Work in a Veterinary Practice – Small Animals

Pathway Summary
Pathway Details
Fees & How to Enrol

Candidates must be working in a practice to take this pathway

Veterinary receptionists are vital members of the team at any practice. As the first point of contact for most clients, the impression a veterinary receptionist makes should not only represent their practice in a positive light, it should be as comforting and informative as possible.

This pathway has been designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to help handle the complex and frequently busy practice environment. It focuses on the following subjects:

  • Veterinary Practice Receptionist
  • Care and Management of Small Companion Animals
  • Health, Safety, Legal and Associated Issues – FREE with this pathway

Level: QLS Level 2 Fees:

£645 £451.50
Pay 12 monthly payments of £55.41 £39.29

***Saving you compared with taking these courses individually***

Entry Requirements

Candidates must be working in a practice to take this pathway

As a general guide, we recommend students looking to take one of our pathways should have some experience in their chosen field. However, we strongly believe open study should be just that. If you want to challenge yourself, our tutors will be on hand to help.

Our Support Promise

You can phone or email your tutor at any point during your course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

What You’ll Learn

Veterinary Practice Receptionist

Unit 1 

  • Normal and abnormal clinical signs in the dog and cat
  • Emergencies and first aid

Unit 2 

  • Clinical signs of infectious diseases
  • Advising re vaccination, worming, flea control and dental care

Unit 3 

  • Advising re choosing a pet
  • Whelping and hand rearing puppies and kittens

Unit 4 

  • Basic principles of nutrition
  • Basic information about medication
  • Advising re identification of pets
  • Transport and handling
  • Advising re lost and found animals

Unit 5 

  • Customer care
  • Booking appointments
  • Dealing with difficult clients
  • Payments
  • Office equipment and IT
  • Maintenance of reception area

Care and Management of Small Companion Animals

Unit 1 

  • Introduction – Why we keep pets
  • Choosing a new pet
  • Suitability of the pet for the environment
  • Compatibility between pet and lifestyle
  • Commitment required
  • Life expectancy
  • Descriptions of each variety

Unit 2 

  • Housing and Handling
  • Suitable enclosures
  • Bedding
  • Safe handling
  • Temperature
  • Indoors v outdoors
  • House training rabbits

Unit 3 

  • Diet and Exercise
  • Correct feeding
  • Foods to avoid
  • Poisonous foods
  • Need for exercise
  • Suitable toys

Unit 4 

  • General Health
  • Individual requirements for each variety
  • Care of teeth
  • Claws
  • Bathing
  • Signs of stress and symptoms of ill health.

Unit 5 (optional)

  • Customer care and the management of small mammals within the retail environment

Health, Safety, Legal and Associated Issues

Unit 1

  • Customer Service and Care
  • Client Distress
  • Personal Safety
  • Health and Safety
  • Prevention of Ill Health and Accidents
  • Risk Assessment
  • First Aid
  • Legal Issues
  • Environmental Issues
  • Insurance

Certification

On successful completion of this course you’ll receive the Certificate of Achievement at QLS Level 2 from Quality Licence Scheme when you complete this course**.

Quality Licence Scheme endorsement involves robust and rigorous quality audits by external auditors to ensure quality is continually met. A review of courses is carried out as part of the endorsement process.

You will also receive the Animal Care College Certificate* in Work in a Veterinary Practice – Small Animals, graded to show the standard you have reached. There are no exams.

* The Animal Care College Certificate will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

** QLS registration fees included.

Study Length

There are no deadlines for this pathway. Simply study in the comfort of your own home, and in your own time.

Distance learning is designed to be flexible, but as a guide, students who can spend 4-6 hours a week studying tend to complete a single unit within a month.

What's Next

This pathway can help you progress in your career in the animal care sector.

Once it’s completed, you may wish to further your study. If that’s the case, we’d suggest:

If you are looking to set up your own business then you should consider obtaining insurance cover. Further information is available on request.

You can get in touch with one of our tutors, or contact our support team from 9am - 5pm.

Course fee & how to enrol

This career pathway combines 3 of our individual courses, providing students with a clear and comprehensive path towards a career in animal care. What’s more, when you take this pathway, you’ll save, compared to taking each course on its own. Plus, you’ll get a free unit worth £195 £136.50.

There are two ways you can enrol

Pay the total course fee of £645 £451.50 in one sum and receive a £50 voucher towards the cost of your next course

or

Pay 12 monthly payments of £55.41 £39.29 (£20 administration fee included)