Barony College is approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to deliver Veterinary Nursing training. Our Animal Care Training Centre has some of the best teaching facilities in Scotland. They include a fully equipped operating theatre and X-ray room, together with preparation and recovery rooms. Our laboratory also provides an excellent resource for practical classes and students have access to specialist library and ICT facilities. Our experienced teaching staff are all qualified as veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses.

As a career, Veterinary Nursing not only involves the care of the patient, but leads to a wider range of experiences such as radiology, anaesthesia, laboratory techniques and ‘Schedule 3 Surgical Procedures and Medical Nursing’. The RCVS Veterinary Nursing Certificate is a well-respected qualification, opening various career avenues. It is widely recognised by professionals both within and outwith the veterinary field. Veterinary surgeons are now highly aware of the potential of qualified nurses within practices and the benefits these nurses bring to the working team.

Many people choose to work in a veterinary practice once they qualify. There are also a number of alternative employment options available, including veterinary pharmaceutical companies, practice management, zoos, nutritional advisers or VN in the Forces (working with horses or guard dogs).

Veterinary Nursing Courses

BVNA/ABC 2 Certificate - Animal Nursing Assistant
This block release course is for anyone who is working full-time or part-time in a veterinary practice. It is designed for those who wish to become registered veterinary nurses, but who are too young to enrol or do not have appropriate entry qualifications for our RCVS veterinary nursing courses. The main topics covered include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Handling, welfare and care of small animals
• Basic nursing skills
• Health, safety and hygiene
• Species and breeds
• Reception and communication skills
• Finance and book keeping.

Students attend College in four two-week blocks over a nine month period, supplemented by further learning in the workplace, where they continue to be supported by the teaching staff at the College.

RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Nursing (NVQ 2 and 3 Block Release Route)
Students undertaking this two year course should have secured employment in an approved Veterinary Training Practice (TP). Training within the practice is supplemented by periods of block training at the college, which is normally a total of nine weeks per year, each block lasting one to two weeks. The course will cover the RCVS syllabus, including:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Anaesthesia
• General nursing
• Radiography
• Laboratory work
• Medical and surgical nursing.

To successfully complete, students must pass the RCVS examination, which may give direct entry to year three of the BSc Honours Degree in Veterinary Nursing at Napier University.

RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Nursing (HND Route)
This full-time course has been developed in consultation with the RCVS. The course will take 27 months to complete, and consists of practical work placements within approved veterinary practices, combined with three six week blocks in College in both year one and year two. Practice placements last 29 weeks in the first year and 41 in the second. The course covers a range of specialist topics up to supervisory level, including:

• Anatomy and physiology
• General nursing
• Laboratory work
• Anaesthesia
• Radiography
• Medical and surgical nursing
• Management and supervision techniques.

To successfully complete, students must pass the RCVS examination, which may give direct entry to year three of the BSc Honours Degree in Veterinary Nursing at Napier University.

Please visit our website at www.barony.ac.uk or call 01387 860251 for more information