)
Skip to main content

Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Standard

About the course

Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. A veterinary nurse works as a member of the veterinary team, providing expert nursing care for sick animals. Veterinary nurses also play a significant role in educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets. They carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures, under veterinary direction. Veterinary Nurses are registered professionals and work within the standards and scope of practice defined by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

 

If you are interested in applying for this course please do so by selected your preferred start date on our Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Diploma Page

Course modules

Combined Competence and Knowledge Qualification

Skills, Knowledge & Behaviours

An apprentice will be required to undertake & have an understanding of a number of different core skills, knowledge & behaviours to complete this apprenticeship. Please see factsheet for more information.

Functional Skills

Functional Skills

5 GCSEs at Grade A-C (9-4) and must include a Maths, English and Science

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

Entry Criteria

A potential Level 3 apprentice: 

Must be aged 16 or over & have officially left school. 

Must be employed (NOT self-employed) in the relevant occupational sector, working a minimum of 30 hours per week. 

An individual can only undertake an apprenticeship at the same or lower level than a qualification they already hold, if this allows the individual to acquire substantive new skills and the content of the training is materially different from any prior training or a previous apprenticeship. 

Must have the right to work in England & spend at least 50% of their working hours in England over the duration of the apprenticeship. 

Must be a citizen of a country with in the European Economic Area (EEA) or have the right of abode in the UK AND have been ordinarily resident in the EEA for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning. 

All Apprenticeships require Initial assessment, vocational skills scan, an interview and employment in the industry.

Typically, an applicant will have attained a minimum of 4 GCSE grades C or 4 including both Maths and English. Functional Skills Level 2 will be accepted as an alternative to GCSEs. Learners will also need to be able to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and experience within their job roles to meet the requirements of the programme.  

Exceptional entries will be considered for all Apprenticeships at the discretion of the college based on experience, successful interview and outcomes of Initial and Diagnostic assessments for English and Maths to establish current levels of ability. 

Learning and assessment

Theory work & learning materials delivered online with photographic, video & audio evidence being collected through the Onefile E-Portfolio platform, supported by off site technical training at Myerscough College as required, either block-release or day-release.

The employer will have access to their apprentices Onefile E-Portfolio so they can monitor progress & work that has been set by the tutor.

The qualification is made up of a number of mandatory units designed to have maximum relevance to the job & integrate with day to day responsibilities.

An employer must allow an apprentice 20% of their working week to undertake work required to complete their apprenticeship (this is a legal requirement) & will include any college attendance required.

There will be an end point assessment, conducted by an independent assessor.

All components must be passed for the apprentice to meet the apprenticeship standard & these will include:

  • Professional Discussion
  • Practical Assessment (a synoptic practical exercise in the form of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

There will be 3 levels of achievement: Pass, Merit & Distinction

In the unlikely event of an apprentice needing to resit an End Point Assessment (or elements of the End Point Assessment), then the employer will be responsible for funding these additional costs.

Progression

On successful completion of the End Point Assessment the learner will be awarded the RCVS – accredited Licence to Practise Veterinary Nursing qualification at Level 3 Students achieving this apprenticeship standard will be eligible to apply for professional registration with the RCVS

Careers

Typical jobs apprentices will be able to progress onto on completion of this Apprenticeship will depend on the qualifications and experience gained, but could include working in a veterinary practice.

Myerscough College - Veterinary Nursing Courses
Myerscough College - Veterinary Nursing Courses

Veterinary Nursing

Myerscough School of Veterinary Nursing has been an established provider of education and training for veterinary nurses for more than 35 years, with approval from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons granted in 1975. In this time the College has successfully taught many small animal and equine student nurses from all parts of Britain and Europe.

Veterinary Nurses (VNs) work alongside veterinary surgeons and provide a high standard of care and treatment for animals. This includes skilled supportive care for ill animals as well as undertaking minor surgery, monitoring animals during anaesthesia, providing medical treatments and carrying out diagnostic tests.

Why study an Apprenticeship?

Everything you need to know about taking on an Apprentice with Myerscough College as well as the benefits and support available.

Find out more
Oldham Apprentices with WB Tutor David Hilton.jpg
Oldham Apprentices with WB Tutor David Hilton.jpg

Apprenticeship Vacancies

View all our Apprenticeship vacancies and apply online with the National Apprenticeship Service.

Apprenticeship Vacancies
Myerscough College Apprentice Case Studies
Myerscough College Apprentice Case Studies

Case Studies

Don't just take our word for it, meet a selection of our Apprentices and hear what they have to say about an Apprenticeship with Myerscough College.

Take a look
Myerscough College Traineeships
Myerscough College Traineeships

Traineeships

Traineeships offer the chance to develop your skills and experience in order to enhance your chances of progression to an Apprenticeship, college course or employment.

Find out more