The Dick White Academy has become the first UK training centre to be approved to offer the new VetSkill Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal).
This qualification has been designed to train Veterinary Nurses to have a holistic approach to their work, a passion for making a difference to the lives of animals, and a solid understanding of their professional responsibilities.
It is usually delivered as a 24-30 month programme, meaning that RVN qualification can be achieved approximately 6 months sooner than via the previous route. Units include:
- Professional Veterinary Nursing Responsibilities;
- Diagnostic Principles;
- Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care 1;
- Pharmacology and Dispensary Management;
- Practical Veterinary Nursing Skills 1;
- Anaesthesia and Theatre Nursing Skills;
- Life Stage Nursing Care and Support;
- Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care 2;
- Surgical Nursing and Patient Care;
- Practical Veterinary Nursing Skills 2.
Embedded within this qualification is the content required for a Student Veterinary Nurse to become a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) for Companion Animals. This can be attained by the end of the first year’s study if they meet the assessment criteria.
Students on this course must be at least 16 years old with at least 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (or 9-4), including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject. If you do not meet these requirement, alternative qualifications may be acceptable.
Throughout the 24-30 month programme, students will compile a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate the practical applications of learning in the workplace. These will be assessed by Academy staff and sampled externally by VetSkill.
A total of 5assignments/case studies will be completed to demonstrate knowledge and understanding; 2 in Year 1 and 3 in Year 2.
There are 7 on-line examinations throughout the qualification that assess underpinning knowledge; 4 in Year 1 and 3 in Year 2. Examinations are set and marked by VetSkill.