Veterinary Nurse Level 3 (22/23)

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) for further information you can visit www.rcvs.org.uk.

You must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (or 9-4), including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject to register as a Student Veterinary Nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and start this programme. If you do not meet the GCSE requirement, there are alternative qualifications that may be acceptable, such as Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths.

This qualification will provide learners with the practical competence and underpinning knowledge required to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses.

Portfolio of Evidence

Throughout the two years, you will compile a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate the practical applications of learning in the workplace. Assessed by the Centre and externally sampled by VetSkill.

Assignments

You will complete five assignments/case studies to demonstrate knowledge and understanding; two in year one and three in year two. All assignments are marked by the Centre.

Multiple-Choice Online Examinations

There are seven online examinations throughout the qualification that assess underpinning knowledge; four in year one and three in year two. Examinations are set and marked by VetSkill.

Year 1 Practical Skills Assessment (Formative)

You will be given one scenario which includes six tasks. The practical skills assessment is set by VetSkill but is carried out in, and marked by, the Centre.

Year 2 VetSkill Licence to Practise Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Once all other assessments have been passed, learners will undertake the VetSkill Licence to Practise OSCE consisting of 12 stations, each lasting 8 minutes, including 2 minutes reading and preparation time.

Veterinary Nursing opens many doors that can lead to more specialist nursing topics such as Medical, Surgical, Exotics most in which you can complete recognised certificates through the British Veterinary Nursing Assocation.