How long does it take to complete the Lantra Awards Level 3 Diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing?

Typically, the diploma takes 18 to 24 months to complete, depending on your study pace and practice workload. You must also complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice. Many students study part-time while working, so it's important to plan your time effectively.

Can I study this diploma online or is it only work-based?

The diploma is primarily work-based, meaning you must be employed in an equine veterinary practice to gather evidence. However, some colleges offer blended learning with online theory modules and face-to-face practical sessions. The assessment is always conducted in your workplace by a qualified assessor.

What is the difference between this diploma and the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Small Animal)?

The equine diploma focuses exclusively on horses, covering species-specific anatomy, handling, and nursing procedures. The small animal diploma covers dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Both lead to registration with the RCVS, but as an Equine Veterinary Nurse (REVN) or a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) respectively. You cannot switch between the two without additional training.

Do I need to have my own horse to study this diploma?

No, you do not need to own a horse. You will gain hands-on experience with horses in your practice, under supervision. However, a good understanding of equine behaviour and confidence around horses is essential. Many students have prior experience through riding or yard work.

What career opportunities are available after completing this diploma?

After qualifying, you can work as a Registered Equine Veterinary Nurse in equine hospitals, first-opinion practices, or referral centres. You may also specialise in areas like equine dentistry, physiotherapy, or nutrition. Some nurses progress to teaching, practice management, or research.

How is the diploma assessed?

Assessment is continuous through a portfolio of evidence, including observation of practical skills, written assignments, case logs, and professional discussions. You will also sit external exams covering theory. Your assessor will visit your workplace to observe you performing tasks like bandaging, monitoring anaesthesia, and handling horses.

Application of veterinary nursing A incorporating laboratory diagnostics (equine)

LANTRA AWARDS

vocational

This element integrates equine veterinary nursing practice with laboratory diagnostics, focusing on the application of clinical pathology to support disease diagnosis and monitoring in horses. Learners must demonstrate competence in collecting, handling, and processing equine specimens, understanding how laboratory findings inform nursing care plans for commonly encountered disorders of the musculoskeletal, integumentary, and nervous systems. Practical application includes aseptic technique, use of diagnostic equipment, and infection control measures specific to equine practice to safeguard both animal and human health.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

Lantra Awards Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Equine

Topic Overview

The Lantra Awards Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Equine is a vocational qualification designed for those already working in an equine veterinary practice. It combines workplace learning with theoretical knowledge, covering essential nursing skills such as anaesthesia, surgical nursing, diagnostic imaging, and critical care. This diploma is the recognised route to becoming a Registered Equine Veterinary Nurse (REVN) in the UK, and it ensures you can competently support veterinary surgeons in all aspects of equine patient care.

This qualification is structured around mandatory units that reflect the day-to-day responsibilities of an equine veterinary nurse. You will develop expertise in areas like infection control, pharmacology, nutrition, and handling of horses for procedures. The work-based nature means you are assessed in your practice environment, linking theory directly to real cases. Mastering this diploma not only prepares you for the RCVS equine nursing exams but also builds confidence in managing emergencies, post-operative care, and client communication.

In the wider context of animal care, equine veterinary nursing is a specialised field requiring a deep understanding of equine behaviour, anatomy, and physiology. This diploma sits within the Lantra Awards occupational framework, which is recognised by employers and professional bodies. It bridges the gap between general animal care qualifications and advanced clinical practice, making it a critical step for anyone aiming to specialise in equine nursing.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Equine Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the unique structure of the horse, including the digestive system (hindgut fermenter), respiratory system (obligate nasal breathers), and musculoskeletal system, is fundamental to nursing care.
→Infection Control and Biosecurity: Strict protocols for sterilisation, isolation of infectious cases, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent disease spread in a practice setting.
→Anaesthesia and Analgesia: Monitoring vital signs during sedation and general anaesthesia, recognising complications like hypotension or hypoventilation, and providing appropriate pain relief.
→Wound Management and Bandaging: Techniques for cleaning, debriding, and dressing equine wounds, including pressure bandages, Robert Jones bandages, and foot bandages.
→Diagnostic Imaging: Positioning for radiography, safety around X-ray equipment, and understanding of ultrasound and endoscopy in equine patients.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Understand essential terminology in relation to veterinary nursing practice Understand the normal form and function of cells and tissuesUnderstand the normal form and function of the nervous system and associated nursingcare for commonly encountered disordersUnderstand the role of infection in animal and human healthUnderstand the principles of disease transmission in veterinary practiceUnderstand the principles of disinfection and sterilisationUnderstand how to maintain personal hygiene in relation to cross-infection Understand the principles of infection monitoringUnderstand the function and use of laboratory equipment Understand how to collect and prepare specimens for examination Understand how to test pathological specimensUnderstand how to prepare specimens for transportation Understand the normal form and function of the musculoskeletal system and associated nursing care for commonly encountered disordersUnderstand the normal form and function of skin and associated nursing care for commonly encountered skin disordersUnderstand the principles of wound healing and careDeliver nursing requirements relating to skin, wound care, and bandaging

