The first students have begun their diploma at Wanstead Veterinary Hospital

First set of students begin their training

An in-house nursing college to help student nurses achieve the diploma in veterinary nursing has been set up by Goddard Veterinary Group.

The first students commenced their training in January 2014 with a view to achieving the qualification within three years. 

They are undertaking academic training in classroom facilities at the Wanstead Veterinary Hospital and experiencing practical training in the hospital itself.

Central Qualifications (CQ) is working with Goddard Veterinary Group as the awarding body for the diploma.  In order to achieve it a student must achieve a pass on all CQ assignments.  Successful students will be able to register as a veterinary nurse with the RCVS and will be able to use the post nominal RVN.

Helen Farrant Cert Ed RVN, training manager for the Goddard Veterinary Group said:  "The new diploma offers a fantastic opportunity for student veterinary nurses to achieve a highly regarded qualification in a work-based learning environment.

"As we have branches and hospitals right across London, until now, our students have had to attend a range of colleges across the city and beyond.  

"With the facilities we have available in-house, we felt there was an opportunity to develop a course which is specifically tailored for them and which meets the standards that we, as a group, expect of all of our veterinary nurses. 

"It also gives them the benefit of working together and getting to know each other. 

"Some staff who join us as ward assistants already go on to study as veterinary care assistants internally. 

"Now, they will have the opportunity to work their way right up to achieve a recognised veterinary nursing qualification - all provided in-house. 

"Our first students are already getting started and it's great to see their enthusiasm and commitment to their studies."

Jacqui Garrett, director of Central Qualifications said:   “We are delighted to welcome the Goddard Veterinary Group as a new CQ centre for veterinary nurse training.  We wish them every success with their well -designed training programmes.”

The Wanstead Veterinary Hospital is part of The Goddard Veterinary Group which has been providing veterinary care for animals across Greater London for 60 years through its network of 45 branches and three veterinary hospitals.