Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma SCQF 5 City and Guilds

What is special about this course?

The City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma is ideal for those passionate about working with animals and wanting to train to provide care in a veterinary environment under the direction and supervision of a veterinary surgeon. It is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge needed for the role of Veterinary Care Assistant. Veterinary Care Assistants play a vital role in the veterinary team, supporting qualified vets and nurses in the care and treatment of patients.

Entry requirements

  • Applicants should be at least 16 years of age, with a reasonably high standard of physical fitness.
  • Evidence of communication/English, IT and numeracy skills at SCQF Level 4.
  • Satisfactory interview.
  • A proven interest in working with animals and evidence of 10 days work experience in small animal veterinary practice.
  • Mature students or adult returners will be considered for entry on an individual basis and are encouraged to apply.
  • A firm offer of a practice placement/employment or evidence of actively seeking a practice placement/employment in a small animal veterinary practice. All students are required to gain a suitable placement/employment for the duration of the course. Applicants are responsible for securing this placement/employment, but support will be given to help applicants, which will be discussed at interview. Applicants will be required to submit a CV if they would like support to find a work placement/employment.
  • Principles and practices of animal handling and care in the veterinary environment
  • Principles and practices of assisting with care in the veterinary environment
  • Principles and practices of administrative duties in the veterinary environment
  • Development of IT, maths/numeracy and communication/literacy skills

Equipment

Internet connection, computer, headphones

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time
  • Online

You will be assessed via:

  • Practical tasks - checklists that you will complete in the veterinary practice under the supervision of a qualified member of the veterinary team, usually a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
  • Closed book assessments, case studies, leaflets, handouts, MCQ paper and short answer papers which will be completed at home, online and on campus.

How long will my course last?

28 Weeks

Timetabled learning takes place two days per week in an online virtual classroom, where you'll engage with your lecturer and classmates through video, voice, and text chat. In addition, you’ll have the flexibility to complete self-directed study at times that work best for you.

For the other three days each week, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a small animal veterinary practice, working under the supervision of qualified veterinary professionals.

Where can I study my course?

    • Halkirk
    • Work Based
    • Employers Premises

Start date

September

Fees

Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.

What can I do on completion of my course?

  • Students may progress onto the Lantra Award level 3 work-based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (small animal) - successful completion of this qualification means you can become registered as a veterinary nurse with the RCVS.
  • Work in a veterinary practice as a veterinary/animal care assistant. As well as veterinary practice, VCAs are also employed in veterinary hospitals and veterinary referral centres and with charities such as the SSPCA.

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma SCQF 5 City and Guilds

I want to start in 2025/26

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.