ABC Level 2 Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants Correspondence Course

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We are now offering the new style Animal Nursing Assistant Qualification which features no external examinations. See below for details.

Course Information

Introduction

The ABC Animal Nursing Assistants qualification 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 or similar animal based establishment such as a rehoming centre or boarding kennels.

The Level 2 Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants is held in high regard in veterinary practices, providing an alternative route to GCSE’s and enhanced opportunities to progress to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.

Aims

The ABC Level 2 Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants aims to facilitate learners’ further progression for a career in animal care or Veterinary Nursing, based within a Veterinary Practice.

The course covers a number of units including Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of Infection Control and Parasitology, Principles of Basic Animal Nursing Assistance and Principles of Companion Animal Pharmacy. It provides learners with the information required to play a valuable support role to qualified veterinary staff and to assist owners in the correct management of their companion animals. Further to this, learners have the opportunity to learn basic practice reception skills and retailing of products.

The Certificate (plus level 2 qualifications in Mathematics and English, either Key Skills or nationally accepted alternatives) opens up opportunities to progress to the revised RCVS Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing for mature students and those without the required entry qualifications; it will also allow those working in practice who have no wish to undertake the veterinary nursing scheme to gain a recognised and relevant qualification that befits their role at work.

Target Group

This qualification is designed for:

School leavers with insufficient GCSEs to register as a student veterinary nurse
Non-qualified veterinary staff
Mature learners
Learners wishing to work with companion animals

Progression Opportunities

Learners who achieve the Certificate and who also have level 2 qualifications in Mathematics and English (either Key Skills or nationally accepted alternatives) can apply to register for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, which leads to a professional qualification as a veterinary nurse.

If, at the end of the course, the learner decides that veterinary nursing is not the career that they wish to progress to, they will still have gained valuable training. This will enable them to work within other areas of veterinary practice such as veterinary kennels/wards and veterinary reception. Their experience will also allow progression in other sectors of the animal industry, such as pet stores, boarding kennels or animal charities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does it work?

The qualification is made up of a number of Units which each carry a Unit Credit value. In order to achieve the full Certificate a total of 32 credits must be achieved. There are some mandatory units but there will also be a choice of units to complement the learners desired needs or job suitability.

Methods of assessment

This units will be internally assessed (i.e. assessed by SJS Training), internally and externally moderated via a learner’s portfolio and other related evidence, against the unit outcomes and assessment criteria.

The assessment of some knowledge and understanding may take place in a non work based environment e.g. training centre, however it must link directly to workplace performance and include performance evidence.

The workplace’ may be of an employed, voluntary or non-employed status, but the learner must be able to gain real experience of a veterinary care environment.

All learners must complete a portfolio of evidence that shows achievement of all the relevant learning outcomes and assessment criteria. It is important that practical assessment activities are supervised appropriately.

Evidence of acheivement

Evidence presented to support achievement is not prescribed for each learning outcome. It could typically include:

Product evidence
Observation reports
Oral/written questions and answers
Reports/notes
Worksheets/job sheets/workbooks
Witness statements
Taped evidence (video or audio)
Photographic evidence
Interview/professional discussion
Pictorial identifications
Letters / emails seeking clarification / confirmation of understanding
Internet research / copies of items with relevant knowledge highlighted
Case studies/assignments/projects

This is not an exhaustive list and learners will be encouraged to develop the most appropriate evidence to demonstrate their achievement of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Assessors may use any method that is reliable, valid and fit for purpose. Units should only be signed off once all the requirements of the unit are met.

Who can do the course?

Anyone who is 16 years or older and is in employment, either paid or voluntary*, within a veterinary practice, rehoming centre or boarding kennels. The practice does not have to be an approved Training Practice. There are no formal entry qualifications.

* please contact for further information re voluntary work

Are there any external examinations?

Unlike the previous version of the qualification, there are no external examinations. You will build up a portfolio of evidence across the length of the course. You will be fully guided on how to build this portfolio of evidence and what is required to meet the standards required by your Course Tutor.

