Animal Nursing Assistants Certificate

Open Event at Bicton College

5 February 2022, 10:00-12:00

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Taster Day at Bicton College

23 February 2022, 09:30-15:30

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Future careers to take centre stage at college open day

22nd October 2021

Year 11 pupils from across the south west are being invited to explore a world of opportunities at a top rural college during the first open event of the term next month. 

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Longleat Bats find new home at Bicton College  

28th January 2021

The animal zone of Bicton College welcomed some new arrivals last week, after 30 Egyptian fruit bats from the UK’s top safari park were in need of a new home.

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Veterinary Nursing Diploma

Level 3 • Work-based • Bicton College

Our veterinary nursing teaching areas are designed to simulate a veterinary practice. We have a radiography room, laboratory, kennel area and operating theatre. We have many pieces of equipment that you would expect to find in a veterinary practice such as microscopes, anesthetic machines, operating tables and a large variety of surgical instruments. We also have a range of mannequins, from life-size Labradors to no so life-size ponies and with working farms and equestrian centres you will also have access to animals seen in large animal practices. We offer two options for you to start your studies in veterinary nursing depending on your GCSE results. This Level 3 course offers you the choice of university study or employment on successful completion of your course. Our Level 2 course is ideal should your GCSE results not be what you expected, with the option to progress to Level 3. As a veterinary nurse you will provide support to sick and injured animals who are receiving treatment in a veterinary practice and provide expert nursing care. You will help to educate owners on maintaining the health of their pets and carry out a range of medical treatments under veterinary supervision. Knowing that you have helped nurse animals back to full health is one of the most rewarding careers. Please note we can only accept applications if you already have a Veterinary Placement or employment within a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons approved training practice Please take a look at our Animal Nursing Assistants Certificates if you do not have employment.

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Animal Care Diploma

Level 1 • Full-time • Bicton College

Learn the basic skills to start your career working with animals on our Level 1 Animal Care course. If your GCSEs were not what you expected, this course is an ideal starting point in order to progress onto Level 2. You will learn the basic skills and knowledge associated with animal care working with a wide range of animals including: feeding, cleaning and exercising and general care. Our campuses are also home to a large variety of animals which include bearded dragons, snakes, pigs, tortoises, rats, rabbits, donkeys, poultry and cattle. Caring for animals can be an extremely fulfilling and rewarding career. From working in kennels and catteries to pet shops, rescue centres or sanctuaries, there is a wide range of careers available on successful completion of your course. With access to animal collections on campus you will gain the practical training you need to pursue a career in this exciting industry.

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Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship

Level 2 • Work-based • Bicton College

If you want to study a practical course in animal care, then this is the pathway to support your future career in the animal care industry. Our specially designed animal husbandry school is set in the beautiful grounds of Bicton, boasting an impressive collection of animals, with over 150 different species. This course gives you experience and confidence with working with a range of domestic and exotic species, you will get to study and work alongside an array of animals from lemurs and sebastopol geese, to llamas and axolotl. Health and wellbeing of animals, preparing accommodation, feeding and grooming are just some of the essential skills you will learn as you progress through this course. As a level 2 course, it is ideal should your GCSE results not be what you expected, or if you prefer a course with a mixture of portfolio evidence and practical assessment. You will be learning from our experienced lecturers and technical staff, who have worked in the industry before and can pass on the skills to help you pursue your career in the animal care industry. Caring for animals is an extremely fulfilling and rewarding career. From working in kennels and catteries, pet shops or rescue centres and zoos; there are a wide range of careers available on completion of this course. As part of your course, in your first year, you will be required to carry out work experience internally on the Animal Husbandry School. In the second year, you are required to complete an external work experience placement, in an animal care establishment of your choice. This gives you ‘real life’ experience of what it takes to work in the industry, as well as being able to enjoy visits to local zoos and wildlife parks.

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