Veterinary Nurse Standard Level 3

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. You must also be employed in an approved RCVS veterinary training practice as a student veterinary nurse.

Topics covered in the Vetskill VTEC Level 3 Diploma:

• Professional Veterinary Nursing Responsibilities
• Diagnostic Principles
• Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care 1
• Pharmacology and Dispensary Management
• Practical Veterinary Nursing Skills and professional behaviours
• Anaesthesia and Theatre Nursing Skills
• Life Stage and Medical Nursing Care Support
• Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care 2
• Surgical Nursing and Patient Care

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

3 assignments (2 in yr 1 and 1 synoptic one in yr 2) and 6 exams (4 in yr1 and 2 in yr2)

Multiple-Choice Online Examinations

There are six online examinations throughout the qualification that assess underpinning knowledge; four in year one and two 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 and diplomas through the British Veterinary Nursing Assocation.

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