Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Course in Stoke-On-Trent

Cost£13,000.00
Duration3 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryBlended learning
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyVETSKILL

About this course

Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Course in Stoke-On-Trent. Classes run at CAW Biddulph, combining time at the centre with online study.

You'll study animal anatomy, medical nursing, surgical nursing, and pharmacology. The course includes practical training in an RCVS-approved veterinary practice, either through employment or a work placement. A virtual reality headset is loaned to you to help build clinical skills. The course takes around 30 months if you're employed in a veterinary practice, or 36 months if you're on a work placement. Entry requires a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths, and a Science.

You'll finish with a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.

Who this course is for

As the largest provider of vet nurse training in the UK, we have a commitment to promoting animal welfare and raising the standards of veterinary nurse care. Our veterinary nursing lecturers are registered veterinary nurses or veterinary surgeons with strong industry experience, and they all share a common trait; their enthusiasm for helping the next generation of students to achieve their formal veterinary nursing qualifications and be the best vet nurses that they can be. You will join a community of like-minded students who all share a passion for animals and a desire to join an exciting and rewarding profession.

College sessions offer diverse teaching, learning and assessment approaches catered for the individual needs of learners, enabling you to develop the required knowledge and skills needed to work as a qualified, Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). In addition to the academic theory you will learn from college, you will gain significant industry experience in an RCVS approved veterinary training practice. This practical experience can either be gained through employment or through an unpaid work placement. We have our own dedicated placement liaison team who will make use of connections with over 700 practices across the UK to help you find an unpaid work placement if you are not employed in a veterinary practice.

Entry requirements

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English Language, Mathematics and a Science. Scottish qualifications are required to have 5 subjects at a National 5 or Higher/Advance Higher at level A, B or C; to include Maths, English and a Science. Alternative accepted qualifications such as Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants, Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support along with GCSEs grade C or above (or Level 2 Functional Skills) in English Language and Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll study animal anatomy and physiology.
  • You'll learn medical and surgical nursing techniques.
  • You'll develop knowledge of pharmacology and medicines used in veterinary practice.
  • You'll practise clinical skills through hands-on veterinary practice experience.
  • You'll learn how to assist in anaesthesia and patient monitoring.
  • You'll study diagnostic imaging and laboratory procedures.
  • You'll prepare for professional registration as a Registered Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS.

How you will learn

The course uses a blended format. You attend one day per week, either at CAW Biddulph or via live online lessons from home or work. The rest of your learning takes place in an RCVS-approved veterinary practice. Assessment includes six theory exams and an OSCE practical examination. You'll also use a virtual reality headset to develop clinical skills ahead of your practical assessment.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. CAW Biddulph will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Registered Veterinary Nurse, working in a veterinary practice with full RCVS registration.
  • Veterinary nurse in a specialist referral hospital, supporting complex surgical or medical cases.
  • Veterinary nurse in an emergency and critical care setting, providing out-of-hours patient care.
  • Head nurse or senior veterinary nurse, leading a clinical team within a practice.

What you could study next

  • Advanced Veterinary Nursing qualifications, for nurses who want to specialise in areas such as anaesthesia, oncology, or emergency care.
  • Veterinary Technology or Veterinary Science degree, for those looking to move into research or academic roles.
  • RCVS Advanced Practitioner status, a recognised route for experienced registered veterinary nurses seeking formal specialist recognition.