Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 2 Certificate |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times |
You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction but will include both theory and practical sessions. |
| Entry requirements |
GCSE Maths, English and Science at Grade 3 OR Level 1 Functional Skills Maths and English, plus GCSE Science at Grade 3. Students undertaking a Level 2 programme at the college wishing to progress onto the ANA, are required to successfully achieve their qualification at Pass level, with an improvement in Maths and English. |
| Campus |
West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes (60 hours) |
Is it for me?
What you'll learn
- Introduction to animal anatomy and physiology
- Provide basic nursing treatments to animals
- Principles of infection control for animal nursing assistants
- Maintain animal accommodation
- Provide nutrition to animals
- Principles of animal nursing assistance
- Handling and restraint of animals
- Companion animal parasitology and zoonosis
- Principles of companion animal anaesthesia and fluid therapy
- Veterinary Reception and Customer Care (WRE)
Work experience placements
You are required to gain at least 60 hours of work-related experience in the animal sector, preferably within the veterinary field, such as local veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or animal welfare organisations. We suggest you attend a placement one day a week, but there will also be Work Placement weeks within the academic year to support the completion of block placements. This practical experience is invaluable for your academic journey and future career prospects. By actively engaging in hands-on work, you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you acquire in the classroom to real-life situations.
Assessment
This course is assessed through a series of portfolios which include both theory and practical assessments. There is also an online multiple-choice question exam for the module 'Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology'. You will also be required to continue your Maths and English study alongside the programme, unless you hold a GCSE Grade 4.
Further study
The exciting news is that this course can give you the opportunity to study the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Small Animal or Equine) which is usually studied within a training veterinary practice, allowing you to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). Please note, you are required to have 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 including English Language, Maths and Science to study the Level 3 Veterinary Diploma.
Example careers
- Animal Nursing Assistant
- Veterinary Care Assistant
- Animal Care Assistant
Days & times
Starting September 2025