Level 3 Diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing

This qualification is also available as part of an apprenticeship

The qualification consists of a number of core units which cover the following subjects:

• Professional Equine Veterinary Nursing Responsibilities
• Diagnostic Principles
• Equine Veterinary Nursing Care Principles
• Supply of Veterinary Medicines
• Practical Equine Veterinary Nursing Skills
• Equine Anaesthesia
• Equine Theatre Nursing Skills
• Life Stage and Medical Nursing Care and Support
• Surgical Nursing and Patient Care

Assessment

Assessments will include examinations, assignments/case studies, online evidence of practical competence, and formative practical assessments. On successful completion of all other assessments you will take the final practical examination (Equine OSCEs).

Blended Virtual Learning

For the blended learning programmes, you will receive a combination of lectures, independent online learning activities and practical skills sessions. We use a virtual platform called BigBlueButton and this method of delivery allows you to engage with tutors and peers in real time either from home or from work. Practical sessions are in the college environment and most exams are also completed in the college centres. All virtual classroom sessions are recorded and are available to view after the event for consolidation of learning and revision purposes.

What does virtual learning look like?

The majority of the theory element of the programme is delivered in lecture format; this is currently virtual via Big Blue Button. During virtual lectures you will be expected to 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. Many theory sessions build on the independent online learning element of the programme therefore it is critical that you prepare for your lectures by having completed the necessary online activities ahead of your live session.

This qualification is also available as part of an apprenticeship

You must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (or 9-4), including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject. Students with 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. If you do not meet these requirements, there are alternative qualifications that may be acceptable. One of these combinations is the Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants, along with GCSEs grade C or above (or Level 2 Functional Skills) in English Language and Maths.

Students must be at least 16 years of age and employed in an equine or mixed (small animal and equine) veterinary practice that is approved by the RCVS as a Training Practice (TP) or Auxiliary Training Practice (aTP).

Before applying, please ensure you read the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Disability Guidance on the Recruitment of VN Students.

International students

If you have alternative or international qualifications, and would like to know if these will allow you to undertake the diploma, please contact our administration team for advice.

If you are coming to the UK to study you should have proof of competence in the English Language by holding either the ESOL qualification at levels C1 or C2 or IELTS at a minimum score of 7.0 where your international qualifications were not taught and assessed in English. You will also be required to have your foreign qualifications officially translated into English with a notarised stamp.

If you are from outside the EU or European Economic Area and wish to study in the UK, you must obtain a Tier 4 Student Visa – visit our International Students page for further information.

Course fees can either be paid in full before the beginning of the course, on an annual basis, or via our ‘Pay As You Learn’ monthly payment scheme

If you have not achieved your qualification by the planned end date detailed in your individual learning plan, you will be able to continue to receive support and access to your course by paying monthly direct debit payments until certification of your award.

Course Fees

Awarding Body Fees*

RCVS Registration: £202
Awarding Body Registration: £215
Practical Examination Fee: £350
Online Examination Fee: £30
Remote Invigilation Fee: £25

Please note first attempts for the seven online exams within the course are invoiced at enrolment. Examinations fees are payable per exam attempt, meaning fees are payable for each exam resit if required. All practical examination fees must be settled in advance of any entry to the examination being processed.

* Awarding Body Fees are payable by all students or employers and recharged at cost and may be subject to change.

This qualification is also available as part of an apprenticeship – view fees

Sources of financial help can be found on our student finance page. Before making any financial decision it is recommended that you seek advice from an independent source, for example the Money Advice Service.

These are current figures and may be subject to change. The differences in course fees reflect the level of funding that is available as a result of government policies and priorities. These may be as a result of age, employment status, previous education achievements, or location for example, and are outside the control of The College of Animal Welfare.

On completion of the Level 3 Diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing and the required number of hours of veterinary nursing training, you will be eligible to apply to join the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS) Register of Veterinary Nurses and use the post nominal term, RVN. Entry on the register allows you to legally practise as a veterinary nurse under the direction of a veterinary surgeon.

Remember that once you are qualified, it is your professional responsibility to continue your veterinary nurse training by ensuring that your professional knowledge and skills remain up-to-date. You can do this by undertaking short courses or further veterinary nursing qualifications.

CAW Connect

After you complete your studies with The College of Animal Welfare, you will be invited to join our alumni association, CAW Connect. CAW Connect is a social networking website and education hub which gives you the opportunity to connect with other alumni, enjoy industry discounts, make use of exclusive careers advice and resources, find new job opportunities and keep up-to-date with the latest industry news. Find out more about CAW Connect