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Animal Nursing Assistant Level 2

  • 2

    Level
    Level 2

  • Duration
    1 year

  • Start Date
    September 2026

  • Venue
    Easton College campus

  • Course Code
    A0620

Start Date

  • September 2026, Full Time, Day

What You Will Study

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 will 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 will 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 will 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 or 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 will 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.

Why Choose Easton College?

Gain hands-on experience

Work with a variety of animals in our Animal Management Centre.

Thriving life sciences industry

The East of England has a thriving life sciences industry with over 3,000 people working in over 200 companies in the industry .

Excellent career opportunities

Courses offer routes into a variety of exciting careers working for a wide range of organisations including international charities, zoological societies, conservation organisations and veterinary practices.

Entry Requirements

You will need to achieve five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language, science and maths.

How You Will Be Assessed

You will be assessed through an Anatomy and Physiology exam, portfolio based assessments and 150 hours work experience, including a two week placement in a veterinary practice and weekend duties at the college Animal Management Centre.

Course Progression

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 explore careers as an animal nursing assistant, veterinary nursing assistant or become a veterinary nurse or veterinarian after completing further training.

Fees

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16 to 18 on 31st August before the start of your course, your tuition fees will be free. If you are aged 19 and over, please contact the Advice Shop for more information by email at information@ccn.ac.uk or by calling 01603 773773.

There may be some costs for PPE, trips, visits or additional qualifications.

Why Choose Easton College?

Gain hands-on experience

Work with a variety of animals in our Animal Management Centre.

Thriving life sciences industry

The East of England has a thriving life sciences industry with over 3,000 people working in over 200 companies in the industry .

Excellent career opportunities

Courses offer routes into a variety of exciting careers working for a wide range of organisations including international charities, zoological societies, conservation organisations and veterinary practices.