Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma SCQF 5 City and Guilds
Study mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time.
Course type: City and Guilds
Study at: Halkirk
Start in: September
Learning mode: You attend classes in person at your local campus or learning centre., You access classes and/or materials digitally.
Duration: Full time: 28 weeks
How: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable.
What is special about this course?
The City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma is ideal for those passionate about working with animals and wanting to train to provide care in a veterinary environment under the direction and supervision of a veterinary surgeon. It is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge needed for the role of Veterinary Care Assistant. Veterinary Care Assistants play a vital role in the veterinary team, supporting qualified vets and nurses in the care and treatment of patients.
- Applicants should be at least 16 years of age, with a reasonably high standard of physical fitness.
- Evidence of communication/English, IT and numeracy skills at SCQF Level 4.
- Satisfactory interview.
- A proven interest in working with animals and evidence of 10 days work experience in small animal veterinary practice.
- Mature students or adult returners will be considered for entry on an individual basis and are encouraged to apply.
- A firm offer of a practice placement/employment or evidence of actively seeking a practice placement/employment in a small animal veterinary practice. All students are required to gain a suitable placement/employment for the duration of the course. Applicants are responsible for securing this placement/employment, but support will be given to help applicants, which will be discussed at interview. Applicants will be required to submit a CV if they would like support to find a work placement/employment.
The course covers three core units:
- Principles and practices of animal handling and care in the veterinary environment
- Principles and practices of assisting with care in the veterinary environment
- Principles and practices of administrative duties in the veterinary environment
Skills Development:
Throughout the course, students will also strengthen key skills in IT, numeracy, and communication, ensuring they are well-prepared for both practical and administrative tasks in the veterinary field.
How will I study my course?
- Full Time
- Online
Online Virtual Classroom:
Timetabled learning takes place two days per week in an online virtual classroom, where you'll engage with your lecturer and classmates through video, voice, and text chat. In addition, you'll have the flexibility to complete self-directed study at times that work best for you.
Work Placement:
For the other three days each week, you'll gain hands-on experience in a small animal veterinary practice, working under the supervision of qualified veterinary professionals. This provides valuable real-world experience and application of your learning.
Practical Sessions:
Each unit includes face-to-face teaching, typically a full day at our Rural Studies Centre in Halkirk where you will participate in practical sessions using our veterinary nursing suite and equipment. These sessions are a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and meet your lecturers and classmates in person.
How is the course assessed?
- Practical tasks - checklists that you will complete in the veterinary practice under the supervision of a qualified member of the veterinary team, usually a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
- Closed book assessments, case studies, leaflets, handouts, MCQ paper and short answer papers which will be completed at home, online and on campus.
How long will my course last?
28 Weeks- Halkirk
- Employers Premises
Start date
September
Fees
Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.
This course requires students to purchase a kit/uniform (around £112.06). If you are eligible for a bursary, these kit costs will be covered.
What can I do on completion of my course?
- Students may progress onto the Lantra Award level 3 work-based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (small animal) - successful completion of this qualification means you can become registered as a veterinary nurse with the RCVS.
- Work in a veterinary practice as a veterinary/animal care assistant. As well as veterinary practice, VCAs are also employed in veterinary hospitals and veterinary referral centres and with charities such as the SSPCA.
During my studies, most of the learning has been online, with a few in-person days at the college throughout the course. The flexibility has been especially beneficial to me, as I live in a remote area. The in-person classes and peer interaction have really helped strengthen my interest and practical skills, with the lessons being engaging and encouraging - even the pre-recorded ones.
When I first started the course, we were taught how to handle animals properly, including cats, dogs, and rabbits. Learning the correct handling techniques was important to me, as I didn’t want to cause stress or discomfort. I particularly enjoyed studying the Anaesthesia module, as it provided vital information that helped me during my practical placement.
Going through this course has given me valuable insight and allowed me to see a future career working with animals. I plan to progress onto Veterinary Nursing. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in working with animals, especially in a veterinary setting. It’s a fascinating course that prepares you well for the field.
Jade Wright
Apply for Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma SCQF 5 City and Guilds
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.
Applications for this course are currently closed. Please complete this register your interest form, and we’ll be in touch with updates on the next cohort