Veterinary Nursing Assistant

Certificate Level 2

Study mode Full time

Location Moulton

Level Level 2

Start date Sept 2025

Duration 1 year

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This course is intended for trainee Veterinary Care Assistants or anyone who wants to enter this industry role.

The course will provide the relevant practical skills and underpinning knowledge that will enable you to provide a good level of support to a Veterinary Nurse and Veterinary Surgeon. It may also be used as a stepping stone onto the VetSkill’s Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) qualification, subject to additional entry conditions being met.

Veterinary Care Assistant students have access to an exciting range of specialist resources at the College, including our Animal Welfare Centre which houses over 130 different species from mammals to invertebrates, reptiles to exotics.

Guided by our expert staff and guest lecturers you will develop your practical animal care skills and gain confidence with a range of domestic and exotic species.

You will develop your knowledge and skills in safe working, animal health, anatomy & physiology, in-patient care and veterinary care support.

You will be actively involved in practical veterinary care by completing a minimum of 600 hours in an approved training practice, assisting with care in the veterinary environment and supporting Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons.

You will be required to buy Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for this course. For a full list of equipment required click here.

Please note, your college PPE will need to be separate from the PPE you wear in veterinary practice for biosecurity reasons.

This is a full time study programme, including two days of college attendance and a further two days based in a veterinary practice as either a paid Veterinary Care Assistant or a volunteer.

The average college day runs from 9.00am - 4:30pm with theory & practical learning, in addition to English, maths and personal development lessons.

This professional vocational qualification is taught through college based theory and practical lessons with further learning and understanding developed in the work environment (veterinary practice).

Assessment consists of an externally set potfolio of evidence.

After successful completion of the course, students could progress into employment as a Veterinary Care Assistant in a relevant practice, go on to do an apprenticeship in animal care or complete a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing / Animal Management.

You will need either a grade 4 (C) or above in either English or maths. If your grade 4 (C) is in English you will also need three more GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above in maths, science and one other subject. If your grade 4 (C) is in maths you will also need three more GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above in English, science and one other subject.

You will also need to produce a letter of support from a veterinary practice for you to complete work experience with them (two days per week/600 hours).

What will I need to enrol on this course?

In order to enrol onto this course you must have a letter of support from a vet practice for you to complete two days a week work experience with them.

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