Who do I need to register with?

You will need to register with ourselves and the awarding body, ABC Awards. This is done by completing the application form included within the information pack. Once we have received the relevant fees (see later), you will be registered with the awarding body to allow you to complete the qualification, and with SJS Training who will provide you with all your course material and study support etc.

When does the correspondence course start and how long does it take?

It can start anytime to suit you, there is no set start date. The length of the course is dependent on how quickly you build up your portfolio of evidence and achieve the desired standards. You will typically have a time limit of two years from the time you register on the course.

Do I have to attend college at all?

No. The course is purely correspondence based. Guidance is supplied throughout regarding practical tasks that you should be undertaking in practice to compliment the theoretical element of the course.

Do I need a qualified assessor in my workplace?

No, but it would be advisable to have a suitably qualified member of staff who will help to authenticate your submitted evidence. This could be a Qualified Veterinary Nurse or vet and they do not need to hold assessor qualifications.

What will I receive from SJS Training?

For each Unit you will receive full theoretical notes to cover the knowledge requirements and varied pieces of work you to complete to help you provide the evidence required.

Will I need to do any extra research?

The majority of the syllabus will be covered in the study packs but it is strongly recommended that you undertake extra reading and research to boost your study. You will also be set some knowledge assessments that will require you to do some research.

What books will I need?

You should hopefully have a range of books in your practice/workplace that will help you. The main books that we recommend you to refer to are; Veterinary Nursing – Lane and Cooper (formerly Jone’s – any edition ). The BSAVA Manuals designed for veterinary nurses are also very useful. A veterinary dictionary would also be a worthwhile investment. Please also refer to the BVNA suggested reading list which will be provided in the first study pack.

All books are available at a discounted MRP from SJS Training – please ask for further details.

You will also be supplied with, FREE OF CHARGE, a copy of the Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing by Victoria Aspinall worth £56.99 (pictured above), which you will find very useful. This will be dispatched once we have received your first monthly payment or have received full payment.

How much study will I need to do?

That depends on the individual but it is suggested that you do a MINIMUM of 6-8 hours per week theoretical study.

What will happen if I need any help and guidance along the way?

There is full VN support available at all times during office hours. This can be by telephone or email. We are also in the process or updating our website to include an interactive message board.

How much does the course cost?

The current cost of the course is £795. This cost includes Awarding Body registration, all course materials including the textbook detailed above, internal assessment and certification. There will be no other fees to pay.

**Special Offer - pay in full with your application and receive a discount of £45!!!! Full cost £750 to include all of the above!!

*multiple application and practice loyalty discounts may be applicable – please ask for further details

How can I pay?

An initial payment of £200 must be paid at the time of application. The remaining fee can then be paid, interest fee, over the next 12 months (you will need to make a monthly payment starting 1 month after your invoice date). You will be sent details of how to set up payments and when they are expected following receipt of your application form. The full invoice must be paid before full certification is made.

You can pay in the following ways:

BACS Payment (preferred) to Sort Code 309057 Acc Number 01896168 (please enter student name(s) as a reference)
Cheques made payable to SJS Training
Paypal payments to sjstraining@btinternet.com

I want to enrol, what should I do next?

Easy, just complete and return the application form with the requested upfront fee and everything will be done for you.

When will I receive my first study pack?

When you choose to. Please indicate on the Application Form.

I still need some more information, what should I do?

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or queries:

Sarah Stockwell RVN ANA Course Manager,
sjstraining@btinternet.com

SJS Training, PO BOX 161, Cleckheaton, BD19 4WQ
0845 2570976
www.sjstraining.co.uk

Or alternatively, you can contact the Awarding Body, ABC Awards:

Sarah Taylor (Course Administrator)
ABC Awards
Robins Wood House
Robins Wood Road
Aspley
Nottingham
0115 8541616
www.abcawards.co.uk