Veterinary Support Assistant Level 3

• Course Code: OSC515
• Award Level 3, Similar to - A-Level

Pursue your career in Veterinary Support, from home!

This Veterinary Support Assistant course has been developed for learners with an interest in veterinary nursing or becoming a veterinary nurse assistant.  It will provide you with a broad knowledge base.  

The course will give you an understanding of the roles of the members of the veterinary team and the legal and ethical system in which they work; an awareness of basic anatomy and physiology of the dog and cat, and a working knowledge of Health and Safety within veterinary practice. 

The course will also explore the important topic of infection control in the veterinary practice and will explain the basic veterinary equipment used commonly within the practice.

All course materials will be delivered to you by post or via email, so it couldn't be easier. Our experienced and friendly tutors will help you every step of the way by email.

You can work at your own pace. Completed coursework can be delivered by post or via email, so handing in an assignment is simple.

Achieve your dream career and equip yourself with the skills you need for your long term success. Home learning is simple and stress-free, so enrol with us today!

Course Content

Module 1: The Roles of Members of the Veterinary Team

• Roles and responsibilities of Veterinary Surgeons.
• Roles of the Veterinary Nurse.
• Roles of the Student Veterinary Nurse.
• Essentials of the legal system.
• Individual character and conscience.

Module 2: Anatomy and Physiology of Dogs and Cats

• Animal cell structure and cell function.
• Basic structure and function of the nervous system.
• The endocrine system.
• The digestive system.
• The urinary system.
• The respiratory system.
• The cardiovascular system.
• The circulatory system.

Module 3: Health and Safety Within The Veterinary Practice

• Principles of health and safety.
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002.
• Hazardous Waste Regulations, 2005.
• Manual Handling Regulations, 1992.

Module 4: Infection Control in the Veterinary Practice

• The role of infection in animal and human health.
• Principles of disease transmission in veterinary practice.
• How to maintain a clean clinical environment.
• Main groups of disinfectants.

Module 5: Veterinary Nursing Support of Diagnostic Techniques

• Running a laboratory in a veterinary practice.
• Emergency procedures.
• General safety measures.
• How to collect and prepare urine, faecal and blood samples.
• How to carry out common laboratory tests.
• Test results.

Module 6: Understanding Veterinary Pharmacy

• Principles of pharmacy stock management.
• The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• Principles of safe dispensing.
• Medication terms used in Pharmacology.
• Absorption rate.
• Drug formulations.

Assessment

The Veterinary Support Assistant course is assessed by a series of written assignments, which are submitted to and marked by your tutor. There is no external examination required.

Course Duration

This home learning course has a time limit of 12 months. This is a lot more time than you need, so you are able to work at your own pace. This course will take around 80-100 hours to complete.

Study Method

The course is designed for study by distance learning at home or at work. Students receive a course manual, assignments and study guide plus tutor support by mail or email. You can start at any time and plan your studies over a period of up to one year from the time of registration.

Qualification

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a level 3 NCFE Award certificate of achievement. That means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 2 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (in which case GCSEs are at levels 1 and 2 and A Levels are at level 3).

This award has been designed by Open Study College to meet specific learners' or employers' requirements. Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that this learning programme has been scrutinised and approved by an independent panel of experienced educational professionals and is quality audited biannually by NCFE.

You can read more about NCFE and our awarding bodies here: Awards

Course Questions and Answers

Q: What skills are needed to enrol onto this course?

You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol onto this course.

Q: What is included in the cost of my course?

• Student record bag
• Pen
• Mouse mat
• Study guide
• Comprehensive study notes
• Personal tutor support
• Assignment marking and feedback
• Accreditation

Q: Do I have to sit an exam?

No. We will issue certification based on your coursework alone.

Q: Are there any additional costs?

No, everything you need is included in the price!

Q: How do I get my work assessed?

Once we receive your work, your tutor will mark it and return it to you. On successful completion of the course you will be awarded your diploma, proving your success in Veterinary Support Assistance.

Q: What do I do if I still have questions?

For further information please contact us.