The College of Animal Welfare (CAW), one of the UKs most established veterinary nurse training providers, has set up a new satellite training centre based at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service in Solihull!
Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service is one of Europe’s leading Specialist small animal referral centres, experienced in delivering Specialist pet healthcare for over 30 years. The expansion means aspiring veterinary nurses in Solihull and the surrounding areas, can now apply to study at a state-of-the-art hospital with world class veterinary referral facilities.
Frank Taylor, Vice Principal Veterinary Studies at The College of Animal Welfare, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer training from such a highly respected veterinary organisation. Willows is led by internationally renowned Specialists committed to providing the very highest standards of veterinary care.” He added: “It is the perfect environment for budding veterinary nurses to learn the skills required to become a successful Registered Veterinary Nurse.”
Applications are now open to study the VetSkill Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at CAW Solihull starting in September.
The course is open to those who wish to undertake the Diploma as a standalone qualification or to train as an apprentice using the Apprenticeship Standard in Veterinary Nursing. The academic course will run on a day release basis for two years, with teaching starting in the week commencing 7th September.
Tom Reilly, head of clinical support services for Willows, said: “In working in conjunction with the College of Animal Welfare and launching a new satellite training centre at Willows, it will not only train and qualify our own nurses on site but also help to train student nurses from fellow Linnaeus practices and SVNs from our referring veterinary practices.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Willows to enter the educational side of veterinary nursing, to grow our own students, to influence nursing for the future generations and to showcase the hospital to our referring practices via their nursing teams.
“It’s a huge step forward and a vital part of our nursing strategy within the hospital and within Linnaeus to future-proof our valued team and input to the future of veterinary nursing.”
Due to the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, all student veterinary nurses starting their programme in September will attend classes via the college’s virtual teaching platforms, with sessions also being recorded and made available to students afterwards. Once it is safe to return to centre, lectures are scheduled to be held at Willows on Tuesdays. The next possible return date for face-to-face lectures under consideration by the college is January 2021.
Places on the course are limited, so students and apprentices are advised to apply as soon as possible. For more information about the programme visit www.caw.ac.uk/vn or call 01480 422060.