Courses

Veterinary care assistants are important members of today’s modern veterinary team. They work alongside veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to provide vital nursing care, ensuring that the well-being of small animal patients is paramount.

Our City & Guilds accredited veterinary care courses are delivered by online, distance learning meaning they can be taken anywhere in the UK or overseas (subject to local veterinary legislation).

VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care SupportThis qualification is designed for those working in a veterinary care support role. During the programme you will learn the relevant practical skills and underpinning knowledge needed to provide a good level of support to the veterinary nurse and veterinary surgeon.Find out more
Veterinary Care Support: Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship As a veterinary care apprentice you will work in a veterinary environment providing supportive care to small animal patients and supporting the veterinary team. You will gain practical on-the-job skills whilst studying for your apprenticeship via online distance learning.Find out more
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care AssistantsThis online, distance learning course is ideal for those working or volunteering in a veterinary environment assisting veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses with the care of small animal patients.Find out more
Level 2 Certificate in Assisting Veterinary Surgeons in the Monitoring of Animal Patients Ideal if you are working in a veterinary care assistant role and are involved in assisting veterinary surgeons with the monitoring of companion animals under anaesthesia and sedation.Find out more
VetSkill Level 2 Certificate for Veterinary Receptionists If you are working in a receptionist role in a veterinary environment and are looking to further develop your skills and confidence, this online, distance learning qualification could be for you!Find out more
Level 4 Certificate for Suitably Qualified Persons (SQP) – Companion AnimalThe Level 4 Certificate for Suitably Qualified Persons (SQP) – Companion Animal is aimed at those working in an environment prescribing and dispensing POM-VPS and NFA-VPS and therefore need to fully understand the relevant legislation and potential implications of their role. Find out more
Subject overview

Veterinary care assistants are important members of today’s modern veterinary team; working alongside veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to provide vital nursing care. Although the hours can be long and the work physically and emotionally demanding, the rewards that come from helping an animal back to health and working as part of a dedicated team make the job extremely worthwhile.

To be a good veterinary care assistant you must be passionate about animals and good with people, as supporting the veterinary team can involve a significant amount of client care in addition to the actual hands on nursing of animals. You must be dedicated to your job and prepared to undertake all the cleaning tasks and general duties associated with the smooth running of the veterinary practice.

As a veterinary care assistant, no two days are the same, and that is what makes this work exciting! As part of your role you may be involved in:

  • Exercising, grooming and feeding hospitalised animals (inpatients)
  • Monitoring and providing supportive care to inpatients
  • Preparing theatre and relevant equipment
  • Cleaning and preparing accommodation for animals
  • Restraining animals for treatment
  • Reception duties, including advising clients on preventative health care e.g. flea treatment

It’s a good idea to do some work experience in a veterinary practice, as it will give you an insight into the role and give you valuable experience for your CV when looking for a training position!

Find out what it is like to be a veterinary care assistant (VCA) in a veterinary practice…

Why choose to study veterinary care at The College of Animal Welfare?

  • Experienced and supportive tutors
    We pride ourselves that our tutors have academic qualifications and extensive experience in the subjects we deliver; bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to our courses. They are dedicated to supporting you to achieve your chosen qualification in a timely manner.
  • Interactive, online course material
    Our online course material has been developed to guide you through your course material and provide you with interactive and innovative ways of learning. Some examples of online learning material can be found here: Methods of Euthanasia, Confidentiality and Data Protection.
  • Begin studying in your own time
    You can start this programme at any time of the year, allowing you to begin studying at a time that is convenient to you when you are ready. Being online, you can work through the content at home, at work or even on the go!

“I found the distance learning aspects very good, there was always help on hand when I needed it and my personal mentor was extremely helpful when advice was paramount. Self-discipline is necessary for distance learning as there’s no obligation to physically attend any classes. Overall I found the course very interesting, educational and I learnt a lot. I hope to do the level 3 Veterinary Nursing course in the near future”. (Read the case study)
Eleanor Stickells, Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants (Spain)

“I have worked within a veterinary surgery environment for over 14 years and I have covered a number of roles over that time. On completing the course and gaining my certificate, it has made a great difference to me assisting the veterinary surgeons in every aspect of the practice and making my job which I have always enjoyed more worthwhile and interesting. The support of the tutors was very good and helpful when they communicated with me, which was on a regular basis, and always prompt in dealing with any issues or queries that arose”.
Fiona Kennedy, Level 2 Certificate in Assisting Veterinary Surgeons in the Monitoring of Animal Patients Under Anaesthesia and Sedation

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Careers

Many veterinary care assistants choose to progress on to train as a veterinary nurse by undertaking the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Advanced Apprenticeship) qualification. Take a look at what is involved in veterinary nursing below:

If veterinary nursing is not for you, you may wish to undertake the Level 2 Certificate in Assisting Veterinary Surgeons in the Monitoring of Animal Patients Under Anaesthesia and Sedation qualification if your practice would like you to help assist veterinary surgeons with the monitoring of companion animals under anaesthesia and sedation.