Central Qualifications (CQ) will be showcasing a new range of Level 3 and 4 veterinary nursing qualifications at this year's BVNA Congress (10-12 October 2025) on Stand P17.
The Level 4 qualifications are intended to support qualified registered veterinary nurses to develop their skills in a variety of disciplines. The syllabus is designed with flexibility in mind and can be delivered either online or in-person, on a full-time or part-time basis.
CQ’s qualifications are produced with the goal of training knowledgeable and experienced registered nurses with the skills to make a difference at veterinary practices and other animal-related establishments. The CQ team will be on hand to give colleges and training providers any support they might need to deliver these qualifications.
The Level 4 qualifications now include:
- Level 4 Certificate in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Nursing – Small Animal
- Level 4 Certificate in Surgical Veterinary Nursing – Small Animal
- Level 4 Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia – Small Animal
- Level 4 Certificate in Veterinary Dental Nursing – Small Animal
- Level 4 Certificate in Veterinary Medical Nursing – Small Animal
- Level 4 Certificate in Veterinary Nursing Consultation – Small Animal
For qualified veterinary nurses who are looking to broaden their expertise, CQ also now offers new Level 3 Top-Up qualifications.
A qualified veterinary nurse trained in small animal nursing seeking to explore a mixed animal role can opt for CQ's new Level 3 Diploma in Equine Practice – Top Up. Similarly, equine veterinary nurses can take the Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Practice – Top-Up to develop their small animal skills.
CQ is also introducing a Level 3 Certificate in Veterinary Leadership and Clinical Coaching. This qualification is designed to prepare registered veterinary nurses for leadership roles in a veterinary environment, including supporting education and training. It will cover the principles of leadership and management and how to support team members in a practice environment.
Denise Burke, CQ quality assurance manager, said: “We are pleased to announce the launch of our new Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications.
“These qualifications are ideal for Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) and will build upon what has been learnt via the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing by providing a way to gain key skills and experience in specialised disciplines.”
Meanwhile veterinary nursing assistants, and others working in an animal care environment, can benefit from a selection of Level 2 qualifications. These require only basic knowledge of pet medicine and care from students.
The Level 2 qualifications include:
- Level 2 Award in Small Animal First Aid
- Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Medication - Small Animal
- Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants in Feline Centred Practice
- Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants – Equine
- Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants – Small Animal