Animal Nursing Assistant Level 2

Please ensure your application includes correct contact information e.g. mobile number and personal email address.

You can apply for up to two courses (except A Level subjects where you must select a minimum of three).

You will only be invited to book an interview for your 1st choice course initially.

Are you passionate about animal care and interested in working in a veterinary practice? The Level 2 Animal Nursing Assistant course is the perfect starting point for students who want to play a vital role in supporting veterinary professionals and caring for animals in clinical settings.

This one-year programme is designed for students who may not yet have the GCSEs required for the Level 3 Animal Science, but are committed to building a career in veterinary nursing or animal science.

Through a combination of classroom-based learning and practical experience, you’ll study key units including:

• Anatomy and Physiology – understanding how animals’ bodies function
• Principles of Infection Control – keeping animals and environments safe
• Basic Nursing Treatments – supporting veterinary teams and caring for patients

You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to assist qualified veterinary staff and advise owners on the correct management of their animals.

To successfully complete this course, you must secure a placement in a veterinary practice, where you will apply your learning in a professional environment and develop essential workplace skills.

You’ll also have the opportunity to study GCSE English and Maths alongside the course, aiming for a grade 6 or above to support progression onto:

• The Level 3 Animal Management – Science Pathway
• The Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Apprenticeship

You will need to purchase PPE for the Animal Management Centre – full details will be provided at enrolment. You’ll be working in all weather conditions, indoors and outdoors, ensuring our animals receive the highest standards of care.

This course is a fantastic opportunity to start your journey into veterinary care, combining academic study, hands-on experience, and clear progression routes into higher-level qualifications and careers.

You will be assessed through:

• Anatomy and Physiology exam
• Portfolio based assessments
• 150 hours work experience, including a two week placement in a veterinary practice and weekend duties at the college Animal Management Centre.

• Achieve five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language, Science and Maths.
• Completion of a taster day.

Upon successful completion of the course and achieving your English and Maths GCSE at grade 6 or above, you could progress to the Level 3 Diploma in Animal Science, which provides you with the knowledge and skills to apply for veterinary degrees.

If you complete the course, but do not achieve your English and Maths GCSE at grade 6 or above, you could progress to the Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management or the Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Apprenticeship.

Where Your Course Can Take You :-

You could consider a career working as an animal nursing assistant or veterinary nursing assistant, or after further training a veterinary nurse or veterinarian.