Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support
Veterinary Nursing > Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support
Course Duration
Part-time: 1 year
Part-time: 1 yearPart-time: 1 year
Course Location
Greenmount Campus
Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support
The aim of this Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support course is to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to support qualified veterinary staff and prepare them for a veterinary care supporting role. This course may be used for progression on to the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animals) qualification, subject to additional entry conditions being met.
Course content
The course is delivered on a day-release basis over one academic year (September – June). The course is delivered mainly at Greenmount Campus, with some online elements.
The course will be assessed by continuous assessment using an online portfolio. The assessments will require students to demonstrate underpinning knowledge and practical application in the work placement.
Modules studied:
- Animal environment and accommodation
- Animal health and welfare
- Introduction to animal anatomy and physiology
- Introduction to patient care
- Legislation and safe working practices
- Veterinary care support
Work placement
Students must also complete a minimum of 600 hours experience (minimum of 18 hours per week) for the duration of the course in a veterinary practice.
Course Progression
Those who successfully complete the Veterinary Care Support course may progress on to the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animals) qualification, subject to additional entry conditions being met.
For progression purposes within CAFRE the Level 2 Veterinary Care Support course will be considered as equivalent to two GCSE Grade Cs, and can be used for progression on to the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing course to meet one science GCSE Grade C requirement.
How to apply
To apply for this course, complete the Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support application form.
Applications for the course will be accepted up to 30th June of the intended year of entry. Applications received after this date will only be considered if there are places still available on the course.
Course Entry Requirements
Applicants at the time of entry to the course must:
– Be at least 16 years or over;
– Have at least two GCSE Grade Cs or three Grade Ds including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent qualifications in Essential Skills in Communication and Application of Number;
– Have secured a work placement for 600 hours for the duration of the course. These hours exclude breaks, holidays or sickness and must be undertaken to complete the course. The work experience provider must enable the student to experience the full range of activities in this qualification. Applicants must have a placement secured in advance of applying for the course. Placements must be located in a Veterinary Practice in Northern Ireland.
If places are oversubscribed minimum entry criteria may be enhanced and date of application may be considered. Applicants will be allocated a place based on the points achieved at GCSE/Level 2 equivalents only.
Students will not incur Awarding Body or Tuition Fees.
Students applying with International qualifications must demonstrate they meet the entry requirements by presenting qualification officially translated into English with a notorised stamp. International qualifications not taught and assessed in English may be acceptable provided they are supported by proof of competence in the English Language by holding IELTS at a minimum score of 6.0 or recognised equivalent.
Learners may not legally perform any action either during their training or post qualification which may be interpreted as an act of veterinary surgery as defined by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate Foundation Level are not considered as meeting entry requirements for CAFRE programmes. If you require guidance on entry qualifications please email the Key Contact for this course.
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