Virtual blended learning is an increasingly popular delivery model for our Level 3 Diploma / Apprenticeship in Veterinary Nursing programme (both companion animal and equine pathways).
Virtual blended learning involves a mixture of online lessons held in a virtual classroom, and in-centre practical skills training sessions, supported by additional online learning activities alongside employment or work placement in a veterinary practice. Read on the find out more…
How does virtual blended learning work?
Students who study via the Virtual Blended Learning delivery model will attend regular virtual lectures in order to complete the theory element of their programme. Our lectures are delivered via our virtual teaching platform, which allows students to engage with tutors and peers in real-time, either from home or work.
During virtual lectures, students participate in a diverse range of learning and assessment activities including live chat, group chat, breakout room activities, independent activities e.g. research, polls and Q&A sessions. All virtual classroom sessions are recorded and are available to view after the event for consolidation of learning and revision purposes. Online exams are available via a remote invigilation platform as well as by physically attending one of our main centres.
Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)
Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing
Additional online learning
In addition to their remote classes, students have some online course materials outside of class time to work through prior to each week’s classes.
Practical training sessions
Alongside their remote classes and online learning, students attend their chosen training centre for approximately 10 days throughout their programme, for practical skills training sessions.
What are the benefits of virtual blended learning?
✓ Limited college attendance
Students will only need to attend their local training centre for approximately ten days throughout their programme for practical training sessions, minimising travel time and costs for both students and employers.
✓ Extensive support, advice and guidance from CAW
Students have regular 1-2-1s with their tutor, and have 24/7 access to digital resources to support their mental and physical wellbeing. Employers will benefit from free clinical coach training and support from a dedicated IQA, as well as help in navigating the TP approval process where applicable.
✓ Innovative learning and development materials
All students will benefit from our innovative teaching methods and access to advanced virtual learning tools including our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and virtual classrooms and virtual reality clinical skills environment.
✓ Start dates throughout the year
Our flexible, hybrid approach means our programme has intakes starting throughout the year. Students who are already employed in a veterinary practice can even start at any time!
Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)
Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing
What tools and resources do virtual blended learning students have access to?
Virtual Learning Environment
We have recently launched our new advanced Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which students will have access to 24/7. The new, web-based system delivers interactive learning materials to any connected device and allows students to submit assignments, take exams and track their assessments. Our VLE includes lots of exciting features to enhance our students’ learning, including document repository, bespoke interactive learning materials developed in-house, lesson capture, virtual classroom delivery and forums.
Virtual Classrooms
Our online conferencing system allows our tutors to deliver effective teaching sessions and share engaging audio, video, slides, chat, and screens. The software also offers lots of interactive features which means our students can engage with their tutors and peers in real-time, for example through sharing of emoji icons, polling, and breakout rooms.
Virtual Reality
The College of Animal Welfare is the first veterinary nurse college in the UK to utilise virtual reality, and the technology is changing the way we think about learning. All CAW veterinary nursing students who have a VR headset (or wish to purchase one) will be granted a license to use our virtual reality (VR) software to prepare for their OSCEs (practical exams) for the duration of their programme. Virtual reality helps create muscle memory, leading to the development of practical skills and alleviating exam anxiety. Students can practise the OSCE tasks that they may come across in their real exam, such as taking x-rays, packaging samples and identifying parasites.
Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)
Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing
Where is the virtual blended learning option available?
As one of the most established veterinary nurse training providers in the UK, we deliver our Level 3 Diploma / Apprenticeship in Veterinary Nursing at centres located all over the country, and we’re still growing! Apprenticeship options are available at all our centres in England, and students are able to start their training throughout the year.
Students who are studying via virtual blended learning are required to attend their chosen training centre for approximately 10 days throughout their programme, for practical skills training days. They will attend one of the following centres:
Satellite training centres
Many of our satellite training centres are located inside modern veterinary environments, with state-of-the-art facilities and specialist staff. Our satellite training centres are located inside:
✔ Blue House Veterinary Centre Stoke-on-Trent (Biddulph)
✔ GSPCA Guernsey
✔ Kernow Farm & Equine Bodmin
✔ Pool House Equine Clinic Lichfield
✔ Pride Veterinary Centre Derby
✔ Southfields Veterinary Specialists Basildon
✔ Sussex Equine Hospital Horsham
✔ Wear Referrals Bradbury (County Durham)
✔ Wheelhouse Veterinary Centre Chorleywood
✔ Willows Veterinary Centre Solihull
CAW Training Centres
The College of Animal Welfare’s training centres located in Huntingdon, North London, Wigan, Leeds and Edinburgh are easily commutable by car or public transport, and all feature a practical skills room and relaxation areas; along with modern lecture rooms complete with video conferencing facilities.
Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)
Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary Nursing Open Evening
Wednesday 8 May 2024, 7pm-8pm – Virtual Event
This open evening is specifically for those interested in studying the Level 3 Diploma / Level 3 Apprenticeship in Veterinary Nursing at one of the following centres: Basildon, Bodmin, Chorleywood, County Durham, Derby, Edinburgh, Guernsey, Horsham, Lichfield, Solihull, Stoke-on-Trent or Wigan.
During this online event, you will have the opportunity to hear from some of our tutors, learn more about our veterinary nursing diploma and apprenticeships (both companion animal and equine) and ask any questions you may have about training with us. We will be covering:
- An introduction to our satellite centres
- What is blended virtual learning and how is the course is delivered?
- Study options for both employed and non-employed students
- Course content and assessment methods
- Entry requirements
- Fees and finance options
Please register to let us know you’ll be joining us, and so we can send you the attendance link. We can’t wait to virtually meet you!