Companion Animal Veterinary Nursing Level 3 Diploma
The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) is a professional qualification designed for individuals seeking a career in veterinary nursing and companion animal care. This course equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to support veterinary surgeons in providing high-quality care for dogs, cats, and other companion animals.
Learners gain a comprehensive understanding of animal anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, nursing care, medical administration, and client communication. The programme also covers animal welfare, health and safety, infection control, anaesthesia monitoring, and emergency care, ensuring that learners can provide safe and effective support in veterinary settings.
This qualification is ideal for aspiring veterinary nurses, animal care professionals, and those wishing to work in veterinary clinics, hospitals, or companion animal care facilities. On completion, learners will hold a nationally recognised Level 3 diploma, enhancing employability and career progression within the veterinary sector. The course also provides a strong foundation for further study or specialisation in veterinary nursing, clinical practice, or companion animal health
Key Information
The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) is a comprehensive 120-credit programme designed to equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills required for professional roles in companion animal veterinary care. Structured across six detailed units, this qualification combines theoretical understanding with hands-on clinical experience, preparing learners for a rewarding career in veterinary nursing.
Core Learning Areas
Learners gain in-depth knowledge of companion animal health, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and behaviour. The programme covers clinical procedures such as wound care, medical administration, anaesthesia support, and surgical preparation.
Animal Welfare and Professional Practice
The course emphasises welfare standards, infection control, hygiene, and ethical considerations, ensuring learners understand their responsibilities in maintaining the safety and wellbeing of animals in veterinary environments.
Practical Experience and Workplace Readiness
Students develop practical skills essential for supporting veterinary surgeons and nursing teams effectively. The qualification equips learners to work confidently in clinics, hospitals, or animal care facilities while maintaining professional standards, client communication, and team collaboration.
This program provides a solid foundation for those seeking to progress in veterinary nursing or specialise further in companion animal health and clinical practice.
Unit Structure
This qualification, the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal), consists of 6 mandatory units.
- Companion Animal Anatomy and Basic Physiology
- Introduction to Veterinary Nursing and Patient Care
- Companion Animal Handling, Restraint, and Safety Procedures
- Basic Anaesthesia Assistance and Surgical Preparation
- Veterinary Pharmacology Fundamentals and Medicine Records
- Preventive Healthcare, Nutrition, and Welfare in Companion Animals
Recommended For
The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) is designed for individuals who wish to build a career in veterinary nursing and companion animal care. It is ideal for:
- Aspiring veterinary nurses seeking formal, accredited training in clinical support and animal care
- Animal care assistants or veterinary support staff looking to gain professional qualifications and enhance their skills
- Students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary clinics, hospitals, or companion animal care facilities
- Individuals aiming to progress into higher-level veterinary nursing or specialised companion animal health courses
- Enthusiasts and professionals who want to combine practical skills with theoretical knowledge to provide safe and effective care for companion animals
This course is suitable for learners with a basic understanding of animal care or experience working with pets, and it provides the practical and theoretical foundation required to work confidently in veterinary environments while supporting professional veterinary teams
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Companion Animal Anatomy and Basic Physiology
- Identify the major anatomical structures of dogs, cats, rabbits, and small mammals.
- Describe the basic physiological functions of body systems (respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous).
- Relate anatomy and physiology to common health conditions in companion animals.
- Apply anatomical knowledge to safe handling and basic nursing procedures.
- Recognise signs of normal versus abnormal function in companion animals.
- Use anatomical terminology accurately in clinical communication.
- Demonstrate awareness of how growth, age, and breed differences affect physiology.
Introduction to Veterinary Nursing and Patient Care
- Explain the role and responsibilities of a veterinary nurse in companion animal practice.
- Demonstrate safe and compassionate patient care, including feeding, grooming, and monitoring.
- Record patient information accurately in line with professional standards.
- Apply infection control and hygiene procedures in clinical environments.
- Assist in routine examinations and basic diagnostic procedures.
- Communicate effectively with veterinary surgeons, colleagues, and animal owners.
- Reflect on professional behaviours and ethical responsibilities in nursing practice.
Companion Animal Handling, Restraint, and Safety Procedures
- Demonstrate safe handling techniques for dogs, cats, rabbits, and small mammals.
- Apply appropriate restraint methods for examinations, treatments, and minor procedures.
- Recognise stress signals and behavioural cues in companion animals.
- Minimise risk to patients, staff, and owners during handling.
- Use equipment such as muzzles, cat bags, and restraint aids correctly.
- Apply health and safety protocols to prevent injury or accidents.
- Reflect on the importance of animal welfare during handling and restraint.
Basic Anaesthesia Assistance and Surgical Preparation
- Prepare patients for anaesthesia, including fasting, monitoring, and pre‑operative checks.
- Assist veterinary surgeons with anaesthetic induction and recovery procedures.
- Monitor vital signs during anaesthesia under supervision.
- Maintain aseptic techniques in surgical preparation and theatre environments.
- Prepare surgical instruments, equipment, and materials for routine procedures.
- Support post‑operative care, including pain management and wound monitoring.
- Record anaesthesia and surgical data accurately in patient records.
Veterinary Pharmacology Fundamentals and Medicine Records
- Identify common medicines used in companion animal practice.
- Explain basic principles of drug administration, dosage, and safety.
- Assist in the safe storage, handling, and disposal of veterinary medicines.
- Maintain accurate medicine records in compliance with regulations.
- Recognise potential side effects and report concerns to supervising staff.
- Communicate clearly with owners about medicine use and compliance.
- Apply professional responsibility in medicine management.
Preventive Healthcare, Nutrition, and Welfare in Companion Animals
- Support vaccination and parasite control programmes in companion animals.
- Explain the importance of nutrition and feeding plans for different species.
- Promote dental health, grooming, and routine care for long‑term wellbeing.
- Recognise welfare needs and apply the “Five Freedoms” in nursing practice.
- Educate owners on responsible pet care and preventive healthcare strategies.
- Monitor patient progress in preventive programmes and record outcomes.
- Reflect on the nurse’s role in promoting welfare and community awareness.
