Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Companion Animal (Adult)

You will need to be employed at an RCVS-approved veterinary training practice as a student veterinary nurse. And hold five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A–C), including English, Maths, and a science subject. Alongside meeting the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ fitness to practise guidance

As part of the VetSkill Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, you will be taught by highly experienced staff with extensive knowledge of veterinary nursing, many of whom hold qualifications from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Guest lecturers will also deliver specialist sessions, sharing expertise in their areas of practice.

Your learning will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical competence:

- Six online multiple-choice examinations to test your understanding of key veterinary nursing principles.
- Two written assignments to develop your research, reflection, and professional reasoning skills.
- A portfolio of evidence demonstrating your practical experience and application of veterinary nursing procedures.
- A summative Licence to Practise Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), assessing your ability to safely and effectively perform practical clinical skills in a simulated professional environment.

Learners must hold a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A–C), including English, Maths, and a science subject.

You must already hold a position as a student veterinary nurse in an RCVS-approved training practice, either as an apprentice or employee, before applying for this course. This employment satisfies the course’s placement requirements.

Strong connections with leading professional bodies and organisations ensure your training meets the highest standards of the veterinary industry. You’ll be supported throughout your studies by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the governing body responsible for maintaining professional standards and registration for veterinary nurses and surgeons. The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) offers access to continuing professional development, events, and a vibrant community of practising nurses, helping you stay connected and informed. You’ll also benefit from resources and opportunities provided by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), including specialist conferences, training, and guidance in companion animal care.
In addition, VetSkill, the awarding organisation for veterinary nursing qualifications, ensures your learning and assessments meet national standards, giving you confidence in your professional progression. Together, these respected industry links help you gain the knowledge, support, and recognition to build a successful and fulfilling career in veterinary nursing.

This qualification will equip you with both the practical skills and the underpinning theoretical knowledge required to practise safely and effectively as a veterinary nurse. On successful completion, you will be eligible to join the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) register of veterinary nurses as a fully qualified professional, having demonstrated competence through a combination of practical assessments, written assignments, and examinations.

You will study 240 credits over a 24-month programme, covering the following units:

- Professional Veterinary Nursing Responsibilities – Develop your understanding of professional standards, ethics, and regulatory requirements.
- Diagnostic Principles – Learn the fundamentals of diagnostic techniques and interpretation in veterinary practice.
- Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care 1 – Focus on core nursing care, including monitoring, record-keeping, and patient observation.
- Pharmacology and Dispensary Management – Gain knowledge of common veterinary medications, safe handling, and dispensary procedures.
- Practical Veterinary Nursing Skills and Professional Behaviours – Apply essential clinical skills while demonstrating professional conduct.
- Anaesthesia and Theatre Nursing Skills – Learn techniques for anaesthesia, surgical preparation, and operating theatre protocols.
- Life Stage and Medical Nursing Care and Support – Explore nursing care across different life stages and medical conditions.
- Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care 2 – Build on foundational skills to manage more complex cases and patient care scenarios.
- Surgical Nursing and Patient Care – Develop competence in perioperative care, surgical support, and patient recovery.

VetSkill – https://www.vetskill.co.uk

British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) – https://www.bsava.com

British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) – https://www.bvna.org.uk

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) – https://www.rcvs.org.uk