Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary Nursing > Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
Course Duration
2.5 years
2.5 years2.5 years
Course Location
Greenmount Campus
Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
The VetSkill Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) course is designed for those working in practice to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Upon successful completion of the qualification students can complete their enrolment with the RCVS and practice as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). To apply to this course applicants must gain employment in a CAFRE approved training practice.
Course content
The course covers the cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs.
Year 1
- Diagnostic principles
- Pharmacology and dispensary management
- Practical veterinary nursing skills 1
- Principles of veterinary nursing care 1
- Professional veterinary nursing responsibilities
Year 2
- Anaesthesia and theatre nursing skills
- Life stage nursing care and support
- Practical veterinary nursing skills 2
- Principles of veterinary nursing care 2
- Surgical nursing and patient care
Students will attend College up to a 2 ½ year period and aim to gain full RCVS registration within 27 months. During this time students will be required to attend Greenmount Campus one day per week.
Students will not incur Awarding Body or Tuition fees. Students pay for RCVS registration fees and examination resit fees, if applicable. Travel costs to GB for final Clinical Examinations will be payable by the student.
Modules are assessed through online multiple choice examinations, written assignments and an online e-portfolio of Clinical Skills. The final assessed component of the course is a clinical examination (OSCE), which is currently taken at an assessment centre in England.
Attendance at College is supported by employment in a CAFRE approved training practice throughout the course duration. Only when all components of the course are successfully completed are individuals eligible to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses. To become a registered veterinary nurse students must successfully complete both the clinical employed period as a student nurse and the college based components of the course.
Work placement
When not attending College, individuals are employed in a CAFRE approved training practice during which time they work on completing their online e-portfolio of Clinical Skills and developing practical veterinary nursing competence.
Course Progression
Embedded within this qualification is the content required for a Student Veterinary Nurse to become a
Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) for Companion Animals.
This course provides individuals with the opportunity to progress on to a Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing.
If you would like a better understanding of the role of a Veterinary Nurse watch this video created by Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Course Entry Requirements
Applicants at the time of entry to the course must:
-Have at least five GCSE passes at Grade C or above including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject.
-Be at least 16 years old on or before 1st July in the year in which they wish to enrol.
-Have completed 3 months or 400 hours work experience in a veterinary practice.
-Be employed in a CAFRE approved training practice. A list of current approved veterinary practices in Northern Ireland can be found by clicking here. It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure employment within an approved practice, CAFRE is not involved in the employment process.
If places are oversubscribed minimum entry criteria may be enhanced and date of application may be considered. Applicants will be allocated a place based on the points achieved at GCSE/Level 2 equivalents only.
Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate Foundation Level are not considered as meeting entry requirements for CAFRE programmes. If you require guidance on entry qualifications please email the Key Contact for this course.
Apply to this course, download and complete this form. Applications for the course will be accepted up to 30th June 2023, applications received after this date will only be considered if there are places still available on the course.
International student applications
All international qualifications presented for entry must be officially translated into English with a notorised stamp.
International qualifications not taught and assessed in English may be acceptable provided they are supported by proof of competence in the English Language by holding IELTS at a minimum score of 6.0 or recognised equivalent.
Further clarification on this course can be obtained from reading the Frequently asked questions or by Emailing: enquiries@cafre.ac.uk
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