ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine)

The ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine) is an advanced qualification tailored for veterinary nurses seeking to specialise in equine healthcare. Horses and other equine species present unique clinical challenges, requiring nurses to master specialised knowledge in anatomy, physiology, disease management, and surgical support. This diploma equips learners with the advanced skills needed to deliver safe, effective, and evidence‑based care in equine practice environments.

Learners will explore a wide range of topics, including equine patient assessment, anaesthesia and surgical nursing, pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, and rehabilitation protocols. The programme also emphasises preventive healthcare, welfare standards, and ethical decision‑making, ensuring graduates can provide holistic care that supports both animal wellbeing and client confidence.

Aligned with international standards , the diploma prepares learners to operate at a senior professional level. It fosters critical thinking, leadership, and reflective practice, enabling nurses to contribute to clinical audits, mentor junior staff, and engage in research that advances equine veterinary nursing.

Graduates of this qualification are well‑positioned to pursue roles in specialist equine hospitals, referral centres, and welfare organisations, or to progress into consultancy, management, and advanced academic study. With its global relevance, the ICTQual Level 7 Diploma empowers veterinary nurses to expand their career horizons, enhance their professional credibility, and make a lasting impact on equine health and welfare.

Course overview

Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine)

To enrol in ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine) , learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must generally be 21 years or older, reflecting the advanced nature of the programme and its postgraduate‑level expectations.
  • Educational Background: Applicants should hold a recognised Level 6 qualification in veterinary nursing, animal health, or a related discipline. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered for entry.
  • Professional Experience: Learners are expected to have substantial clinical experience in veterinary nursing, ideally with exposure to equine practice. This ensures they can apply advanced concepts directly to real‑world contexts.
  • English Proficiency: As the programme is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate competence in written and spoken English.International learners may need to provide evidence of proficiency through recognised assessments (e.g., IELTS or equivalent), depending on centre requirements.
  • Additional Requirements: Learners must have access to an approved equine veterinary practice or hospital where they can complete practical components of the diploma. This allows them to demonstrate advanced skills in surgery, anaesthesia, and patient care.

This qualification, the ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine) , consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. Advanced Equine Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
  2. Equine Clinical Assessment, Diagnostics, and Imaging
  3. Equine Anaesthesia, Surgical Nursing, and Theatre Practice
  4. Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Evidence‑Based Practice in Equine Nursing
  5. Equine Rehabilitation, Welfare, and Preventive Healthcare
  6. Leadership, Research, and Professional Development in Veterinary Nursing

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine):

Advanced Equine Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of equine anatomy across musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems
  • Analyse physiological processes that underpin equine health and performance
  • Evaluate complex pathophysiological mechanisms in common equine diseases
  • Apply anatomical and physiological knowledge to clinical decision‑making in nursing practice
  • Integrate current research findings into understanding equine disease progression
  • Assess the impact of systemic disorders on equine welfare and clinical outcomes
  • Critically reflect on how advanced anatomy and physiology informs evidence‑based nursing interventions
  • Relate anatomical and physiological knowledge to surgical preparation and rehabilitation protocols

Equine Clinical Assessment, Diagnostics, and Imaging

  • Conduct comprehensive equine patient assessments, including history taking and physical examination
  • Apply advanced diagnostic techniques such as haematology, biochemistry, and endoscopy
  • Utilise imaging modalities including radiography, ultrasonography, and MRI in equine practice
  • Interpret diagnostic results to inform evidence‑based nursing care plans
  • Evaluate the limitations, risks, and ethical considerations of diagnostic procedures
  • Collaborate effectively with veterinary surgeons in diagnostic decision‑making
  • Critically appraise emerging diagnostic technologies for equine healthcare
  • Maintain accurate records to support compliance and clinical audits

Equine Anaesthesia, Surgical Nursing, and Theatre Practice

  • Demonstrate advanced competence in equine anaesthesia protocols and monitoring techniques
  • Prepare equine patients for surgery, ensuring welfare and safety standards are upheld
  • Assist in theatre practice, including aseptic techniques and surgical instrumentation
  • Manage peri‑operative care, including pain management and recovery protocols
  • Evaluate risks associated with equine anaesthesia and surgery, applying mitigation strategies
  • Reflect on surgical nursing practices to improve patient outcomes and professional standards
  • Integrate evidence‑based approaches into anaesthesia and surgical nursing decisions
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe and effective surgical outcomes

Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Evidence‑Based Practice in Equine Nursing

  • Apply advanced pharmacological knowledge to equine medicine administration
  • Evaluate therapeutic options for equine patients, considering efficacy and safety
  • Promote responsible medicine use, including antimicrobial stewardship
  • Integrate evidence‑based practice into prescribing and nursing decisions
  • Critically appraise current research in equine pharmacology and therapeutics
  • Maintain accurate records to support compliance and audit requirements
  • Assess the impact of pharmacological interventions on equine welfare and recovery
  • Reflect on ethical considerations in prescribing and administering equine medicines

