VetPartners has become the first UK veterinary group to set up a school of equine nursing.
The nursing school will be based at the Liphook Equine Hospital in Hampshire, one of VetPartners’ flagship practices.
Students will be able to study for a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in equine veterinary nursing over two years, with the course structured as block release, enabling students to study while continuing to work at their own practice.
The first intake of nine students are all from VetPartners’ practices, but in future the course will be open to students from outside of the group.
VetPartners equine director Julian Rishworth said: “Investing in people is at the heart of VetPartners, and we wanted to ensure equine nurses receive the best possible training. Not only will this enable them to achieve a valuable qualification, it will also optimise their position as a vital part of our equine practice teams.”
At the end of the two years, students will be fully qualified equine veterinary nurses and eligible to register with the RCVS.
The 15 study units cover a wide range of subjects, including infection control, operating theatre practice, emergency and critical care, reproduction and neonatal care, and nursing support of diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia.
Head of centre Rosina Lillywhite said: “The course will provide students with a broad range of practical skills and knowledge focusing on best practice in all aspects of equine veterinary nursing.”
