Veterinary Nursing - Level 3 Diploma Advanced Apprenticeship

The Level 3 Veterinary Nurse Diploma Advanced Apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity for you to develop your skills and knowledge in providing expert nursing care for sick animals. By completing this apprenticeship, you will gain a nationally recognised qualification, be able to apply for professional registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), enhance your career prospects, and demonstrate your commitment to professional standards.

If you are already employed in a veterinary practice, looking to undertake this qualification, you must be at least 16 years of age, be working in an RCVS-approved Training Practice and have the full support of the practice to support you through your qualification; a list of Training Practices can be found on the RCVS website.

Non-apprentices may be considered on an individual basis – please contact us for further information

Applicants must be able to read and interpret information provided in English.

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject. 
• Students with Scottish qualifications are required to have 5 subjects at National 5 or Higher/Advanced Higher level A, B, or C, including Maths, English, and a Science.

If you do not meet these requirements, there are alternative qualifications that may be acceptable, such as the Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants, the VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support, or the Veterinary Care Support (Level 2 Apprenticeship), along with GCSEs grade C or above (or Level 2 Functional Skills) in English Language and Maths.

Before applying, please ensure you read the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Fitness to Practise: A Guide for UK Providers of Veterinary Nursing Education and Student Veterinary Nurses, which can be downloaded here.

International students:

All applicants with international (non-UK-based) qualifications require an ENIC statement.

You will also be required to have your foreign qualifications officially translated into English with a notarised stamp.

ELTS or ESOL for overseas Learners is recommended but not mandatory.

As this is an apprenticeship course, you must have resided in the UK for at least 3 years and have evidence to support this.

Apprentices who complete the Veterinary Nurse programme will aim to gain promotion to senior roles, including Head Nurse, Clinical Supervisor, and Industry Representative.

Alongside your training at college, you will complete a minimum of 1800 hours of clinical practice within your training practice.  You'll be assigned a tutor and a Clinical Supervisor to guide you throughout your studies, and you will have regular tutorials to keep you focused and motivated.

The (up to) 6-month EPA process includes a professional discussion and practical assessment.

• Blue Cross
• Village Vet
• RSPCA
• Medivet
• IVC
• Linnaeus
• PDSA
• Battersea Dogs Home

If you complete the Veterinary Nurse Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship, you can look forward to a rewarding career in a growing sector. You will have the skills, knowledge, and behaviours to provide high-quality care for sick animals. You will also be able to work effectively as part of a team and support the delivery of high-quality patient outcomes. You will gain a nationally recognised qualification and be able to apply for a professional membership with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. This will lead to better career prospects and pathways in the veterinary sector.