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Tutor Support Included

Learning remotely doesn’t mean you’re on your own! You’ll be able to message your tutor through our industry-leading learning platform.

Flexible Payment Options

Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for one year so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

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Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistant (RQF)

Get in touch with us and we’ll call you back
Get in touch with us and we’ll call you back
OUR PASS RATE
Animal Care & Veterinary Science (National Average 74.9%)
86.8%

This Course at a Glance

  • Learn how to perform health checks on a variety of animals
  • Discover first aid skills and how to manage emergency situations
  • Practical placement required
  • Gain a recognised Level 2 Diploma
  • Complete this course at your own pace with a 2 year enrolment period
  • Qualify as a Veterinary Nursing Assistant
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 9th June
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 9th June

Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistant (RQF)

This Course at a Glance

  • Learn how to perform health checks on a variety of animals
  • Discover first aid skills and how to manage emergency situations
  • Practical placement required
  • Gain a recognised Level 2 Diploma
  • Complete this course at your own pace with a 2 year enrolment period
  • Qualify as a Veterinary Nursing Assistant

About Your Diploma

If animal welfare is an area of interest for you and you have a strong desire to work with animals, then training to become a Veterinary Nursing Assistant could be the ideal career path for you. 

During this qualification, you will learn a range of skills and develop your knowledge in a variety of different areas related to animal health and the administrative side of animal care. This includes discovering how best to care for animals to ensure that they receive the best quality care.  

You will gain experience in how to safely handle and move a range of animals and carry out health checks. You will have the opportunity to learn about medical equipment and the use of medicines in animal care along with learning about first aid procedures and how to respond in an emergency situation. 

By studying this Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants online, you will be able to study around your existing commitments. Meaning that you can gain your qualification alongside your current job. With online learning, you can study from the comfort of your home, at your own pace with no need to wait for term time to begin. 

Practical Placement 

As part of this qualification, you will need to organise your own placement at a registered veterinary practice, or an organisation that has an element of veterinary care such as animal care charities, zoos and some animal care businesses. The placement is for a minimum of 2 weeks and needs to be supervised by a qualified RVN.

Getting Started 

learndirect is a leading UK distance learning provider. This Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants is recognised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). It has been designed to prepare learners for a career within animal care or Veterinary Nursing. 

You will be assigned a dedicated tutor who can advise and guide you through the course, as well as provide constructive feedback on assignments. This ensures you are on the right track with your education and better prepared to care for animals.   

There are flexible payment methods available and you can start learning from the moment you enrol. Start working towards a life-changing career in veterinary nursing today!   

+ Free Upgrade Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support PLUS On-Demand Content
Access your course materials immediately
Tutor support via our market-leading platform
Study around existing commitments
Progress as quickly as you’d like
Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed
Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes
Industry-leading 7 days marking turnaround
Access to our video library of on-demand content  

Modules

Unit 1: Administration in Veterinary Practice 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Know the administrative tasks carried out in a veterinary practice 

  • Understand the structure and services of veterinary practice 

  • Understand how to deal with clients in a veterinary practice 

  • Understand health and safety and professionalism in a veterinary practice 

  • Know how to promote services within a veterinary practice 

Unit 2: Hygiene in Animal Care 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Understand reasons for cleaning and hygiene in veterinary practice 

  • Know how to maintain cleaning and hygiene in veterinary practice 

  • Know how to dispose of waste from a veterinary practice 

Unit 3: Animal Health 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Understand the monitoring of animal health 

  • Know terminology used in veterinary practice 

  • Understand health checking animals 

  • Know common animal health issues 

Unit 4: Animal First Aid 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Know the principles of animal first aid 

  • Understand legislation relating to animal first aid 

  • Know how to deal with an animal first aid situation 

  • Know how to prioritise animal first aid cases 

Unit 5: Animal Behaviour and Welfare 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Understand the social structure of animals 

  • Understand behaviours seen in animals 

  • Know how to handle and restrain animals 

  • Understand animal welfare 

Unit 6: Wildlife in a Veterinary Practice 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Identify British Wildlife species encountered in a veterinary practice 

  • Understand organisations involved in assisting British Wildlife 

Unit 7: Veterinary Medicines and Equipment 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Know the use of veterinary equipment 

  • Know how to maintain veterinary instruments and prevent cross contamination 

  • Know the categories of veterinary medicine 

  • Know how to order veterinary medicines 

  • Understand the prescribing process 

  • Understand the disposal of veterinary medicines 

Unit 8: Pet Bereavement 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Understand pet death and euthanasia 

  • Know when euthanasia may be required 

  • Understand the options for disposal of cadavers 

  • Know the stages of bereavement 

  • Know how to support a bereaved client 

Unit 9: Practical Skills for Veterinary Nursing Assistants 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Be able to approach animals safely 

  • Be able to handle a range of animals 

  • Be able to restrain a range of animals 

  • Be able to carry out health checks on a range of animals 

  • Be able to provide appropriate care for a range of animals 

Entry Requirements

This course is open to anyone aged 16 and above. 

