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The Veterinary Nursing Apprenticeship is delivered over a 18 month period. You will attend college one day a week. You must complete the Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship to be a qualified Veterinary Nurse.

As a Veterinary Nurse Apprentice you will support veterinary surgeons (vets) by providing care for sick and injured animals.

Your nursing duties will include:

·         Holding animals and keeping them calm during treatment

·         Giving injections and drugs (under direction of the vet)

·         Collecting blood, urine and other samples and carrying out in-house lab work

·         Sterilising instruments

·         Taking x-rays

·         Preparing animals for procedures

·         Assisting during operations by handing instruments and maintaining levels of anaesthetic

You may have other responsibilities including:

·         Taking care of in-patients (feeding, cleaning quarters, grooming and exercising)

·         Advising owners about the care of their animals

You will work between 35-40 hours a week, often with evening, weekend and on-call duties.

You will need to have concern for animals, without being too sentimental. Calmness and confidence when handling animals is a must and having a tactful and sympathetic approach with upset or nervous customers is also very important.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME
NVQ Level 2 – For learners new to this profession

Mandatory Units

·         Carry out Veterinary reception duties

·         Manage clinical environments for the procedures and investigations

·         Provide nursing care to animals

·         Monitor and care for in-patients

·         Support clients in caring for animals

·         Monitor and maintain health & safety

·         Develop personal performance and maintain working relationships

Extras

·         Technical Certificate

·         Level 1 Key Skill in Communication

·         Level 1 Key Skill in Application of Number

·         You must already hold 5 GCSE’s at Grade C or above including English Language and two Sciences, one of which may be Maths

ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP
NVQ Level 3

Mandatory Units

·         Assist the Veterinary Surgeon during surgical procedures

·         Assist the provision of anaesthetics to animals

·         Dispense and administer medication

·         Perform laboratory diagnostic tests

·         Administer veterinary specialised nursing to patients

·         Prepare for diagnostic imaging techniques and conduct radiography on animals

·         Prepare for veterinary surgical procedures

Extras

·         Technical Certificate

·         Level 2 Key Skill in Communication

·         Level 2 Key Skill in Application of Number

·         You must already hold 5 GCSE’s at Grade C or above including English Language and two Sciences, one of which may be Maths

Awarding Body: RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons)

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