Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipVN) – Small Animal

The Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Small Animal) is a Level 3 qualification designed to prepare and support those who wish to pursue a career as a veterinary nurse.

The programme comprises a balance of practice-based learning and theoretical teaching to enable learners to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to practise veterinary nursing safely and competently. Learners can undertake the qualification on a full or part-time basis, and employment within an approved training practice is required.

Primary units of study include applied animal welfare, health and husbandry; support of diagnostic imaging and laboratory diagnostics; and principles of small animal veterinary nursing emergency and critical care. In addition to key practical competences, learners will be encouraged to develop life skills essential for professional development – such as, building professional relationships and effective communication for veterinary nursing practice.

The programme allows flexibility for Centres to use different training styles and structures, and provides additional helpful details for learners and facilitators looking for further guidance. The learning objectives and unit structure of this qualification are equivalent to that of the RCVS level 3 Diploma.

CQ procedures ensure that quality assurance is robustly monitored and enforced within all qualifications and delivery methods.