are fully funded by your employer and the Government.
Continuing Studies
Careers
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Small Animal), be able to apply for RCVS registration, as well as a minimum of 1800 hours relevant work experience. The skills, knowledge and experience you develop during the course means you will be able to practice as a fully registered veterinary nurse.
Request info
Welcome to Writtle College! Writtle College, a further education provider, now part of ARU, is located at the ARU Writtle campus on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Essex. We offer a wide range of exciting courses in land-based, creative and sports...