Veterinary Nurse - Apprenticeship - Level 3

To study this apprenticeship, you will need to be aged 18 or above at the start of the programme. It is unlikely that a veterinary practice will offer an apprenticeship to someone under the age of 18.

If you are 16 or 17 and have found an employer who will support you with an apprenticeship, please contact us before applying.

Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. A veterinary nurse works as a member of the veterinary team, providing expert nursing care for sick animals. Veterinary nurses also play 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. Veterinary Nurses are registered professionals and work within the standards and scope of practice defined by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) here.

What will I do on this apprenticeship?

By the end of this course, you'll have gained knowledge and clinical skills for the veterinary nursing of small animals. While there are only five units, you'll learn about all the following topics:

• animal husbandry and welfare
• daily practice
• nursing care plans
• preparing for professional registrations
• cell structure
• central nervous system and associated nursing
• infection control
• musculoskeletal system and associated nursing
• skin, wound care and bandaging
• body fluids, homeostasis and fluid therapy
• circulatory system and associated nursing
• urinary system and associated nursing
• medicines and dispensary management
• first aid and emergency / critical care
• respiratory system
• digestion, nutrition and feeding
• reproduction and breeding
• endocrine system and associated nursing
• pain management
• diagnostic imaging
• anaesthesia

• operating theatre management and nursing care

• The course operates on a rolling basis, with intakes in September, January, and April each year.

Classes are held once a week. The specific day a class will run varies based on the students start date: -If a student begins in September, classes are scheduled for Mondays. -If a student starts in January, classes will be on Tuesdays. -If a student joins in April, classes are held on Wednesdays.

You will need:

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 or higher, including English language, Mathematics and a Science subject plus 2 other GCSEs
• A minimum of 4 weeks work experience, preferably including 2 weeks in a veterinary practice.
• A suitable employer who is available to start you as an apprentice

How long is this course?

84 weeks ( 2 years and one trimester)

When does this course start?

The course operates on a rolling basis, with intakes in September, January, and April each year

How many hours / days per week is this course?

This course will run from the beginning of September and will require college attendance every Monday. In addition, the apprentice will complete off the job training activities with their employer.

What can I do after this course at CWA?

The standard provides a progression pathway to move into animal behaviour, animal physiology, medical or surgical nursing.

Job opportunities include Veterinary Nurse Small Animal, Head Veterinary Nurse

What qualification will I achieve?

• LANTRA Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing

• On successful completion of the End Point Assessment the learner will be awarded the RCVS accredited Licence to Practise Veterinary Nursing qualification at Level 3

How is my course assessed?

The Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Small Animal pathway), includes both competence and knowledge. The diploma is assessed through evidence of workplace activities and observations, as well as internal exams and external assessments. The veterinary nurse will require a comprehensive understanding and demonstrate knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the profession.

You will typically spend 30-36 months working towards the apprenticeship standard, followed by an End-Point Assessment

The End-Point Assessment consists of two components:

• A Professional Discussion
• A Practical Assessment in the form of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Additional Costs

Please note that there is an additional cost of £210 to complete your registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. This is payable during your enrolment week and can be paid on our online store.