Whether based in the UK or abroad, military working dogs and horses play a vital role within the British Army. The health care of these service animals is the responsibility of veterinary officers and veterinary technicians of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC).
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The Open College of Equine Studies is very pleased to have been awarded the contract by the Ministry of Defence to train RAVC Veterinary Technicians on the City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine Pathway), a qualification which will result in registration as a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Registered Nurse.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
In addition to studying TOCES’ online and printed study materials, and attending nine study weeks, the RAVC students have educational placements in equine veterinary practices.
A spokesman from one of these equine clinics said: “We are pleased to be part of the integration of military training of animal nursing technicians with the Veterinary Nursing qualification. This further increases our commitment to nurse training in the UK, integrating placement students with those at University and on modern apprenticeships in our new hospital.”
The RAVC students joined a new group of student nurses and attended their first study week (September 8 to 11) at TOCES.
Study week one acts as a course induction, including a programme overview – a great opportunity to ensure everyone understands exactly what happens and what is expected during their course. Interactive sessions covering health and safety, communication and professional skills, which might not sound that fascinating but these skills are essential to all those working in, or intending to work, in practice.
Students also start to study anatomy and physiology at study week one – a varied and fascinating topic. Students start to learn about cell structure and musculoskeletal anatomy; dissecting the equine lower limb is always a highlight, enabling students to link their theoretical knowledge to the real thing.
Some student feedback following this study week one:
“I feel the standard of teaching is exceptional”“I really enjoyed that everyone made the sessions very interactive”“Fantastic to get ‘hands on’ dissecting the lower limb!”
TOCES’ range of nursing programmes ensure everyone with a passion to care for sick and injured horses can study and train. The programmes are open to all, whether working in practice or not, from anywhere in the world.
Programmes include:
City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine Pathway) – full programme
City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine Pathway) – Top-up for SA VNs.
BTEC First Diploma: Equine Nursing Technician
Enrolments are now open for the next cohort
Start to study and complete the background reading prior to study week one which is to be held 13 to 16 April 2015. International students will also attend study weeks two, three and four in April 2015.
If you are interested in equine nursing and rehabilitation why not find out more?
Hear what some of our students who are nearing completion of their programmes say about studying with TOCES and working as an equine veterinary nurse in this short video (running time 3min 47sec)
Register to attend a FREE LIVE Online Equine Veterinary Nursing Information Webinar on Wednesday 29 October 2014, 1pm – 1.30pm (GMT)
Register to attend a FREE LIVE Online Equine Veterinary Nursing Information Webinar on Wednesday 29 October 2014, 1pm – 1.30pm (GMT)
This webinar provides an excellent opportunity for all prospective equine nursing students, training practices and education support personnel to learn:
– How Equine Veterinary Nursing programmes are structured
– About the programme syllabus
– How programmes work around work and other commitments
Put your questions to the programme manager live online.
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