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for demonstrating aseptic technique when collecting venous blood samples from a horse, including correct restraint and site preparation.
Expect evidence of performing and interpreting a packed cell volume (PCV) and total protein using a microhaematocrit centrifuge and refractometer, with accurate recording of results.
Look for correct preparation and microscopic examination of a faecal sample using a McMaster slide for equine strongyle egg counts, including identification of common parasites.
Assess the ability to safely handle and process equine skin scrapings for ectoparasite identification, and link findings to appropriate nursing interventions for conditions like sweet itch.
Require demonstration of proper swab collection from a wound or skin lesion and subsequent culture inoculation onto agar plates within a sterile field.
Credit should be given for accurate completion of laboratory request forms and specimen packaging that adheres to legal requirements for category B infectious substances transport.
Check understanding of quality control procedures, such as running controls alongside patient samples and maintaining equipment logs for autoclaves and incubators.
Evaluate the creation of a nursing care plan that incorporates diagnostic results, e.g., adjusting bandaging frequency based on bacterial culture sensitivity from a wound swab.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡When compiling your portfolio, include a reflective account for each diagnostic procedure explaining how the result influenced the nursing care plan, linking theory to practice.
💡During observed assessments, verbalise infection control steps clearly, including hand hygiene before and after specimen handling and waste disposal routes.
💡For the written component, revise the specific laboratory tests recommended for common equine conditions such as PPID (ACTH, insulin) and tying-up (CK, AST) to demonstrate applied knowledge.
💡Prepare to discuss the limitations of in-house versus referral laboratory tests, and how to decide when an external lab is necessary, considering equine-specific assays.
💡When presenting evidence of bandaging or wound care, always cross-reference the diagnostic findings (e.g., swab results) that determined your choice of dressing or topical agent.
💡Always relate your answers to the equine patient specifically. Examiners look for evidence that you understand the differences between equine and small animal nursing, such as in drug dosages, handling, and recovery.
💡Use the acronym 'SOAP' (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) when writing nursing care plans. This structure is widely accepted and helps you cover all aspects systematically.
💡In practical assessments, demonstrate your awareness of health and safety for both the horse and yourself. For example, always check the horse's demeanour before approaching and use appropriate restraint techniques.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Confusing equine reference ranges for haematology and biochemistry with small animal values, leading to misinterpretation of results.
Failing to consider the effects of excitement or exercise on equine blood parameters such as packed cell volume (splenic contraction) when collecting samples.
Incorrect handling of urine samples, such as not preserving them for culture or not examining within 30 minutes of collection, resulting in artefactual changes.
Neglecting to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling equine samples with zoonotic potential, e.g., suspecting dermatophytosis (ringworm).
Using inappropriate anticoagulant tubes for blood collection (e.g., EDTA for clotting profiles) or under/overfilling tubes, affecting test accuracy.
Assuming that a negative faecal egg count rules out all internal parasites, overlooking tapeworms or bots that require different diagnostic methods.
Misidentification of common equine skin cytology findings, such as confusing eosinophils and neutrophils in inflammatory conditions like insect hypersensitivity.
Failing to calibrate and clean laboratory equipment (e.g., refractometer, centrifuge) regularly, leading to unreliable results.
Misconception: Horses can vomit. Correction: Horses are physically unable to vomit due to a strong cardiac sphincter; therefore, signs of colic or gastric distress require immediate veterinary attention.
Misconception: A horse's normal temperature is the same as a human's. Correction: Normal equine temperature ranges from 37.5°C to 38.5°C; anything above 38.5°C indicates pyrexia.
Misconception: You can use the same bandaging technique on a horse as on a dog. Correction: Equine bandages must account for weight-bearing and movement; improper bandaging can cause pressure sores or circulatory issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•A Level 2 qualification in Animal Care or equivalent, such as a GCSE in Biology or a related subject.
•Employment in an equine veterinary practice, as the diploma requires workplace assessment and evidence collection.
•Basic understanding of equine handling and husbandry, typically gained through prior work experience or a Level 2 equine course.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Understand essential terminology in relation to veterinary nursing practice Understand the normal form and function of cells and tissuesUnderstand the normal form and function of the nervous system and associated nursingcare for commonly encountered disordersUnderstand the role of infection in animal and human healthUnderstand the principles of disease transmission in veterinary practiceUnderstand the principles of disinfection and sterilisationUnderstand how to maintain personal hygiene in relation to cross-infection Understand the principles of infection monitoringUnderstand the function and use of laboratory equipment Understand how to collect and prepare specimens for examination Understand how to test pathological specimensUnderstand how to prepare specimens for transportation Understand the normal form and function of the musculoskeletal system and associated nursing care for commonly encountered disordersUnderstand the normal form and function of skin and associated nursing care for commonly encountered skin disordersUnderstand the principles of wound healing and careDeliver nursing requirements relating to skin, wound care, and bandaging

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Application of veterinary nursing A incorporating laboratory diagnostics (equine)

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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