CQ
Level 3
QN: 610/6898/6
Curriculum Active
CQ Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Practice – Top Up
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by CQ. Classified as a Occupational Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 335 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
CQ
Syllabus Units
11 Units
Guided Hours
335 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Applied animal welfare, health and husbandry in small animal practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of animal welfare in relation to dogs, cats and rabbits
- Understand the use and maintenance of different types of accommodation for hospitalised animals
- Understand the essential factors for maintaining animal health for a range of species
- Know the nutritional requirements of animals
- Understand the reproduction and breeding of animals
- Know methods of animal identification
- Be able to handle and restrain animals safely
2
Diagnostic imaging in small animal practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to take radiographs and undertake other diagnostic modalities
3
Homecare, Convalescence and Client Support
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of client concordance
- Provide homecare plans for a range of surgical and medical conditions
- Explain how to support a client through grief and loss
4
Infection control in small animal practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of disease transmission and isolation nursing in veterinary practice
5
Laboratory diagnostics in small animal practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to collect and prepare specimens for examination
- Be able to test pathological specimens in ho
6
Principles of small animal peri-operative veterinary nursing support
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand and demonstrate how to prepare a patient for surgery
- Understand the requirements and apply processes for immediate and ongoing post-operative care
- Know species-specific nursing requirements for patients before, during and following specific procedures
7
Principles of small animal veterinary nursing support
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how pathology affects the normal function of an animal
- Understand how to plan and deliver care for animals with a range of commonly encountered conditions including emergencies
- Understand and apply the principles of wound healing and care
- Be able to administer medications to small animals
- Know how to supply veterinary medicines to clients
8
Principles of supporting anaesthesia for small animal veterinary nurses
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of anaesthesia
- Understand and demonstrate the function of anaesthetic equipment
- Understand and assist with anaesthetic preparation and induction
- Understand and apply the principles of monitoring an anaesthetised animal
- Know how to recognise and respond to anaesthetic emergencies
9
Understand and apply the principles of fluid therapy and intravenous cannulation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the parenteral fluid types used in practice and their indications
- Understand the principles of intravenous cannulation
- Explain the principles of administering blood and blood products
10
Veterinary nursing care for hospitalised small animals
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of a systematic approach to the provision of nursing care
- Understand the basic nursing care and hygiene management of patients
11
Veterinary nursing support for emergency and critical care of small animal patients
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of small animal first aid
- Know how to support emergency veterinary care
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 610/6898/6
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- CQ
- Qualification Type
- Occupational Qualification
- Operational Start
- Mar 2026