Course Overview
The VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support (VCS) is an online course that can be undertaken alongside employment, or voluntary work, in a veterinary practice. The course is ideal for those looking to gain a formal qualification in veterinary care, whilst training with qualified professionals in a veterinary practice.
All materials related to the course are delivered via distance learning on our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), therefore you will not need to attend College in order to complete your studies. As such this course can be taken anywhere in the UK or overseas, subject to local veterinary laws.
By choosing to study with The College of Animal Welfare – one of the largest providers of veterinary care training in the UK – you are joining a community of like-minded students and staff, who all share a passion for animal welfare.
In addition to the academic theory you will gain from online study, an emphasis on practical experience (a minimum of 600 hours) in a veterinary practice means that you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to prepare you for a career in the veterinary care profession.
Please note: The veterinary practice you are working or volunteering in does not need to be an RCVS training practice.
Key Facts
- Attendance: Course materials will be supplied via our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and you will be allocated a distance learning tutor who will support you throughout the course; therefore you will not be required to attend college.
- Duration: 12 months.
- Start Date: This programme can be started at any time.
- Location: This online distance learning programme can be studied anywhere in the UK or overseas, subject to local veterinary legislation.
This qualification, in combination with a full level 2 qualification in Maths and English (e.g. GCSE Grade A*-C or Level 2 Functional Skills), will allow you to apply for the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or the Veterinary Nurse Level 3 Apprenticeship programme.
Course Content
Over the course of the qualification, you will undertake the following units, which will cover the relevant practical skills and underpinning knowledge needed to provide a good level of support to the veterinary nurse and veterinary surgeon.
- Legislation and Safe Working Practices
- Animal Health and Welfare
- Animal Environment and Accommodation
- Introduction to Patient Care
- Introduction to Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Veterinary Care Support
Assessment
Each unit is assessed by portfolio. The portfolio will assess knowledge, skills and behaviours, to cover all learning outcomes in the qualification.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal academic entry requirements, however you should:
- Be volunteering, or employed within, a clinical role in a veterinary practice for a minimum of 10 hours per week for the duration of your course and have the support of your practice to undertake the course.
- Be able to provide a reference from a veterinary surgeon or registered veterinary nurse in your practice supporting your application
- Have a registered vet nurse or vet in your practice who is happy to be your mentor throughout your course.
- Be competent in reading, writing and speaking the English language as all course materials and assessments are delivered in English
Additional Information
As our courses include online learning components, students are required to have access to a PC or laptop with a reliable internet connection.
Course Fees
Course Fees
- £1,750 – UK students.
- £2,375 – Overseas students.
Awarding body fees*: £140
* these are payable by all students or employers and are recharged at cost and subject to change.
Course fees must be paid in full before the beginning of the course. A loan scheme is available, details can be found below.
CAW Loans2Learn
The CAW Loans2Learn scheme is a personal loan that can help you to spread the cost of your course into manageable payments over a period of up to 5 years. The loan can be used to fully or partially cover your course fees (but does not cover any awarding body fees, such as enrolment and examination fees). More information can be found here.
LOAN CALCULATOR
The current rate of interest for a CAW Loans2Learn is 9%. Click on the calculator icon to calculate your monthly repayment options based on different repayment term lengths.
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.
If you have not achieved your qualification by the planned end date detailed in your individual learning plan, continued support and course access is available by paying monthly direct debit payments, or applying for a supplementary or increased loan, until certification is achieved.
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.
