CAW are completely committed to promoting animal welfare and raising the standards of veterinary nursing care. This is reflected throughout the college and has undoubtedly contributed as to why so many people have selected to work with CAW that the college is now the largest single provider of veterinary nurse training within the UK.

By choosing CAW you are choosing to join a community of like-minded people who all share the same passion and common desire to be part of a rewarding profession.

Completing the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing will result in you being able to apply for professional registration as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Location

You will attend a CAW centre of your choice for one specified day per week. The rest of your time will be within a veterinary practice on placement gaining hands-on experience.

You can elect from the following centres:

• Huntingdon
• North London
• Wigan
• Leeds
• Solihull
• County Durham

If you would prefer to study on a block release basis you can also opt for attending our Edinburgh centre.

Duration

This course will take 24 months to complete and can be started in either September, January or April. If studying in Edinburgh the qualification will begin in September only.

Entry Requirements

Students must be aged over 19 on the 1^st of the month in which the course starts, unless holding the Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants . If you are coming to the UK to study you should have proof of competence in the English Language by holding either the ESOL qualification at levels C1 or C2 or IELTS at a minimum score of 7.0 where your international qualifications were not taught and assessed in English.

If you are from outside the EU or European Economic Area and wish to study in the UK, you must obtain a Tier 4 Student Visa – visit our International Students page for further information.

To apply you must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs, or equivalent, at grades A* – C (or 9 – 4), including English Language, Mathematic and a Science subject. You will be required to have your foreign qualifications officially translated into English with a notarised stamp. If you are unsure if you meet the entry requirements please do get in touch and we will be happy to advise.

Content

The role of a veterinary nurse is a varied and exciting position. It involves an incredibly large range of tasks from assisting veterinary surgeons, advising on nutrition to conducting x-rays and restraining animals. Throughout this qualification you will study the following units:

• Professional Veterinary Nursing Responsibilities – Professional responsibilities of the student and RVN, including the RCVS Code of Conduct, health and safety in the veterinary practice and legal/ethical duties
• Diagnostic Principles – Key principles of imaging and laboratory techniques to support the veterinary surgeon in diagnosis; including microscopy, endoscopy, ultrasound and radiography
• Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care 1 – Underpinning knowledge relating to the care of patients in a veterinary environment including anatomy, physiology and emergency first aid
• Pharmacology and Dispensary Management – Basic veterinary pharmacology and its application, including the prescription, storage, supply and dispensing of medicines to standards required of an SQP
• Practical Veterinary Nursing Skills 1 – Developing practical skills in RCVS approved Training Practices through the compilation of a portfolio of evidence
• Anaesthesia and Theatre Nursing Skills – The principles of anaesthesia and theatre practice including surgical instruments, assisting in theatre and the preparation and monitoring of patients during anaesthesia and sedation
• Life Stage Nursing Care and Support – How the patient’s life stage influences their individual needs. The patient’s response to disease and trauma, reproduction, nursing care of medical conditions, palliative care and euthanasia
• Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care 2 – Nursing requirements of patients including fluid therapy, pain assessment, preventative care and physical therapy techniques
• Surgical Nursing and Patient Care – Specialised knowledge in surgical nursing, including pre, peri and post-operative nursing from admission to discharge
• Practical Veterinary Nursing Skills 2 – Developing practical skills in RCVS approved Training Practices through the compilation of a portfolio of evidence

Embedded within this qualification is the content required for you to become an SQP for companion animals.

Throughout your study you will be assessed using assignments, case studies, online exams and completion of an e-portfolio. At the end of year one there is a formative practical assessment. Final practice examinations (OSCEs) are on successful completion of all other assessments.

Fees

The Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing can be paid for either in one payment at the beginning of the year, on an annual basis or monthly via our Pay As You Learn scheme as detailed below:

• Full Payment – £13,125
• Annual Payment – £6,563
• Monthly PAYL Scheme – £547

In addition to this fee you are also required to pay Awarding Body Fee’s as below*:

• RCVS Regestration – £202
• Awarding Body Registration – £210
• Practical Examination Fee – £350
• Online Examination Fee – £30
• Remote Invigilation Fee – £25

* Awarding Body Fees are payable by all students or employers and recharged at cost and may be subject to change

Apply

Having reviewed the information on the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing have you decided you would like to apply and study here in the UK?

Alternatively if you have any questions please do get in touch.