Minimum Age Restriction 

You must be aged 16 or older to enrol on this course.

Average Completion Timeframe 

You have 24 months to complete your course. 

Assessment Requirements 

You will be assessed via a combination of end of unit assessments and a portfolio of evidence. 

Placement or Practical Required 

You will need to organise your own placement. The placement is for a minimum of 2 weeks and needs to be supervised by a qualified RVN.  

If Placement or Practical Required, When? 

We encourage you to begin your search for a placement provider as early as you can, as securing one can take some time. 

Certification Timeframe 

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment.  

Once your tutor has confirmed that you have completed all your assessments, your work is internally verified and submitted to the Awarding Organisation for external assessment. Once this external verification process is successfully completed, you will be awarded your certificate. Please note that this process begins only if a student has cleared all outstanding payments. If you have any remaining payments, this may cause a delay in the process. 

Course Fees 

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before placement can be accessed (if purchased) or certification can be ordered. 

When studying this qualification, you will be required to build an online portfolio of evidence to showcase your knowledge and understanding throughout the course. 

SEG Awards

SEG Awards logo

SEG - Skills and Education Group Awards 

Once the external verification process is successfully completed, you will be awarded the SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants (610/3348/0).  

Skills and Education Group Awards (SEG) continually invest in high quality qualifications, assessments and services for chosen sectors. As a UK leading sector specialist, SEG continues to support employers and skills providers to enable individuals to achieve the skills and knowledge needed to raise professional standards across all sectors. 

Skills and Education Group Awards offer qualifications and assessments which are regulated by CCEA, Ofqual and Qualifications Wales. They are driven by delivering a high-quality and trusted service to Centres and learners, so that everyone gets the education they deserve.

With this nationally recognised Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants, you will be able to achieve a long and rewarding career within the sector. 

This qualification will help you to progress into a career in animal care or Veterinary Nursing within a veterinary practice. Once you have completed this Ofqual regulated qualification, you will have a clear understanding of how to provide quality care to animals in need and how to support qualified veterinary staff. This course also provides a wealth of knowledge when it comes to giving guidance and advice to owners on the correct management and care of their companion animals. 

On completion of this qualification, you may decide to progress directly into employment within the animal care sector, or onto higher level animal care qualifications. You may also choose to use your learning by volunteering or contributing as part of a charity. 

Many Veterinary Nurse Assistants choose to continue their education by qualifying to be a Veterinary Nurse, once they have a feel for what the role entails.

Frequently Asked Questions

This qualification is ideal for anyone aged 16 or over who wants to start a rewarding career working with animals. If you want to work in a veterinary practice but lack prior experience, this veterinary nurse assistant course provides the perfect entry point. You will develop practical skills in animal handling, health checking, and first aid, alongside essential administrative knowledge. Completing this assistant veterinary nursing course prepares you to confidently support qualified veterinary staff, improve animal welfare, and effectively guide pet owners on proper animal care. It also provides an excellent foundation if you want to progress to higher level training in the future.
Graduating with this Level 2 Diploma allows you to seek immediate employment within the animal care sector. The most direct career path is to work as a qualified veterinary nursing assistant or a vet nurse assistant within a veterinary practice. In these roles, you will look after animals in hospital wards, assist with medical equipment, and manage front of house duties. The skills you gain also open up opportunities in animal charities, wildlife rescue centres, and boarding kennels. Many people use this qualification as a stepping stone toward full veterinary nurse training later in their career.
Distance learning gives you the ultimate flexibility to learn at your own pace without the pressure of traditional term times. By choosing an assistant veterinary nursing course online, you can fit your studies around your current employment, family life, or other personal commitments. You have up to 24 months to complete the material from the comfort of your own home. You will also receive dedicated tutor support throughout your journey, ensuring you get the benefits of independent study alongside professional guidance.
While the theory is delivered digitally, hands on experience is essential for working safely with animals. As part of this assistant vet nurse course, you will complete a minimum of a two-week placement at a registered veterinary practice or an approved animal care organisation. This placement must be supervised by a Registered Veterinary Nurse. This experience is vital because it allows you to build your portfolio of evidence, practice your nursing assistant training in a real-world environment, and demonstrate that you can safely handle and restrain different species.
Yes, this Level 2 Diploma is fully regulated by Ofqual, which is the official government department that regulates qualifications in England. This ensures that your veterinary nurse assistant qualification is nationally recognised by employers across the animal care industry. It has been specifically designed to meet modern industry standards, covering everything from hygiene to pet bereavement support. This official regulation ensures that your investment in your assistant veterinary nurse training will be respected by veterinary practices nationwide.
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 9th June
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 9th June

Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistant (RQF)

This Course at a Glance

  • Learn how to perform health checks on a variety of animals
  • Discover first aid skills and how to manage emergency situations
  • Practical placement required
  • Gain a recognised Level 2 Diploma
  • Complete this course at your own pace with a 2 year enrolment period
  • Qualify as a Veterinary Nursing Assistant

About Your Diploma

If animal welfare is an area of interest for you and you have a strong desire to work with animals, then training to become a Veterinary Nursing Assistant could be the ideal career path for you. 

During this qualification, you will learn a range of skills and develop your knowledge in a variety of different areas related to animal health and the administrative side of animal care. This includes discovering how best to care for animals to ensure that they receive the best quality care.  

You will gain experience in how to safely handle and move a range of animals and carry out health checks. You will have the opportunity to learn about medical equipment and the use of medicines in animal care along with learning about first aid procedures and how to respond in an emergency situation. 

By studying this Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants online, you will be able to study around your existing commitments. Meaning that you can gain your qualification alongside your current job. With online learning, you can study from the comfort of your home, at your own pace with no need to wait for term time to begin. 

Practical Placement 

As part of this qualification, you will need to organise your own placement at a registered veterinary practice, or an organisation that has an element of veterinary care such as animal care charities, zoos and some animal care businesses. The placement is for a minimum of 2 weeks and needs to be supervised by a qualified RVN.

Getting Started 

learndirect is a leading UK distance learning provider. This Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants is recognised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). It has been designed to prepare learners for a career within animal care or Veterinary Nursing. 

You will be assigned a dedicated tutor who can advise and guide you through the course, as well as provide constructive feedback on assignments. This ensures you are on the right track with your education and better prepared to care for animals.   

There are flexible payment methods available and you can start learning from the moment you enrol. Start working towards a life-changing career in veterinary nursing today!   

+ Free Upgrade Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support PLUS On-Demand Content
Access your course materials immediately
Tutor support via our market-leading platform
Study around existing commitments
Progress as quickly as you’d like
Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed
Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes
Industry-leading 7 days marking turnaround
Access to our video library of on-demand content  

Modules

Unit 1: Administration in Veterinary Practice 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Know the administrative tasks carried out in a veterinary practice 

  • Understand the structure and services of veterinary practice 

  • Understand how to deal with clients in a veterinary practice 

  • Understand health and safety and professionalism in a veterinary practice 

  • Know how to promote services within a veterinary practice 

Unit 2: Hygiene in Animal Care 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Understand reasons for cleaning and hygiene in veterinary practice 

  • Know how to maintain cleaning and hygiene in veterinary practice 

  • Know how to dispose of waste from a veterinary practice 

Unit 3: Animal Health 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Understand the monitoring of animal health 

  • Know terminology used in veterinary practice 

  • Understand health checking animals 

  • Know common animal health issues 

Unit 4: Animal First Aid 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Know the principles of animal first aid 

  • Understand legislation relating to animal first aid 

  • Know how to deal with an animal first aid situation 

  • Know how to prioritise animal first aid cases 

Unit 5: Animal Behaviour and Welfare 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Understand the social structure of animals 

  • Understand behaviours seen in animals 

  • Know how to handle and restrain animals 

  • Understand animal welfare 

Unit 6: Wildlife in a Veterinary Practice 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Identify British Wildlife species encountered in a veterinary practice 

  • Understand organisations involved in assisting British Wildlife 

Unit 7: Veterinary Medicines and Equipment 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Know the use of veterinary equipment 

  • Know how to maintain veterinary instruments and prevent cross contamination 

  • Know the categories of veterinary medicine 

  • Know how to order veterinary medicines 

  • Understand the prescribing process 

  • Understand the disposal of veterinary medicines 

Unit 8: Pet Bereavement 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Understand pet death and euthanasia 

  • Know when euthanasia may be required 

  • Understand the options for disposal of cadavers 

  • Know the stages of bereavement 

  • Know how to support a bereaved client 

Unit 9: Practical Skills for Veterinary Nursing Assistants 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Be able to approach animals safely 

  • Be able to handle a range of animals 

  • Be able to restrain a range of animals 

  • Be able to carry out health checks on a range of animals 

  • Be able to provide appropriate care for a range of animals 

Entry Requirements

This course is open to anyone aged 16 and above. 

Minimum Age Restriction 

You must be aged 16 or older to enrol on this course.

Average Completion Timeframe 

You have 24 months to complete your course. 

