Where will this course lead?

This course is an introduction to Veterinary Nursing and can prepare you for a career as a Veterinary Nurse within a veterinary practice, it can also lead to employment as an Animal Nursing Assistant within a vets.

This is a very specific course aimed at those who wish to work as a Veterinary Nurse or Animal Nursing Assistant. If you are unsure of your career path working with animals the Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care may be more beneficial in guiding you towards a career working with animals.

What will I study?

Throughout your studies, you will cover units from the following list:

Deliver basic treatments to animals

Principles of basic animal nursing assistance

Companion animal parasitology and zoonosis

Companion animal nutrition

Provide feed and water to animals

Plan the handling and restraint of animals

Principles of infection control for animal nursing assistants

Maintain animal accommodation

Companion animal anatomy and physiology

Control and restrain animals

How will this course be delivered?

You will attend college three days per week and one day on an animal related work placement.

During your free time you will be expected to complete assignments, this can be done within college or at home. English and Maths may be timetabled within the 3 college days depending on your current qualification.

What qualifications will I get?

Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants (RQF)

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is continual over the year mainly by the completion of assignments, practical work and one extended examination, students are also assessed practically on the Animal Care Centre.

How do I get a place on the course?

You will need to complete your application and attend a College interview.

What are the entry requirements?

Four GCSE passes at Grade D/3 to include Science (Physics, Biology and Chemistry) English Language and Maths OR,

Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care in which a Merit grade or higher is expected.

In addition to either of the above you also require:

- A suitable character or tutor reference

- A copy of your latest school/college/employer report (if applicable)

- A successful College interview

What else do I need to know?

You will need to purchase a pair of steel toe cap boots, College boiler suit and a work placement polo shirt. There may also be various trips throughout the year. The price of these will become available upon application.

A good standard of English and Maths are essential for your success in your course, your chosen vocation and life. Throughout your course you will continue to develop your English and Maths skills in your vocational classes.

If you haven't achieved an A*/9 - C/4 grade in English or Maths at GCSE, or a Level 2 Functional Skill, you will also be working towards a qualification in English or Maths at a level that will enable you to progress towards these grades.

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we can help with this too.

Solihull College is an inclusive and diverse learning environment offering offers full time and part time courses to people from anywhere in the UK

What can I do after this course?

This course can lead to an animal nursing career within the industry or allow progression onto the RCVS Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Other course options include: BTEC Level 2 Diploma, BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate, Level 3 Practical Skills in Animal Care, BTEC Foundation Diploma, Level 3 Veterinary Nursing, Animal Nursing Assistants or Work-based Diploma Level 2/3 Apprenticeship in Animal Care. For the Apprenticeship you will need to be in employment for approximately 30 hours per week, this can be discussed at your interview.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

ANAZA033BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Animal Care Services

Workers in this unit group care for animals held in kennels, stables, zoos and similar establishments, provide specialised training, grooming, clipping and trimming services for animals and perform a variety of animal care tasks.

What’s Involved?

Depending on the job role, tasks could include feeding, washing, grooming, trimming and exercising animals and cleaning animals' quarters and renewing bedding as necessary. You could house, feed, exercise, train, groom horses, dogs and other animals in preparation for entry to shows, races and other events. They check animals for illness, treat minor ailments or calls for vet if further treatment is required. They meet prospective owners and advise on animal selection and animal care. They patrol public areas to search for and capture stray or nuisance dogs, and transport captured animals to kennels.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.