Veterinary Support Assistant (Level 3)

Veterinary Support Assistant (Level 3)

The Veterinary Support Assistant course has been developed for learners with an interest in veterinary nursing or becoming a veterinary nurse assistant.  It will provide you with a broad knowledge base. 
 
This will give you an understanding of the roles of the members of the veterinary team and the legal and ethical system in which they work; an awareness of basic anatomy and physiology of the dog and cat and a working knowledge of Health and Safety within veterinary practice.
 
The course will also explore the important topic of infection control in the veterinary practice and will explain the basic veterinary equipment used commonly in veterinary practice.

The Veterinary Support Assistant Level 3 course is divided into six comprehensive modules:

Module 1
The Roles of Members of the Veterinary Team

• Roles and responsibilities of Veterinary Surgeons
• Roles of the Veterinary Nurse
• Roles of the student Veterinary Nurse
• Essentials of the legal system
• Individual character and conscience

Module 2
Anatomy and Physiology of Dogs and Cats

• Animal cell structure and cell function
• Basic structure and function of the nervous system
• The endocrine system
• The digestive system
• The urinary system
• The respiratory system
• The cardiovascular system
• The circulatory system

 
Module 3
Health and Safety Within The Veterinary Practice

• Principles of health and safety
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002
• Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
• Manual Handling Regulations 1992

 
Module 4
Infection Control in the Veterinary Practice

• The role of infection in animal and human health
• Principles of disease transmission in veterinary practice
• How to maintain a clean clinical environment
• Main groups of disinfectants

 
Module 5
Veterinary Nursing Support of Diagnostic Techniques

• Running a laboratory in a veterinary practice
• Emergency procedures
• General safety measures
• How to collect and prepare urine, faecal and blood samples
• How to carry out common laboratory tests
• Test results

 
Module 6
Understanding Veterinary Pharmacy

• Principles of pharmacy stock management
• The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
• Principles of safe dispensing
• Medication terms used in Pharmacology
• Absorption rate
• Drug formulations

Assessment

Assessments are a great way of checking your progress allowing you to apply your learning to real-world situations. Through the Veterinary Support Assistant (Level 3) Course by NCFE, students will be assessed by a series of written assignments, which are submitted to and marked by your tutor.

All assignments are set by NCFE. Upon verification of the activities, exercises and assignments, a certificate of achievement will be awarded by the national awarding organisation NCFE, as confirmation that your written work has met all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the programme.

There is no external examination required.

What's included:

You will have access to a tutor, via email, who will mark your work and guide you through the course to help you be ready for your examinations. In addition you will be supplied with a comprehensive Study Guide which will help you through the study and assessment process.

The course pack includes, guidance on relevant study skills and full tutor support comprising:

• the marking of a series of assignments
• written answers to specific study problems
• 12 month tutor support via emails
• a copy of our study guide, will give you guidance on studying and submitting assignments

Entry Requirements

Our Veterinary Support Assistant (Level 3) Course is openly available to anyone wishing to learn more about Veterinary Support Assistant and has a keen interest in the subject, plus an intention to progress a career.

• Learners will need sufficient numeracy and literacy
• Students should have access to a computer and the internet throughout your study period.
• Learners should have basic PC skills in order to navigate our Support Portal
• You should be fully committed to your studies.