ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine)
The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine) provides learners with the essential knowledge, skills, and practical competence required to begin a career in equine veterinary nursing. Horses present unique healthcare challenges, and this qualification ensures learners are prepared to meet those needs through a combination of practice‑based learning and theoretical study.
Learners will gain a strong foundation in equine anatomy, physiology, patient assessment, and clinical nursing techniques, alongside training in areas such as anaesthesia support, surgical preparation, pharmacology, and rehabilitation. Preventive healthcare and welfare standards are emphasised throughout, equipping graduates to promote responsible horse ownership and contribute to long‑term equine wellbeing.
Aligned with international vocational standards Competences, the diploma ensures learners are work‑ready and capable of delivering safe, effective care in veterinary practices, equine hospitals, and welfare organisations. The programme also develops professional behaviours, communication skills, and ethical decision‑making, preparing learners to work confidently with veterinary surgeons, clients, and multidisciplinary teams.
Graduates of this qualification can progress into roles as equine veterinary nurses in practice or welfare settings, or expand their expertise through advanced vocational training. With its balance of practical competence and underpinning knowledge, the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma serves as a gateway to a rewarding career in equine healthcare, combining compassion, technical skill, and professional responsibility.
Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine)
To enrol in ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine), learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine), consists of 6 mandatory units.
- Equine Anatomy, Physiology, and Basic Pathology
- Equine Patient Care and Clinical Nursing Skills
- Equine Anaesthesia Support and Surgical Preparation
- Pharmacology, Medicines Administration, and Record‑Keeping
- Equine Rehabilitation, Preventive Healthcare, and Welfare
- Professional Practice, Communication, and Teamwork in Veterinary Nursing
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine):
Equine Anatomy, Physiology, and Basic Pathology
- Identify the major anatomical structures of the horse, including skeletal and muscular systems
- Explain the basic physiological functions of equine body systems (respiratory, circulatory, digestive)
- Recognise common equine diseases and disorders affecting health and performance
- Describe how pathology impacts equine welfare and clinical outcomes
- Apply anatomical knowledge to patient assessment and nursing interventions
- Understand the relationship between nutrition, physiology, and equine health
- Demonstrate awareness of disease prevention through basic pathology knowledge
- Relate anatomy and physiology to safe handling and clinical procedures
Equine Patient Care and Clinical Nursing Skills
- Carry out routine patient care including grooming, feeding, and monitoring vital signs
- Assist with equine handling and restraint techniques safely and effectively
- Provide nursing support for hospitalised horses, ensuring welfare and comfort
- Record patient observations accurately in line with professional standards
- Recognise signs of pain, distress, or illness in equine patients
- Apply infection control and hygiene practices in equine nursing environments
- Support veterinary surgeons during examinations and minor procedures
- Communicate effectively with owners about patient care and welfare needs
Equine Anaesthesia Support and Surgical Preparation
- Prepare equine patients for anaesthesia and surgical procedures
- Assist with monitoring vital signs during anaesthesia under supervision
- Maintain aseptic techniques in theatre environments
- Prepare surgical instruments and equipment for equine procedures
- Support recovery and post‑operative care of equine patients
- Recognise risks associated with anaesthesia and surgery at Level 3 practice
- Apply safe handling techniques during surgical preparation and recovery
- Record anaesthesia and surgical support activities accurately
Pharmacology, Medicines Administration, and Record‑Keeping
- Understand the basic principles of equine pharmacology and medicine categories
- Administer medicines safely under veterinary direction
- Recognise common drugs used in equine practice and their effects
- Apply correct dosage, storage, and disposal procedures for medicines
- Maintain accurate medicine records in compliance with regulations
- Promote responsible medicine use and awareness of antimicrobial resistance
- Communicate clearly with owners about medicine administration and safety
- Follow legal and ethical guidelines for medicine handling in veterinary practice
Equine Rehabilitation, Preventive Healthcare, and Welfare
- Assist in rehabilitation programmes for horses recovering from injury or surgery
- Support preventive healthcare measures such as vaccination and parasite control
- Recognise welfare needs and apply ethical principles in equine nursing
- Promote dental care, hoof care, and nutrition as part of preventive healthcare
- Monitor progress of rehabilitation and report findings to veterinary staff
- Educate owners on responsible equine healthcare practices
- Apply welfare standards in line with national and international guidelines
- Reflect on the nurse’s role in promoting long‑term equine wellbeing
Professional Practice, Communication, and Teamwork in Veterinary Nursing
- Demonstrate professional behaviour and responsibility in equine nursing practice
- Communicate effectively with veterinary surgeons, colleagues, and horse owners
- Work collaboratively within a veterinary team to support equine healthcare
- Apply ethical decision‑making in patient care and professional conduct
- Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with practice standards
- Reflect on personal strengths and areas for improvement in nursing practice
- Participate in continuing professional development activities at Level 3
- Promote the role of veterinary nurses in advancing equine welfare and healthcare
The Level 3 Diploma is designed as a gateway qualification into equine veterinary nursing. It equips learners with the essential knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviours needed to begin a career in equine healthcare. Upon completion, graduates are ready to enter the workforce in veterinary practices, equine hospitals, and welfare organisations, while also having the option to pursue advanced vocational diplomas for further specialisation.
- Equine Veterinary Practices Graduates can work as equine veterinary nurses in local practices, assisting with patient care, anaesthesia support, and rehabilitation.
- Specialist Equine Hospitals Opportunities exist in referral centres and equine hospitals where learners can support complex surgical and medical cases under supervision.
- Equine Welfare Organisations Learners may contribute to charities, rescue centres, and welfare programmes, applying nursing skills to improve equine wellbeing.
- Preventive Healthcare Roles Graduates can support vaccination, parasite control, dental care, and owner education programmes, promoting responsible horse care.
- Clinical Support and Teamwork Learners can progress into roles that involve assisting veterinary surgeons, maintaining patient records, and ensuring compliance with welfare standards.
- Advanced Vocational Training The diploma provides a foundation for progression into higher‑level vocational qualifications in veterinary nursing, equine management, or specialised care pathways.
- Community Engagement Graduates can deliver basic training and awareness sessions for horse owners, strengthening community knowledge of equine health and welfare.