Veterinary Nursing Diploma

Course 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 and our students have access to our animal management centre.

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.

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 4 or above 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.

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

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.

Examples of careers in this industry
Veterinary nurse
Pet nutritionist
Pet behaviourist
Veterinary physiotherapist
Pharmaceutical representative

Duchy College Rosewarne

Duchy College Rosewarne

This beautiful campus set just outside of Camborne has a rich history of national research and is cherished by students and staff. Whether its studying horticulture or animal care, the intimate community feel is the perfect learning environment.

With a friendly and entertaining student hub, and the most passionate and dedicated team on hand to support the college experience, Duchy College Rosewarne is renowned for its student experience. Home to the most wonderful animals and plants, this is a truly unique and special place to have your #careercollege experience.

Find out more about our Rosewarne campus

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