Level 2 Diploma
Veterinary Care Assistants
This introductory course is excellent preparation for the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – the qualification you’ll need to become a fully qualified veterinary nurse. It’s a well-recognised qualification in its own right, even if you don’t progress to Level 3.
This course could help you get a job working in a veterinary practice as a nursing assistant or within animal welfare and rescue, boarding kennels and catteries, pet stores or grooming parlours.
What will I study?
- Animal handling and care in the veterinary environment
- Assisting with care in the veterinary environment
- Administrative duties in the veterinary care environment
How long will it take?
- 1 year, full-time
What qualifications do I need to start?
- Some GCSEs at grade 4 or above (to include English, Maths and Science at grade 3 or above)
- Entry exam success
- Letter of support from a vet practice for 600 hours of work
What qualifications will I gain?
- Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care Assistants
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
Course options after this programme
- You can progress on to the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
- You can progress on to the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Dimploma or Certificate in Animal Management
Career options
- Veterinary care assistant in a practice or with an animal charity
Level 2 placements
We will endeavour to assist you in finding a suitable placement however, as we do not actively place students we encourage you to find your own. Once you have a confirmed offer of a placement please ask the practice to notify the Veterinary Nursing team by emailing vet.nursing@reaseheath.ac.uk
Securing a placement
For some useful tips on finding a placement read our 20 step guide to securing a veterinary practice placement here.
How much will this course cost?
If you are under 19 on 31st August 2018 the tuition fees and exam costs are free for our courses. If you are aged 19 or over you may have to pay a fee.
You may also be required to pay costs associated with study tours or additional qualifications.
For more information on fees and to find out about what financial support may be available to you visit the student finance pages on our website.
Transport
Our college buses pick up over 1,400 students each day from a wide area. From September 2018 all college bus routes to Reaseheath will be FREE. To find a bus route near you visit the transport pages on our website.
Accommodation
At Reaseheath we have on-site residential accommodation for 785 students. If you are aged over 16 and studying on a full-time course you may apply for a residential place. Visit the accommodation pages on our website for more information.
How do I apply?
If you have found a course you are interested in and are in Year 11 or above you can apply now online. For a step by step guide on the application process visit the how to apply pages on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find out more information about this course on our FAQs page.
Student Profile
Abbey May
Ambition: Veterinary nurse
School: Sir William Stanier, Crewe
Age: 22
Abbey enjoys working with dogs and horses and gained Level 3 Extended Diplomas in both Horse Management and Animal Management with us before deciding to train as a small animal veterinary nurse.
She’s enjoyed the variety of our Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants, attending college to learn theory and gaining practical skills during work placement with local veterinary practices.
She’s currently gaining relevant experience, then plans to return to Reaseheath to gain her Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – her sixth year with us!
She says: “Veterinary nursing is a great career. It’s very rewarding helping sick animals to get better and returning them to their owners.”