Programme for animal carers (From Gazette Series)

Programme for animal carers

PEOPLE working in veterinary practises will have the chance to study for important qualifications next year when Filton College launches Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons courses in veterinary nursing at Bristol Zoo.

The NVQ level two and three courses will start at the college later this month.

The courses will be taught at the college's new education centre at Bristol Zoo Gardens and delivered by qualified veterinary surgeon Victoria Aspinall BVSc MRCVS (whose specialities include veterinary anatomy, physiology and clinical procedures within veterinary nursing) and veterinary nurse Alys Webb.

Both the NVQ level two and three courses will run as day-release courses over a period of two years. The level two programme covers anatomy and physiology, principles of animal management and nursing, health and safety and practice organisation.

The level three programme covers laboratory diagnostic aids, diagnostic imaging, medical nursing, surgical nursing, anaesthesia, theatre practice and care of exotic species & wildlife.

The courses are open to those in paid full-time employment within a practice approved by the RCVS as a training practice and who are enrolled as a student veterinary nurse with the RCVS.

Once qualified, the career opportunities for veterinary nurses are excellent and varied and range from working within a practice, in animal rescue centres, universities and colleges, zoos or rare breed collections, pharmaceutical companies, charities and in animal insurance and journalism.

For more information on Filton College's part-time veterinary nursing courses contact the College's admissions team on 0117 931 2121/ 909 2345 (email info@filton.ac.uk or visit www.filton.ac.uk)

Alternatively, Filton College's West of England Institute of Specialist Education (WISE) campus in New Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol will be hosting an open event next Wednesday, January 11 (5pm-8pm) for people to find out more, or to enrol on the veterinary courses.