Veterinary Nursing Diploma

Veterinary Nursing Diploma

Our veterinary nursing teaching areas are designed to simulate a veterinary practice. We have a radiography room, laboratory, kennel area and operating theatre. We have many pieces of equipment that you would expect to find in a veterinary practice such as microscopes, anesthetic machines, operating tables and a large variety of surgical instruments. We also have a range of mannequins, from life-size Labradors to no so life-size ponies and with working farms and equestrian centres you will also have access to animals seen in large animal practices.

We offer two options for you to start your studies in veterinary nursing depending on your GCSE results. This Level 3 course offers you the choice of university study or employment on successful completion of your course. Our Level 2 course is ideal should your GCSE results not be what you expected, with the option to progress to Level 3.

As a veterinary nurse you will provide support to sick and injured animals who are receiving treatment in a veterinary practice and provide expert nursing care. You will help to educate owners on maintaining the health of their pets and carry out a range of medical treatments under veterinary supervision. Knowing that you have helped nurse animals back to full health is one of the most rewarding careers.

Please note we can only accept applications if you already have a Veterinary Placement or employment within a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons approved training practice Please take a look at our Animal Nursing Assistants Certificates if you do not have employment.

What you will learn Entry requirements Work experience Assessment Progression Bicton College

What you will learn

During this two-and-a-half year course you will learn the operational requirements of a veterinary practice, veterinary nursing duties, anatomy, physiology and genetics, animal health, wellbeing and husbandry, supporting the supply of veterinary medicines, supporting veterinary anaesthesia and preoperative and post-operative nursing care.

You will spend one day a week on campus and the remaining four days in the workplace with your employer. There will also be occasional block weeks throughout the course.

Entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 5 including English language, maths and science, plus be in paid employment with a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons approved training practice. Alternative qualifications can be considered. Please contact the veterinary nursing department for more information. Level 2 qualifications equivalent to GCSEs for English and Maths might be accepted in students 19 years of age or above. In order to study the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing you must be 17 years of age or above. Students who are school leavers or under 17 years old have the option to complete the L2 Animal Nursing Assistant Course.

Level 2 qualifications equivalent to GCSEs might be accepted in students 19 years of age or above.

Work experience

As part of your course you will be required to undertake paid employment with a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons approved training practice. A list of approved training practices across the South West can be access via the RCVS website: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/lifelong-learning/students/veterinary-nursing-students/approved-training-practices/

Assessment

This is a mixture of MCQ exams, written assignments, practical exams and professional discussion.

Progression

Employment as a veterinary nurse utilising your veterinary nursing skills, or university study.

Careers in this industry
Veterinary nurse
Pet nutritionist
Pet behaviourist
Veterinary physiotherapist
Pharmaceutical representative

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.

What You Will Learn

During this two-and-a-half year course you will learn the operational requirements of a veterinary practice, veterinary nursing duties, anatomy, physiology and genetics, animal health, wellbeing and husbandry, supporting the supply of veterinary medicines, supporting veterinary anaesthesia and preoperative and post-operative nursing care.

You will spend one day a week on campus and the remaining four days in the workplace with your employer. There will also be occasional block weeks throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 5 including English language, maths and science, plus be in paid employment with a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons approved training practice. Alternative qualifications can be considered. Please contact the veterinary nursing department for more information. Level 2 qualifications equivalent to GCSEs for English and Maths might be accepted in students 19 years of age or above. In order to study the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing you must be 17 years of age or above. Students who are school leavers or under 17 years old have the option to complete the L2 Animal Nursing Assistant Course.

Level 2 qualifications equivalent to GCSEs might be accepted in students 19 years of age or above.

Work Experience

As part of your course you will be required to undertake paid employment with a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons approved training practice. A list of approved training practices across the South West can be access via the RCVS website: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/lifelong-learning/students/veterinary-nursing-students/approved-training-practices/

Assessment

This is a mixture of MCQ exams, written assignments, practical exams and professional discussion.

Progression

Employment as a veterinary nurse utilising your veterinary nursing skills, or university study. Careers in this industry Veterinary nurse Pet nutritionist Pet behaviourist Veterinary physiotherapist Pharmaceutical representative

Bicton College

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.

Case studies

Anna had her confidence knocked when she didn't get the A Level results she needed for veterinary school. But this didn't stop her pursuing her dream career - she enrolled on the FdSc Animal Health and Management at Bicton College and went on to gain a first class BSc (Hons) in Animal Science and an MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology.

"I'm now working as a Senior Research Associate for a University in Hong Kong, my research focuses on injuries in racehorses at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. I love that I am at the forefront of equine epidemiology and my research makes a real difference to the racehorses here.

The FdSc is a great course if you are undecided on your future career because it keeps all your doors open, and through assignments and research projects, you are able to sculpt your degree to the animals and industries you're most interested in. Additionally, keep saying yes to every opportunity because you have no idea where you'll end up!"