Assessment Requirements 

You will be assessed via a combination of end of unit assessments and a portfolio of evidence. 

Placement or Practical Required 

You will need to organise your own placement. The placement is for a minimum of 2 weeks and needs to be supervised by a qualified RVN.  

If Placement or Practical Required, When? 

We encourage you to begin your search for a placement provider as early as you can, as securing one can take some time. 

Certification Timeframe 

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment.  

Once your tutor has confirmed that you have completed all your assessments, your work is internally verified and submitted to the Awarding Organisation for external assessment. Once this external verification process is successfully completed, you will be awarded your certificate. Please note that this process begins only if a student has cleared all outstanding payments. If you have any remaining payments, this may cause a delay in the process. 

Course Fees 

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before placement can be accessed (if purchased) or certification can be ordered. 

Excellent Marking

Assessment

When studying this qualification, you will be required to build an online portfolio of evidence to showcase your knowledge and understanding throughout the course. 

Qualifications

SEG Awards

SEG Awards logo

SEG - Skills and Education Group Awards 

Once the external verification process is successfully completed, you will be awarded the SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants (610/3348/0).  

Skills and Education Group Awards (SEG) continually invest in high quality qualifications, assessments and services for chosen sectors. As a UK leading sector specialist, SEG continues to support employers and skills providers to enable individuals to achieve the skills and knowledge needed to raise professional standards across all sectors. 

Skills and Education Group Awards offer qualifications and assessments which are regulated by CCEA, Ofqual and Qualifications Wales. They are driven by delivering a high-quality and trusted service to Centres and learners, so that everyone gets the education they deserve.

With this nationally recognised Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants, you will be able to achieve a long and rewarding career within the sector. 

This qualification will help you to progress into a career in animal care or Veterinary Nursing within a veterinary practice. Once you have completed this Ofqual regulated qualification, you will have a clear understanding of how to provide quality care to animals in need and how to support qualified veterinary staff. This course also provides a wealth of knowledge when it comes to giving guidance and advice to owners on the correct management and care of their companion animals. 

On completion of this qualification, you may decide to progress directly into employment within the animal care sector, or onto higher level animal care qualifications. You may also choose to use your learning by volunteering or contributing as part of a charity. 

Many Veterinary Nurse Assistants choose to continue their education by qualifying to be a Veterinary Nurse, once they have a feel for what the role entails.

Frequently Asked Questions

This qualification is ideal for anyone aged 16 or over who wants to start a rewarding career working with animals. If you want to work in a veterinary practice but lack prior experience, this veterinary nurse assistant course provides the perfect entry point. You will develop practical skills in animal handling, health checking, and first aid, alongside essential administrative knowledge. Completing this assistant veterinary nursing course prepares you to confidently support qualified veterinary staff, improve animal welfare, and effectively guide pet owners on proper animal care. It also provides an excellent foundation if you want to progress to higher level training in the future.
Graduating with this Level 2 Diploma allows you to seek immediate employment within the animal care sector. The most direct career path is to work as a qualified veterinary nursing assistant or a vet nurse assistant within a veterinary practice. In these roles, you will look after animals in hospital wards, assist with medical equipment, and manage front of house duties. The skills you gain also open up opportunities in animal charities, wildlife rescue centres, and boarding kennels. Many people use this qualification as a stepping stone toward full veterinary nurse training later in their career.
Distance learning gives you the ultimate flexibility to learn at your own pace without the pressure of traditional term times. By choosing an assistant veterinary nursing course online, you can fit your studies around your current employment, family life, or other personal commitments. You have up to 24 months to complete the material from the comfort of your own home. You will also receive dedicated tutor support throughout your journey, ensuring you get the benefits of independent study alongside professional guidance.
While the theory is delivered digitally, hands on experience is essential for working safely with animals. As part of this assistant vet nurse course, you will complete a minimum of a two-week placement at a registered veterinary practice or an approved animal care organisation. This placement must be supervised by a Registered Veterinary Nurse. This experience is vital because it allows you to build your portfolio of evidence, practice your nursing assistant training in a real-world environment, and demonstrate that you can safely handle and restrain different species.
Yes, this Level 2 Diploma is fully regulated by Ofqual, which is the official government department that regulates qualifications in England. This ensures that your veterinary nurse assistant qualification is nationally recognised by employers across the animal care industry. It has been specifically designed to meet modern industry standards, covering everything from hygiene to pet bereavement support. This official regulation ensures that your investment in your assistant veterinary nurse training will be respected by veterinary practices nationwide.
OUR PASS RATE
Animal Care & Veterinary Science
86.8%
(National Average 74.9%)
Online &
Practical Learning
9 units
280 guided
learning hours

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