Free Level 3 Small Animal Veterinary Nursing Course in Monmouth. Classes run at Abbeydale Vetlink Veterinary Training Monmouth, part-time during the day. This is an apprenticeship, funded through apprenticeship funding, so you'll need to be employed or on placement in a veterinary practice to enrol. You'll also need GCSEs at grade 4 to 9 (or A to C) in maths, English, science, and three other subjects. The small animal veterinary nursing classes balance practical, practice-based learning with classroom teaching at the Monmouth centre. The course runs over 24 months.
Who this course is for
The Diploma in Veterinary Nursing - Small Animal Practice aims to prepare and support learners for a career in veterinary nursing.
The key purposes are to give learners the ability to gain knowledge and skills necessary to practice veterinary nursing, safely and competently and to allow learners to grow as individuals and give them the chance to learn life skills essential for professional development.
The program will include a balance of practice-based learning and theoretical teaching and use a variety of strategies to ensure that learners can undertake tasks proficiently.
Clinical placement in veterinary practice will allow the acquisition of nursing skills and will enable learners to become competent in a veterinary environment.
Entry requirements
Employment or placement within a veterinary practice.
GSCEs at A-C / 4-9 which must include maths, English, science, and three others
What you will learn
You'll develop the knowledge and practical skills to nurse small animals safely and competently.
You'll learn how to assist veterinary surgeons during clinical procedures.
You'll study animal anatomy, physiology, and common conditions affecting small animals.
You'll practise patient care, monitoring, and post-operative nursing.
You'll learn how to handle and restrain animals safely in a practice setting.
You'll develop professional skills for working as part of a veterinary team.
You'll build understanding of animal welfare standards and professional responsibilities.
How you will learn
Learning combines classroom-based teaching at the Monmouth centre with hands-on, practice-based training at your veterinary workplace. All practical and academic teaching takes place at the centre, and all exams are held there too. You'll be assessed through a mix of written exams and practical assessments carried out over the 24-month programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Abbeydale Vetlink Veterinary Training Monmouth will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Veterinary nurse, caring for small animals in a practice
Veterinary receptionist with clinical knowledge and nursing background
Animal care technician in a veterinary or research setting
Veterinary theatre nurse, assisting during surgical procedures
What you could study next
Post-registration qualifications in specialist areas such as anaesthesia, emergency and critical care, or dentistry, allowing you to develop further as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
A degree in veterinary nursing or a related animal science subject, for those who want to move into teaching, research, or senior clinical roles.
Clinical coaching qualifications, if you want to support and mentor student nurses in practice.
