Distance learning pays off for cat-lover Kate

Kate Bayman was named Animal Nursing Assistants (ANA) Student of the Year, sponsored by ABC Awards, who support the College with providing qualifications in subjects including animal care.

Kate, who lives in the North East, completed a Level 2 Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants, and said: “Winning an award is such a wonderful feeling and I am very grateful. I have never won an award before so I am really pleased. I worked really hard to complete the course and was just thrilled that I passed and completed it.”

This particular animal care qualification has been developed to nurture learners’ interests and help them find a speciality, and in this case Kate’s passion lies in feline care.

Kate said: “Since an early age I have always been passionate about cats, and after looking after some elderly and disabled cats, I decided that this course would suit the kind of skills I need to pursue my goal of running a cattery.”

Whilst the qualification offers practical animal care skills, it also offers additional opportunities to hone customer service skills in a retail environment, which is a great asset to have when aiming to run your own cattery.

Kate adds: “The skills and knowledge I am taking away from the qualification are so very valuable to me. I’ve learned so much about animals, their anatomy and caring for them, as well as health and safety, veterinary medicine and reception duties – all skills which will be needed in my future plans.”

Being able to study this course from home has enabled Kate to study in her own time which fits in with managing her disability, being a mum, running two and volunteering part-time in a veterinary practice.

Despite being a distance learner, the course still comes with full support from Myerscough and a tutor who’s always there for help and guidance which Kate couldn’t speak more highly of.

Kate’s tutor from Myerscough College, Elizabeth Wilcox, said: “Kate had a professional approach to the online course, submitting quality work before submission deadlines and attended a voluntary work placement to support her studies. She is dedicated and is pursuing a career working with small animals. I wish her all the best for the future.”

Kate plans to continue with her studies in animal care to support her ambitious goal of running her own business and she tells us:

“It is a perfect qualification for anyone considering a career as a veterinary nurse or working in animal care and I would recommend it to anyone.”