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Bicton College
Initial Clinical Supervisor and Vetskill Portfolio Training at Bicton
- 24 Apr 2025
- 3 Jul 2025
Veterinary Nursing Diploma Apprenticeship
Location and start date
Bicton College - as requiredDuration
2.5 YearsAttendance
Work-basedCourse information
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.
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.
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.
Five GCSEs at grade 4 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.
Level 2 qualifications equivalent to GCSEs might be accepted in students 19 years of age or above.
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/
This is a mixture of MCQ exams, written assignments, practical exams and professional discussion.
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
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.
Find out more about our Bicton campus
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Apply for this course
| Course type: | Apprenticeship |
| Apply now This course will run at Bicton College on Tuesdays from 09:00 until 16:30 | |
Course Code 10368-BIC-00
Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.
Veterinary Nursing Diploma
Level 3
Bicton College
VeterinaryNursing, AnimalNursing, AnimalManagement, Vet