- Duration
Typically 36 months (some apprentices could complete sooner depending on their previous experience and qualifications, their perfomance during the apprenticeship and the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge in the workplace) practical period with 3-month End Point Assessment window.
- Location
- Plumpton College
Course Overview
Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice.
A veterinary nurse works as a member of the veterinary team, providing expert nursing care for sick animals. Veterinary nurses also play a significant role in educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets.
They carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures, under veterinary direction. Veterinary Nurses are registered professionals and work within the standards and scope of practice defined by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Successful apprentices will be eligible to apply for professional registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
What apprentices will learn
- How to handle animals calmly and safely
- Clinical skills
- Looking after injured or sick animals
- Preparing and maintaining veterinary practices
- How to be tactful and sympathetic with pet owners
- For more information on the skills, knowledge and behaviours associated and learnt on this apprenticeship, please download the file attached to this link: Veterinary Nurse Level 3
Apprenticeship Qualifications
- Apprenticeship Certificate
- Licence to Practise Veterinary Nursing qualification at Level 3
Delivery model
A mix of online teaching and in college learning 1 day a week for 35 weeks per year along with regular workplace competency and efficiency observation and assessments.
End Point Assessment
- A professional discussion
- A practical assessment in the form of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE)
Apprenticeship Graded
- Fail, Pass, Distinction
Entry Requirements
- Maths and English assessment
- Apprenticeship programme interview
- 5 GCSEs of grade A-C or 4-9 (or equivalent e.g. functional skills level 2) to include Mathematics, English and Biology.
- Level 3 Animal Management or Level 2 Veterinary Care Assistant qualifications may provide Biology and 2 additional GSCEs, however, Maths and English would need to be in addition of these qualifications
- International students will be required to provide an Enic Statement of Comparability for Maths and English Language, and prove their Right to Work status
- 6 months minimum full-time employment as a student veterinary nurse (svn) within a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) approved training practice.
To enrol onto an apprenticeship programme you need to be employed with a contract of employment. If you have an employer lined up or are already employed please contact our Apprenticeship Team on 01273 892127 or via email.
If you do not currently have an employer please visit the main Apprenticeships page for guidance on how to find and apply for an apprenticeship opportunity.
Other courses that may interest you
Central Qualifications
Working in partnership with Central Qualifications, nationally recognised awarding body for the veterinary and animal related industries.
Plumpton College Talent Bank for Animal Management Apprentices
Are you looking to do an apprenticeship but don’t yet have an employer?
Register with our Apprenticeship Talent Bank Service for up to date information on our latest vacancies and forthcoming apprenticeship events.
