Where will this course lead?

This course is ideal for you if you wish to become Veterinary Nurse and are new to the sector, or have previous qualifications and/or experience and are working in an associated role, within an approved RCVS training practice that provides support for qualified professionals.

Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. A Veterinary Nurse works as a member of the veterinary team, providing expert nursing care for sick animals. Veterinary nurses also play a significant role in educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets. They carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures, under veterinary direction.

Veterinary Nurses are registered professionals and work within the standards and scope of practice, defined by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS): http://www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/the-role-of-the-rcvs/

What will I study?

You will study the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out within the apprenticeship standard, which will include the following subjects…

· Legislative compliance and regulatory requirement

· Comparative functional anatomy for veterinary nursing practice

· Infection control and hygiene in veterinary practice

· Pharmaceuticals, materials, equipment, resources and recording

· Veterinary nursing care and support, including anaesthesia

· Emergency and critical care

· Diagnostic techniques for veterinary nurses, such as radiography

· Communication, working relationships, data protection and confidentiality

· RCVS professional conduct and self-management

How will this course be delivered?

The apprenticeship programme consists of 'on-the-job' and 'off-the-job' training. You will receive on-the-job training from your employer and will also be allowed 20% off-the job training, which will involve your college day- release and independent study.

Your independent study will be recorded in a learning journal, to capture evidence of your experiences, reflections and achievements.

An assessor coach will be allocated to you and will visit your workplace on a regular basis, liaising with your work-based mentor, but you will also receive master-class workshops from college tutors.

This will give you the opportunity to do real work, developing work-based skills that employers' value and helping you to progress in your chosen career.

What qualifications will I get?

· Level 3 Veterinary Nurse Apprenticeship Standard

· Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English (if required)

How will I be assessed?

The apprentice's progress and development will be assessed at regular stages - this is likely to be a combination of assignments, activities, exams, reflective discussions and observations in the workplace.

The employer and training provider will formally sign-off the apprentice's readiness for the independent End Point Assessment (EPA) at 'gateway'. Gateway is the point at which the apprentice has met and can confidently apply the minimum knowledge, skills and behaviours required, as detailed within the apprenticeship standard.

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) will consist of 2 distinct components:

· Practical assessment of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

· Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence

Performance in the EPA will determine your overall apprenticeship grade i.e. pass or distinction.

How do I get a place on the course?

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview. All applications are to be submitted via the college website:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/apprentice/how-do-i-apply

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. If you need help with completing your application and at interview, we can provide support:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

To secure a place of study on the Level 3 Veterinary Nurse programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

· 5 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including Science and the below…

· English GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Mathematics GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Demonstrate a passion for animal care

· Possess a suitable character or tutor reference and a copy of your latest school report (if applicable)

You must also be employed in a relevant field (as indicated above) for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

What else do I need to know?

This course is a part-time programme and you will be expected to attend 1 day per week, between the hours of 09:00 to 18:30. Timetables will be issued to successful applicants prior to induction and enrolment, at the beginning of the course.

As part of the national apprenticeship guidance, you will also undergo Equality and Diversity, British values and Prevent Training, which will prepare you with the necessary behaviour needed to work within the construction industry.

Furthermore, you will also be required to complete 20% 'off-the-job' training as a minimum requirement for the apprenticeship course, which may require self-directed study, where will be supported by your assessor coach and work-based mentor.

There are no direct additional costs for this course, but you may want to purchase some text books for further reading. A suggested reading list will be supplied at the beginning of your course; however, we also have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use too. You will be expected to supply your own stationery, such as folders, pens and paper. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at college to do this if necessary. Please contact the Employer Services Team for more information regarding funding and costs: apprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

Please note that employers are responsible for providing, replacing and paying for the apprentice's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is required for training in our nursing environments.

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can:

· Continue your employment in the industry

OR

· Progress onto higher level qualifications through the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) to become a Team Leader or Operations Manager.