CQ
Level 3
QN: 610/5873/7
Curriculum Active
CQ Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing - SA
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by CQ. Classified as a Occupational Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 1190 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
CQ
Syllabus Units
16 Units
Guided Hours
1190 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
Communication and professional relationships in small animal practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the dynamics of communication
- Be able to communicate with clients and colleagues
- Understand factors affecting working relationships with clients and within the veterinary practice
- Explain how to support a client through grief and loss
- Understand the principles of customer service
3
Diagnostic imaging in small animal practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know the legal requirements for operating radiographic equipment in a veterinary practice
- Understand the principles of radiography
- Understand how to take radiographs
- Know how to process radiographs and understand digital storage and communication systems
- Know the principles of alternative imaging techniques
4
Home care and convalescence
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of client concordance
- Provide homecare plans for a range of surgical and medical conditions
5
Infection control in small animal practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the role of infection in animal and human health
- Understand the principles of disease transmission and isolation nursing in veterinary practice
- Understand the principles of disinfection and sterilisation
- Understand how to maintain a clean clinical environment
- Understand how to maintain personal hygiene in relation to cross-infection
- Understand the principles of infection monitoring
6
Introduction to professional practice, professionalism and ethics for small animal veterinary nurses
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of professional practice
- Know the legal frame
- work for veterinary nursing practice
- Understand the accountability of veterinary nurses
- Understand the application of ethical principles
- Understand the principles of consent to veterinary treatment
- Understand legal and ethical duties to clients, colleagues and animals
7
Laboratory diagnostics in small animal practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain basic cell structure and function for those visible using a variety of microscopes
- Understand the function and use of laboratory equipment
- Understand how to collect and prepare specimens for examination
- Be able to test pathological specimens in ho
- Be able to prepare specimens for transportation
8
Operational requirements in small animal practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the aims of effective health and safety within a veterinary practice
- Understand how to use and maintain equipment in a veterinary practice
- Understand how to maintain stocks of veterinary consumables and pharmaceuticals
- Know the principles of record-keeping
9
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
10
Principles of small animal veterinary nursing support
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand anatomy and physiology of body systems in mammals relevant to veterinary nursing care
- 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
11
Principles of supporting anaesthesia for small animal veterinary nurses
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure and function of the respiratory and nervous system
- 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
12
Theatre practice for small animal veterinary nurses
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of theatre suite design and use
- Understand the use of theatre suite furniture and equipment
- Be able to dress and behave appropriately in an operating theatre
- Understand the management of instruments and materials during a surgical procedure
- Be able to assist the operating surgeon as a circulating nurse
- Be able to assist the operating surgeon as a scrub nurse
13
Understand and apply the principles of fluid therapy and intravenous cannulation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the concept of body fluid compartments
- Describe the structure and function of the circulatory system
- 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
14
Veterinary medicine supply in small animal practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the legal requirements in relation to the storage and supply of veterinary medicines
- Understand the role, remit and professional responsibilities of a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP)
- Understand the principles of pharmacodynamics
- Be able to administer medications
- Know how to supply veterinary medicines to clients
- Provide advice to clients on the administration of veterinary medicines
15
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 how to assess the condition of patients
- Understand the basic nursing care and hygiene management of patients
16
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)
- 610/5873/7
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- CQ
- Qualification Type
- Occupational Qualification
- Operational Start
- Sept 2025