Free Level 2 Animal Nursing Assistant Course in Manchester – Hopwood Hall College Middleton Campus

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyABC awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Animal Nursing Assistant Course in Manchester. Classes run at Hopwood Hall College Middleton Campus, full-time during the day. The course runs for one year. You'll study the knowledge and practical skills needed to support veterinary teams in caring for animals. Entry requires 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, preferably including English Language, Maths and Science, or a Level 1 qualification. If you don't yet have grade 4 or above in Maths or English, you'll continue studying those subjects alongside your animal nursing assistant classes.

Who this course is for

Discover our range of courses at Hopwood Hall College, with entry requirements, progression and course information.

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs grade 3 or above preferably to include English Language, Maths and ScienceOr a Level 1 qualificationEntrants who do not have a grade 4 or above in Maths and/or English will continue studying these subjects at Hopwood Hall.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to assist with the care and monitoring of animals in a veterinary setting.
  • You'll develop knowledge of animal anatomy and common health conditions.
  • You'll practise safe handling and restraint techniques for a range of animals.
  • You'll learn about infection control and hygiene procedures in veterinary environments.
  • You'll understand the principles of animal nutrition and husbandry.
  • You'll develop skills in supporting veterinary nurses and vets during clinical procedures.
  • You'll learn how to communicate with clients about their animals' care.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions and practical work. Assessment includes written assignments, practical assessments, and observations of your skills in realistic veterinary care scenarios. You'll build both the underpinning knowledge and the hands-on competence required for the qualification.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Hopwood Hall College Middleton Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Animal nursing assistant, supporting vets and veterinary nurses in practice.
  • Veterinary receptionist, handling client communication and appointments.
  • Animal care assistant, working in kennels, catteries or rescue centres.
  • Veterinary support worker, assisting with day-to-day clinical tasks.
  • Pet shop assistant with animal health knowledge.
  • Zoo or wildlife centre keeper assistant.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, the next step toward becoming a qualified veterinary nurse.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, broadening your knowledge across animal care and science.
  • Veterinary nursing degree apprenticeship, combining work and study toward professional registration with the RCVS.

These routes build on your Level 2 animal nursing assistant qualification and open doors to more specialist roles in veterinary and animal care.

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