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The qualification does not rely on final examinations. Assessment takes place over the duration of the course with a mix of assignments, practical observations and completion of a workbook.

(It is important to note that students may not legally perform any action either during their training, or post-qualification, which may be interpreted as an act of veterinary surgery as defined by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. Learners, employers and veterinary surgeons are directed to the current RCVS guidance).

Subjects studied
Principles and practices of animal handling and care in the veterinary environment
Principles and practices of assisting with care in the veterinary environment
Principles and practices of administrative duties in the veterinary care environment

Qualification details
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants

Entry Requirements
Students may be employed, voluntary or non-employed, but they must be able to gain experience of a veterinary care environment (simulation is not appropriate).It is expected that a minimum of 600 hours of veterinary experience, excluding breaks, statutory holidays, annual leave or sickness, will enable the student to gain the required veterinary care experience and develop the practical competence to successfully achieve the award’s outcomes.

Start time and attendance details
This course is available from September 2018 at Dick White Academy
This course is Part-Time and runs on one day per week
This course will run from 9:00am-5:00pm, days to be confirmed

Course length
1 Year
36 weeks per year

There is a range of assessment throughout the course including on-line examinations, assignments, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), and completion of your Nursing Progress Log (NPL). Whilst employed in a Veterinary Practice you will have a clinical coach, along with a tutor assigned to you at DWA. Successful completion of this qualification will enable you become a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) on the register held by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Subjects studied:
Year 1
Anatomy and Physiology
General Nursing
Operational Requirements of a Veterinary Practice Essentials of Veterinary Nursing
Infection control
Year 2
Diagnostic imaging
Diagnostics tests
Anaesthesia
Pharmacy
Theatre Practice
Preparing for Professional Registration
Year 3
Practical Anaesthesia
Principles of Perioperative

Qualification Details
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing

Entry Requirements
You should be employed at a veterinary practice. To begin training, students must have achieved five GCSEs at level 4 or higher including English language, mathematics and a science subject. Alternative qualifications of a
comparable or higher standard may be accepted.

Start time and attendance details
This course is available from September 2018 at Dick White Academy
This course is Part-Time and runs on one day per week
This course will run from 9:00am-5:00pm, days to be confirmed

Course length
3 Years
36 weeks per year