VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support

Course Description

The Vet Care Support (VCS) qualification is designed for people working in veterinary practice who want to develop strong foundational skills to support the veterinary team and patient care.

It provides an excellent entry route into the profession and can also be used as a stepping stone towards training as a Student Veterinary Nurse.

VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support

More Information

This qualification can be used as a recognised science alternative for progression onto veterinary nursing training (subject to awarding body and RCVS entry requirements at the time of application).

It can be delivered as an apprenticeship if the learner is eligible for apprenticeship funding.

Funding band- £5000

Ofqual Qualification Number: 603/3568/3

Level: 2

Assessment is via a portfolio of practical and written work and the End Point Assessment is completed in practice (EPA)

Subjects Studied

Learners will study a range of topics, including:
- Legislation and Safe Working Practice
- Animal health and welfare
- Animal Environment and Accommodation
- Introduction to patient care
- Introduction to animal anatomy and physiology
- Veterinary Care Support

Qualification Details

VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support

Entry Requirments

Employed in a veterinary practice, hours can be discussed.

Start Time & Attendance

Course is delivered online and there are cohorts starting in April and October, the apprenticeship takes a typical duration of 12-15 months.

Our Lecturers

Sophie Avard

Lecturer

Sophie Avard is a Lecturer at Dick White Academy, joining the team from small animal practice. She particularly loved being involved in nurse consultations, with a special interest in supporting diabetic patients and their owners. Sophie brings practical, patient-centred experience into her teaching and is passionate about helping students develop confidence in clinical nursing care.

Rachel Costa

Lecturer

Rachel has been working in veterinary practice since 2015 and has nursed many different species including small animals, exotics and wildlife. She has a particular interest in behaviour and critical care nursing and holds a degree in animal behaviour.

Kelly Winstanley

Head of Teaching and Assessment

Kelly spent many years working in practice with a wide variety of species, including small animals, equine, farm animals and exotics. She taught veterinary nursing and animal management from 2014 until joining the Dick White Academy in 2018.

Emily Brooke

Lecturer

Emily has had a varied career, working in a multidisciplinary referral practice, helping to set up an orthopaedic specialist centre and teaching secondary school science. Her interests lie in anaesthesia and intensive care nursing.

Sally Petts

DWA Compliance Manager

Sally worked in both first opinion and referral hospitals, enjoying intensive care and emergency work, before deciding on a change of career to veterinary nurse teaching. She joined DWR in 2018.

Lynn Irving

Lecturer

Lynn qualified in 2003 and has worked in both small animal and equine practice. Lynn's areas of interest include animal behaviour and surgery.

Angel Green

Lecturer

Angel is an experienced veterinary lecturer who has worked in a combination of both general and referral practice. Angel has a keen interest in laboratory skills and is a great champion for the mental health of our learners.