Veterinary Nursing (Small Animal) Level 3 Work-based Diploma SCQF 7 Modern Apprenticeship

What is special about this course?

This Modern Apprenticeship allows learners to achieve a Veterinary Nursing (Small Animal) Level 3 Work-based Diploma at SCQF 7. The Modern Apprenticeship route is a combination of work-based and college training, providing the dual benefit of gaining a nationally recognised qualification while earning a wage.

This Lantra qualification suits those who wish to qualify and register with the RCVS as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. It provides an opportunity to achieve a recognised national qualification that reflects the national and regulatory standards required for this role. The qualification is designed to enable learners to develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to support their role and develop their career in veterinary nursing of small animals.

Entry requirements

• Applicants should be at least 16 years of age with a reasonably high standard of physical fitness
• Have Maths, English, a science subject and two other qualifications at:
  • GCSE Grades A-C OR 
  • Scottish Intermediate 2 C or above OR
  • National 5 or above OR
  • a Standard Grade at level 1 or 2 or above

OR

• Satisfactory completion of Level 2 Diploma VCA at Merit Grade or above and evidence of Maths and English at National 5 Grade A-C or above.
• Applicants must have recent work experience of at least 10 days in a small animal veterinary practice working alongside Registered Veterinary Nurses
• Satisfactory interview

Applicants should be in full-time employment with the employer’s support to undertake the course.

To complete this Modern Apprenticeship, candidates must achieve the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Small Animal) SCQF 7, workplace core skills and one mandatory enhancement. Learners undertaking this qualification will develop the knowledge and skills required for veterinary nursing of small animals, focusing on dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Qualification Overview

This qualification assesses learners' knowledge and understanding of:

• Animal husbandry and welfare
• Communication and working relationships
• Daily practice – including teamwork, health and safety, stock and waste management, and record keeping
• Nursing care plans – models, clinics, and home care
• Preparing for professional registration

Veterinary anatomy and physiology, including:

• Cell structure
• Central nervous system and associated nursing
• Musculoskeletal system and associated nursing
• Circulatory system and associated nursing
• Urinary system and associated nursing
• Respiratory system and associated nursing
• Digestive system, nutrition, and feeding
• Reproductive system and associated nursing
• Endocrine system and associated nursing

Clinical skills, including:

• Infection control, disinfection, and sterilisation
• Laboratory diagnostics
• Skin, wound care, and bandaging
• Body fluids, homeostasis, and fluid therapy
• Medicines and dispensary management
• First aid, emergency, and critical care nursing
• Pain management
• Diagnostic imaging
• Anaesthesia
• Operating theatre management and nursing care

Fees

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

Funding

Skills Development Scotland provides funding to cover some or all of the costs of training and assessing Modern Apprentices. The level of funding depends on:

• The apprentice’s age
• The qualification level
• The apprenticeship sector

Additional funding is available for apprentices who are disabled or care-experienced, up to and including age 29.

Our Work-based Learning team can advise on funding eligibility and support options.