About the course
Based on the main campus in Bury St Edmunds, we have an onsite Animal Centre boasting over 200 animals across four areas. A passionate team of industry professionals will teach you a variety of modules both practical and theory based, preparing you for employment in industry.
You will also be given the opportunity to attend trips within the sector and undertake numerous hands on experiences, gaining opportunities to develop transferable skills for employment and further study. Part of our role whilst you're working with us is to install Professional Standards which will support to make you more employable within our competitive industry.
Our department is developing future Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses, Animal Nursing Assistants, Zookeepers, Herpetologists, Ecologists, Wildlife Conservationists, Welfare Inspectors and many more! With approximately 250 students engaged in the Animal Studies, we pride ourselves on giving our students the best possible start to their future career.
We look forward to supporting you to achieve your dream job within the Animal Sector!
Sarah Eaton - Head of Animal Studies
About the course
The Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants (ANA) has been developed for learners seeking a specialised qualification in animal nursing, with the overall aim being to prepare learners for a career in animal care or veterinary nursing, based within a Veterinary Practice. The Level 2 Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants is held in high regard in veterinary practices, providing an alternative route to GCSE's (though Maths and English will be worked on alongside the programme) and enhanced opportunities to progress to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (usually within a training practice). GCSE Maths, English and Science is required at Grade 3 to gain entry to this Study Programme. Students undertaking a Level 2 programme at the college, wishing to progress onto the ANA will need to successfully achieve their qualification at Pass level, with a good attendance record and positive behaviour comments from their Course Director.
Students undertaking this programme will study the following modules; 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 and Veterinary Reception and Customer Care (WRE).
Work experience is an integral part of all of our courses within Animal Studies and is especially important if you are hoping to go onto university. Due to the competitive nature of the Animal Sector, we encourage our students to undertake as many different placements as they can, whilst ensuring they undertake the mandatory hours required by each programme (150 hours for all Level 3 and Technical courses). Students on the Level 2 Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants are required to obtain 60 hours within an external placement in the animal sector.
This programme of study is assessed via a series of portfolio's which include both theory and practical assessments.
The Level 2 Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants is a professional qualification that allows qualified students to gain employment within a Veterinary Practice as an Animal Nursing Assistant (subject to the practices other entry requirements for the role). Animal Nursing Assistants play a vital support role within veterinary practices and veterinary hospitals. They work alongside the veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses as an important part of the team, providing high standards of care for their patients. Many Animal Nursing Assistants go on to train as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) by undertaking further education within a training practice, or at a college that offers the Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Diploma. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer this progression route as we do not currently have a working Veterinary Practice on the college site.
Where could it take me?
We have built excellent links with local businesses within the Animal Sector, with over 150 across East Anglia currently offering work experience placements to our students. We're proud to report that a majority of our students are offered employment (or further training) by their work experience providers, so it is an excellent way to gain entry to the industry.
If you are hard working and love animals there are plenty of different careers available within the Animal Sector.
- Jobs involving the direct care and treatment of animals within the Veterinary Industry include; Animal Nursing Assistant, Veterinary Nurse (Equine/Small Animal/Exotic/Large Animal), Veterinary Physiotherapist, Veterinary Receptionist, Veterinary Surgeon (Equine/Small Animal/Exotic/Large Animal), Veterinary Behaviourist, Canine Hydrotherapist etc.
- Jobs working with exotic animals include; Zookeeper, Zoologist, Herpetologist, Ichthyologist, Entomologist, Marine Biologist, Ornithologist, Aquarist, Primatologist, Animal Trainer, Falconer etc.
- Jobs working with wildlife and the conservation of animals include; Wildlife Ranger, Wildlife Educator, Wildlife Rehabilitator, Ecologist, Conservationist, Researcher, Field Biologist etc.
- Jobs working directly to improve the welfare of animals include; Animal Rescuer, Canine Carer, Animal Trainer, Animal Welfare Officer, Rehoming Coordinator, Animal Centre Manager, Environmental Health Officer, Animal Technician, Kennel/Cattery Assistant etc.
- Jobs working within the pet sector include; Dog Groomer, Dog Walker, Pet Sitter, Pet Shop Assistant, Canine Creche Carers etc.
If any of the above interest you, you've come to the right place!
Industry statistics
Veterinary Surgeons - The workforce is projected to grow by 8.7% over the period to 2027, creating 2,300 jobs. In the same period, 53.7% of the workforce is projected to retire, creating 13,900 job openings. Average salary £34,320
Veterinary Nurses - The workforce is projected to grow by 11.6% over the period to 2027, creating 1,900 jobs. In the same period, 57% of the workforce is projected to retire, creating 9,200 job openings. Average salary £18,200
Conservation Professionals - The workforce is projected to grow by 5.1% over the period to 2027, creating 800 jobs. In the same period, 39.9% of the workforce is projected to retire, creating 6,100 job openings. Average salary £33,800
Animal care services occupations N.E.C. - The workforce is projected to grow by 11.6% over the period to 2027, creating 8,700 jobs. In the same period, 57% of the workforce is projected to retire, creating 42,900 job openings. Average salary between £12,000 and £14,000
"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." - Jane Goodall
Sponsored by Aquarius Veterinary Centre
Days & times
Starting September 2023