Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma SCQF 5

City & Guilds - UHI North, West & Hebrides

Course description

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.

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.

Entry requirements

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.

Progression

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.