ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)
The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) is designed for learners who aspire to begin a professional career in veterinary nursing. This qualification provides the essential academic foundation and hands‑on training required to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care to companion animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
The diploma ensures learners develop both practical competence and theoretical understanding. Core areas of study include anatomy and physiology, patient care, anaesthesia support, pharmacology, rehabilitation, and professional practice. Learners gain experience in clinical environments, applying their knowledge directly to patient care under supervision.
The programme emphasises preventive healthcare and welfare, preparing learners to support vaccination programmes, parasite control, nutrition, and owner education. It also develops communication and teamwork skills, enabling graduates to work effectively within veterinary practices and hospitals.
Upon successful completion, learners are eligible to apply for professional registration as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN), opening doors to employment in veterinary practices, animal hospitals, welfare organisations, and community outreach programmes. The diploma also provides a strong foundation for future progression into advanced vocational qualifications or specialist areas of veterinary nursing.
This qualification is ideal for individuals passionate about animal welfare, eager to work in companion animal healthcare, and committed to building a career that makes a meaningful difference to the lives of pets and their owners.
Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)
To enrol in ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal), learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal), consists of 6 mandatory units.
- Companion Animal Anatomy and Basic Physiology
- Introduction to Veterinary Nursing and Patient Care
- Companion Animal Handling, Restraint, and Safety Procedures
- Basic Anaesthesia Assistance and Surgical Preparation
- Veterinary Pharmacology Fundamentals and Medicine Records
- Preventive Healthcare, Nutrition, and Welfare in Companion Animals
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) :
Companion Animal Anatomy and Basic Physiology
- Identify the major anatomical structures of dogs, cats, rabbits, and small mammals.
- Describe the basic physiological functions of body systems (respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous).
- Relate anatomy and physiology to common health conditions in companion animals.
- Apply anatomical knowledge to safe handling and basic nursing procedures.
- Recognise signs of normal versus abnormal function in companion animals.
- Use anatomical terminology accurately in clinical communication.
- Demonstrate awareness of how growth, age, and breed differences affect physiology.
Introduction to Veterinary Nursing and Patient Care
- Explain the role and responsibilities of a veterinary nurse in companion animal practice.
- Demonstrate safe and compassionate patient care, including feeding, grooming, and monitoring.
- Record patient information accurately in line with professional standards.
- Apply infection control and hygiene procedures in clinical environments.
- Assist in routine examinations and basic diagnostic procedures.
- Communicate effectively with veterinary surgeons, colleagues, and animal owners.
- Reflect on professional behaviours and ethical responsibilities in nursing practice.
Companion Animal Handling, Restraint, and Safety Procedures
- Demonstrate safe handling techniques for dogs, cats, rabbits, and small mammals.
- Apply appropriate restraint methods for examinations, treatments, and minor procedures.
- Recognise stress signals and behavioural cues in companion animals.
- Minimise risk to patients, staff, and owners during handling.
- Use equipment such as muzzles, cat bags, and restraint aids correctly.
- Apply health and safety protocols to prevent injury or accidents.
- Reflect on the importance of animal welfare during handling and restraint.
Basic Anaesthesia Assistance and Surgical Preparation
- Prepare patients for anaesthesia, including fasting, monitoring, and pre‑operative checks.
- Assist veterinary surgeons with anaesthetic induction and recovery procedures.
- Monitor vital signs during anaesthesia under supervision.
- Maintain aseptic techniques in surgical preparation and theatre environments.
- Prepare surgical instruments, equipment, and materials for routine procedures.
- Support post‑operative care, including pain management and wound monitoring.
- Record anaesthesia and surgical data accurately in patient records.
Veterinary Pharmacology Fundamentals and Medicine Records
- Identify common medicines used in companion animal practice.
- Explain basic principles of drug administration, dosage, and safety.
- Assist in the safe storage, handling, and disposal of veterinary medicines.
- Maintain accurate medicine records in compliance with regulations.
- Recognise potential side effects and report concerns to supervising staff.
- Communicate clearly with owners about medicine use and compliance.
- Apply professional responsibility in medicine management.
Preventive Healthcare, Nutrition, and Welfare in Companion Animals
- Support vaccination and parasite control programmes in companion animals.
- Explain the importance of nutrition and feeding plans for different species.
- Promote dental health, grooming, and routine care for long‑term wellbeing.
- Recognise welfare needs and apply the “Five Freedoms” in nursing practice.
- Educate owners on responsible pet care and preventive healthcare strategies.
- Monitor patient progress in preventive programmes and record outcomes.
- Reflect on the nurse’s role in promoting welfare and community awareness.
Completing the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) gives learners the foundation to begin a professional career in companion animal healthcare. It builds confidence in patient care, clinical support, and welfare responsibilities, while opening doors to meaningful roles in veterinary practices, hospitals, and welfare organisations. Graduates are prepared to contribute directly to animal wellbeing and grow into senior responsibilities over time.
- Work as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) in local veterinary practices, assisting with examinations, anaesthesia monitoring, and surgical preparation.
- Deliver routine nursing care such as feeding, grooming, wound management, and post‑operative support.
- Support diagnostic procedures including laboratory tests, imaging, and patient monitoring.
- Provide rehabilitation assistance for animals recovering from surgery or illness.
- Contribute to preventive healthcare programmes such as vaccination, parasite control, and nutrition planning.
- Apply nursing skills in charities, rescue centres, and rehabilitation programmes, supporting rehoming and welfare initiatives.
- Educate communities and pet owners on responsible care, dental health, and long‑term wellbeing.
- Promote awareness of welfare frameworks such as the Five Freedoms in everyday practice.
- Build confidence to take on senior nursing responsibilities through experience and continuing professional development.
- Position yourself for future advancement into leadership, consultancy, or advisory roles within veterinary nursing.