Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing

Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing

The VetSkill Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) course is designed for those working in practice to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Upon successful completion of the qualification students can complete their enrolment with the RCVS and practice as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). To apply to this course applicants must gain employment in a CAFRE approved training practice.

Course content

The course covers the cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Year 1

Diagnostic principles Pharmacology and dispensary management Practical veterinary nursing skills 1 Principles of veterinary nursing care 1 Professional veterinary nursing responsibilities Year 2 Anaesthesia and theatre nursing skills Life stage nursing care and support Practical veterinary nursing skills 2 Principles of veterinary nursing care 2 Surgical nursing and patient care

Students will attend College up to a 2 ½ year period and aim to gain full RCVS registration within 27 months. During this time students will be required to attend Greenmount campus one day per week.

Modules are assessed through online multiple choice examinations, written assignments and an online e-portfolio of Clinical Skills. The final assessed component of the course is a clinical examination (OSCE), which is currently taken at an assessment centre in England.

Attendance at College is supported by employment in a CAFRE approved training practice throughout the course duration. Only when all components of the course are successfully completed are individuals eligible to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses. To become a registered veterinary nurse students must successfully complete both the clinical employed period as a student nurse and the college based components of the course.

Work placement

When not attending College, individuals are employed in an approved veterinary training practice during which time they work on completing their online e-portfolio of Clinical Skills and developing practical veterinary nursing competence.

Progression opportunities and career destinations

Embedded within this qualification is the content required for a Student Veterinary Nurse to become a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) for Companion Animals.

This course provides individuals with the opportunity to progress onto a Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing.

If you would like a better understanding of the role of a Veterinary Nurse watch this video created by Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Booking Terms and Conditions

CAFRE Booking terms and conditions are available by clicking here.