VetSkill
Level 3
QN: 610/6071/9
Curriculum Active
VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by VetSkill. Classified as a Occupational Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 600 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
VetSkill
Syllabus Units
9 Units
Guided Hours
600 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
VN01 Professional Veterinary Nursing Responsibilities
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how to apply ethical principles to veterinary nursing
- Understand the legal frame
- work for veterinary nursing practice
- Understand the professional frame
- Understand the key principles of veterinary business
- Understand the personal and professional role of the Veterinary Nurse
2
VN02 Diagnostic Principles
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the Health and Safety requirements in relation to veterinary diagnostic principles
- Understand the principles of diagnostic imaging techniques
- Understand anatomy and physiology relevant to veterinary diagnostic principles
- Know how to prepare for veterinary diagnostic imaging
- Understand the principles of radiography processing
- Know how to microscopically examine diagnostic samples
- Know how to prepare, collect, preserve and transport diagnostic samples
- Understand the principles of pathological specimen analysis
3
VN03 Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care 1
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand handling and restraint of patients for veterinary procedures
- Know how to plan nursing care for a range of hospitalised patients
- Understand the structure and function of body systems to support nursing care
- Understand the principles of animal husbandry
- Understand the process of wound healing and management
- Know the principles of animal first aid in relation to a veterinary practice
- Understand infection and biosecurity in veterinary practice
4
VN04 Pharmacology and Dispensary Management
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the legal requirements applicable to veterinary medicines
- Understand the dispensary requirements for veterinary medicines
- Understand the anatomical and physiological principles underpinning pharmacokinetics
- Understand the principles of pharmacodynamics
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of the Suitably Qualified Person (SQP)
- Be able to apply the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Code of Practice for Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) when prescribing and supplying veterinary medicines for companion animals
5
VN05 Practical Veterinary Nursing Skills and Professional Behaviours
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to comply with Health and Safety legislative requirements in veterinary practice
- Be able to communicate effectively within veterinary practice
- Be able to approach, handle, lead, move, and restrain patients within veterinary practice
- Be able to deliver appropriate patient nursing care in veterinary practice
- Be able to safely and effectively manage diagnostic sampling in veterinary practice
- Be able to safely and effectively assist with and conduct diagnostic imaging in veterinary practice
- Be able to safely and effectively manage veterinary medicines in accordance with legislative guidelines
- Be able to apply principles of biosecurity in the veterinary practice
- Be able to provide surgical nursing support in veterinary practice
- Be able to assist the veterinary surgeon with anaesthesia for patients
- Be able to behave professionally and appropriately in all aspects of veterinary nursing practice
6
VN06 Anaesthesia and Theatre Nursing Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of instrument care and sterilisation
- Understand the management, handling, and use of instruments during surgery
- Understand theatre preparation and protocol
- Understand the principles of anaesthesia and analgesia
- Understand the function of a range of anaesthetic equipment
- Understand the principles of anaesthetic monitoring
- Understand how to recognise and respond to anaesthetic adverse events
7
VN07 Life Stage and Medical Nursing Care and Support
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand pathological changes to the normal functions of the patients
- Understand the patient care and client support for patients with life limiting conditions
- Understand the reproduction and breeding of animals
8
VN08 Principles of Veterinary Nursing Care 2
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand nutritional assessment and assisted feeding to support disease processes
- Understand patient fluid requirements
- Understand pain assessment in animals
- Understand nursing care of patients with compromised mobility
- Understand preventative health care
9
VN09 Surgical Nursing and Patient Care
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand patient preparation for surgery
- Understand post-operative nursing requirements
- Understand the specific post-operative nursing needs of patients
- Understand home care and home convalescence of the surgical patient
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 610/6071/9
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- VetSkill
- Qualification Type
- Occupational Qualification
- Operational Start
- Aug 2025