Level 3 Veterinary Nursing

Askham Bryan College is an approved centre for vocational training for veterinary nursing.

There are a range of internal and external assessments, including assignments, examinations and the RCVS associated Day One Clinical Skills and Competencies. To complete the professional regulatory requirements all students must complete a minimum of 1,800 hours in an approved training practice. Upon successful achievement of all assessment elements, including completion of the RCVS Day One Skills and Competencies, students are entitled to apply to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses and use the post nominal title description of RVN.

Modules of study include:

• Understanding the operational requirements of a veterinary practice

• Applied animal welfare, health and husbandry for veterinary nursing

• Veterinary nursing for diagnostic imaging

• Supporting veterinary nursing operating theatre practice

• Preparing for veterinary registration

• Understanding the essentials of veterinary nursing care for hospitalised animals

The course runs for three years (3rd year spent mainly within industry) Apprenticeship students will typically enter the gate way for end-point assessment within at 30-36 months.

Year 1 – Two days attendance at college.

Year 2 – 1 day at college, and 1 day working remotely on college assigned and teaching sessions (home-based).

Year 3 – Assigned to the completion of outstanding assessments, Nursing Progress Log (RCVS Day One Skills and Competencies and Mandatory Training Hours (1,800hrs).

5 GCSEs to include: English Language, Maths and Science at grade C or 4 (new GCSE grading levels 4 to 9) equivalences will be considered at application.

Students must have secured employment or an apprenticeship position within a training practice in order to be eligible to enrol on this course.

Students who have successfully completed this qualification will enter the register of veterinary nurses and will work in veterinary practice. Those wanting to continue in education can complete specialist qualifications in further and higher education.

Potential Career Pathways:

Head veterinary nurse

Practice manager

Specialist veterinary nurse

Sales representative

Rehabilitation (i.e. physiotherapy or hydrotherapy)

Roles in the pharmaceutical or animal health industry

Lecturer