Veterinary nursing students clear hurdle of first year exams

Veterinary nursing students clear hurdle of first year exams

A NEW school for equine veterinary nurses is celebrating after its first intake of students passed their end-of-year exams with flying colours.

The seven students from VetPartners Equine Nursing School proved their knowledge in a range of topics including equine anatomy and physiology, infection control, reproduction and neonatal care, animal welfare, and health and husbandry to impress the examiners.

The students have now progressed to their second year of training, where study units will include diagnostic imaging, anaesthesia, theatre nursing and clinical and emergency care.

At the end of the second year, successful students will be awarded a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing. They will become qualified equine veterinary nurses who are eligible to register with the RCVS.

The VetPartners Equine Nursing School opened its doors in September 2019 and is based at Liphook Equine Hospital in Hampshire.

VetPartners is made up of 150 of the UK’s most respected and trusted vet practices and is the first veterinary group to set up a school of equine nursing.

The school was launched to ensure equine nurses receive the best possible training and equip them with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to make the most of their potential.

Students benefit from using the facilities at Liphook and visit the veterinary hospital on block release for six weeks each academic year, which enables them to study while continuing to work at their own practice.

However, as has been the case for many students, over the past year, more of the learning has taken place online due to lockdown.

Rosina Lillywhite, Liphook’s head clinic nurse and head of centre at the equine nursing school, said: “We are delighted with our students’ exam success and very proud of what they have achieved.

“They have worked very hard and have had to overcome the extra challenges Covid 19 has created. I’m really impressed with how they have coped with the changing educational environment. I wish them all every success in their second year of studies and hope we can welcome them back to Liphook Equine Hospital very soon.”

A new intake of eight students has now enrolled into the equine nursing school, with VetSkill becoming the new awarding body of the two-year diploma.

Applications will be invited in March for the academic year beginning in September. Applicants must already work at an equine veterinary practice and should contact Rosina at rosina.lillywhite@theLEH.co.uk. More information is available from vetpartnersnursingschool.co.uk

VetPartners also has Lynwood School of Veterinary Nursing, a small animal vet nursing college in Dorchester, Dorset.

For media enquiries, please contact Jo Browne, VetPartners PR and Communications Manager, on 07908 739 605 or email jo.browne@vetpartners.co.uk