Equine Rehabilitation, Welfare, and Preventive Healthcare

  • Design and implement rehabilitation programmes for equine patients recovering from injury or surgery
  • Promote preventive healthcare strategies including vaccination, parasite control, and dental care
  • Evaluate welfare standards and ethical considerations in equine nursing practice
  • Collaborate with owners and multidisciplinary teams to support long‑term equine wellbeing
  • Assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation and preventive programmes using measurable outcomes
  • Reflect on the nurse’s role in advancing equine welfare and preventive healthcare initiatives
  • Critically analyse current research in equine rehabilitation and welfare practices
  • Apply international standards of animal welfare to equine nursing interventions

Leadership, Research, and Professional Development in Veterinary Nursing

  • Demonstrate leadership skills in managing equine nursing teams and clinical environments
  • Mentor junior staff and contribute to professional development within veterinary practice
  • Design and conduct research projects that advance equine nursing knowledge
  • Critically evaluate clinical audits and quality assurance processes
  • Engage in reflective practice to enhance professional growth and patient care standards
  • Contribute to policy development and professional discourse in veterinary nursing
  • Promote ethical leadership and accountability in equine healthcare settings
  • Collaborate with professional bodies to strengthen veterinary nursing standards internationally

The ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine) equips graduates with advanced clinical expertise, leadership skills, and a strong foundation in welfare standards. This qualification prepares professionals to take on senior responsibilities in equine healthcare, contribute to specialist practice, and play a meaningful role in shaping the future of veterinary nursing. With its emphasis on evidence‑based practice and professional development, it opens pathways to impactful careers across clinical, welfare, consultancy, and community settings.

  • Work in specialist equine hospitals or referral centres, supporting complex surgical and medical cases, including orthopaedic procedures, intensive care, and advanced diagnostics
  • Take on senior nursing responsibilities in anaesthesia, intensive care, and rehabilitation, ensuring patient safety and applying advanced monitoring techniques
  • Contribute expertise to equine welfare organisations, rescue centres, and charities by advising on healthcare protocols, rehabilitation strategies, and welfare audits
  • Lead preventive healthcare initiatives and community outreach programmes, promoting vaccination, parasite control, dental care, and responsible ownership among equine communities
  • Progress into supervisory or management positions within equine veterinary practices, overseeing nursing teams, coordinating clinical operations, and ensuring compliance with professional standards
  • Mentor junior nurses and students, providing structured guidance, training, and support while maintaining high standards in audits, record‑keeping, and clinical governance
  • Act as a consultant on equine nursing protocols, welfare standards, and regulatory compliance, advising veterinary practices, equine businesses, and welfare organisations on best practice
  • Provide training and advisory services to veterinary teams and equine businesses, delivering workshops, CPD sessions, and tailored guidance on advanced nursing care
  • Lead or contribute to clinical research projects that advance equine nursing knowledge, focusing on areas such as pain management, rehabilitation, and welfare improvement
  • Publish case studies, articles, or best‑practice guidelines to influence the wider profession and contribute to the evidence base in equine veterinary nursing
  • Participate in conferences, workshops, and professional networks to share expertise, build collaborations, and stay updated with emerging trends in equine healthcare
  • Collaborate with industry bodies to strengthen equine nursing standards internationally, contributing to policy development and professional frameworks
  • Deliver training sessions and educational programmes for horse owners, helping them understand preventive healthcare, safe medicine use, and welfare responsibilities
  • Promote responsible medicine use and welfare practices at the community level, raising awareness of antimicrobial stewardship, ethical care, and long‑term equine wellbeing

FAQs

This diploma is ideal for experienced veterinary nurses who want to specialise in equine healthcare and take on advanced clinical responsibilities. It suits professionals working in equine practices, hospitals, or welfare organisations who wish to expand their expertise in anaesthesia, surgery, rehabilitation, and leadership. The qualification is also valuable for those aiming to move into consultancy, management, or research roles, making it a strong choice for ambitious practitioners seeking career progression.

Graduates can progress into senior roles within equine veterinary practices, referral centres, and specialist hospitals. They may take on responsibilities in anaesthesia, intensive care, rehabilitation, and advanced patient management. The qualification also opens doors to consultancy, welfare organisations, and leadership positions, making it highly versatile for career growth and professional recognition.

The ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine) is a 120 Credit hours training programme designed to be completed in full-time study over this period, with a focus on both theoretical learning and practical application.

ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine) is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine) consist of 6 mandatory assessments. These assessments are designed to evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and their capacity to apply concepts in practical situations. It is mandatory to pass all assessments to achieve this qualification.