Animal Nursing Assistant

About This Course

This course is very hands-on and will give you the chance to get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals. You will learn a range of skills which will enable you to work in a veterinary environment, including; animal health, nursing, pharmacy, welfare, anatomy and physiology and feeding and husbandry.

You’ll hear from guest speakers from across the industry and specialist areas such as exotics specialists and veterinary professionals who will share their wealth of experience and knowledge with you.

Study at Level:

Level 2

What You Will Learn

  • Examining the signs and symptoms of pathogens and disease
  • Infection control
  • Identifying accommodation requirements for a variety of animals
  • Nutrition 
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Reception duties
  • Treatment application
  • First aid and pharmacy legislation
  • Maintaining animal health
  • Nursing
  • Science
  • Undertaking routine health checks
  • Identification of diseases and disorders
  • Application of medication to treat poor health
  • Appropriate methods of aftercare following treatment provided to animals
  • Legislations concerned with veterinary practice.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for our courses depend on the specific requirements of each Programme of Study and an individual’s previous experience, which will all be discussed during the interview process. The following list offers a guide as to what you might be expected to achieve to gain entry on to a particular level of a course.


PLEASE NOTE IN SOME AREAS WHERE THERE IS A HIGHER MATHS, ENGLISH OR SCIENCE CONTENT, OR WHERE TECHNICAL SKILLS ARE REQUIRED, THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ARE HIGHER THAN STATED BELOW. APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED OF ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COURSES AT THEIR INTERVIEW AND THIS IS CHECKED AT ENROLMENT. FOR CREATIVE COURSES A PORTFOLIO REVIEW OR AUDITION MAY BE REQUIRED AT INTERVIEW.

Entry Level 3 Programmes
No formal entry qualifications but subject to approval from the Foundation Learning Assessment Team.

Level 1 Programmes
GCSEs grades1-2 or E to G or equivalent, including Foundation Awards and Entry Level Certificates.

Level 2 Programmes
Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 3 (previously D) or above including Maths and English language OR Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 3 or above including Maths and English language and relevant subject qualification OR Minimum of Level 1 course in chosen subject at merit or above and English language and Maths at Level 1.

Level 3 Programmes
Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 (previously C) or above including Maths and English language OR Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 or above including Maths and English language and relevant subject qualification OR Minimum of Level 2 course in chosen subject at merit or above and English language and Maths at level 2.

Progressing to each level of study
Once you successfully completed your course you may be able to progress to the next level, following a satisfactory interview with a Tutor. If you’ve finished your Level 3 course you will be offered advice and guidance from our Career Advisers on how to apply for a place at University through UCAS, or how to apply for a job or an Apprenticeship.

Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 courses generally last one year; Level 3 courses will usually last for two years.

Work Experience

Animal Nursing Assistant learners are required to complete 35 hours of internal work experience within a veterinary practice as part of their programme and development of skills, knowledge and behaviour. Internal work experience is also supplemented with talks by industry guests.

What Next?

On successful completion of level 3 you could progress onto the FdSc Animal Management programme here at the University Centre Grimsby, or another university studying in the animal care sector.

0
The Queen's Anniversary Prices
0
Learning Technologies awards 2019 winner
0
Member QAA 2021 - 22
0
Innovative Institution Jisc 2020
1
The Queen's Anniversary Prices
1
Learning Technologies awards 2019 winner
1
Member QAA 2021 - 22
1
Innovative Institution Jisc 2020
2
The Queen's Anniversary Prices
2
Learning Technologies awards 2019 winner
2
Member QAA 2021 - 22
2
Innovative Institution Jisc 2020
3
The Queen's Anniversary Prices
3
Learning Technologies awards 2019 winner
3
Member QAA 2021 - 22
3
Innovative Institution Jisc 2020
4
The Queen's Anniversary Prices
4
Learning Technologies awards 2019 winner
4
Member QAA 2021 - 22
4
Innovative Institution Jisc 2020
Link takes you to our Instagram page
Apply Now Course Listings
Link takes you to our Instagram page