Veterinary Care Support Level 2 (25/26)

Interested in working in the veterinary sector? This VetSkills Level 2 course provides you with a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of working in a veterinary practice as a Veterinary Care Assistant.

Taught by qualified veterinary nurses, it provides you with both underpinning knowledge, covering a wide variety of topics from Animal health, welfare and accommodation to anatomy, physiology and legislation and the essential practical skills that enables you to effectively support Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons. A large part of your practical training takes place within a veterinary practice, students studying this course are required to have a work placement within a veterinary practice for two days a week.

A genuine interest in working in a veterinary environment.

Four full GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above, including English Language, Maths and Science. Alternatively, an appropriate Level 2 animal care qualification plus English and maths GCSE at grade 3 or above / Functional Skills Level 1.

You must also secure a work placement for 2 days a week within a veterinary practice.

Some course related trips may incur a cost, where this is the case details will be sent home prior to the event.

The aim of this VetSkill Level 2 Veterinary Care Support course is to provide the opportunity for you to gain direct experience of working in the veterinary field of industry and ensure you have a strong foundation of knowledge and practical skills. Those who successfully complete this course will have achieved a nationally recognised qualification and are very well equipped to enter employment as a veterinary care assistant.

The course is taught by qualified veterinary nurses who use a combination of in-college theory sessions that provide the depth of knowledge needed to be successful on your chosen career path, along with extensive practical training within your Veterinary Training Practice placement. Maths and English are also built into this programme for students who have not achieved Grade 4 prior to enrolment, this helps enable future progression in the veterinary sector.

You will be assessed by a variety of methods including observation of your practical skills at your workplace, written and oral questioning to establish knowledge and understanding and Case studies to prove competence in a range of areas. Assessments are graded pass only, therefore, completion of your portfolio will gain a pass grade. You will need to have a 2 day a week work placement within a veterinary practice and you are responsible for securing your own work placement.

It is important to note that completion of this course may not give you direct entry onto the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) or the Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Apprenticeship For courses in Veterinary Nursing, 5 GCSE's (or accepted GCSE equivalents) are needed. Please speak with a member of staff if progression to Vet Nursing is your intention.

Achieving the VetSkills Level 2 Veterinary Care Support course enables you to progress into paid employment, within veterinary practice as a veterinary care assistant. Other sectors such as animal rescue, animal grooming, are also potential career paths. Successful completion of this course, plus achievement of Grade 4 / FS Level 2 in English and maths, will enable you to progress onto the Level 3 Animal Management courses. In addition, successful completion of this course or onto an Apprenticeship scheme.