TWO animal nursing assistants are hoping to be role models to inspire more men to join the profession.
Paul Nicholson and Michael Cuthbertson are thriving in their roles at Westway Vets in Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, and are developing their skills and knowledge at Lynwood School of Veterinary Nursing, which is part of VetPartners.
The pair are among the latest cohort of students from across the VetPartners family studying for their Animal Care and Welfare Level 2 Apprenticeship, including the Animal Nursing Assistant certificate.
The course is a mixture of online lectures and practical work in their practices, with an exam in the middle of the course and as assessment in practice when the course finishes in December.
The nine units cover first aid, anatomy and physics, nutrition, infection control and practical skills, including bandaging, grooming, nail clipping and applying parasitic treatment.
All the students, including Paul and Michael, have passed their recent mid-point exams, giving the Lynwood School of Veterinary Nursing a proud 100% pass-rate.
Both Paul and Michael believe the course has helped them to develop their skills and knowledge, and hope their success will help to inspire other men to join the profession.
Michael has been an auxiliary nurse at Westway Vets for two years after a 14-year career as a support worker with children and adults.
He said: “I love my role caring for animals as it is what I always wanted to do so I was delighted to get the opportunity.
“I definitely think there is a place for more men to join the animal care profession and for them to thrive in their role. Like being a human carer, it is not just a job for women as it is interesting and challenging for everyone, with an opportunity to progress.
“I am enjoying the course as it is so interesting and gives you in-depth experience and more understanding. Learning about anatomy and physiology has been especially helpful when we are discussing cases in practice. I enjoy the role I have, but I would be open to further career progression in the future.”
Paul, who is head auxiliary nurse at Westway’s Houghton branch, where he has worked for five years during a 14-year practice career in farm, equine, and small animal practice.
He said: “Even though I’ve been in the profession for a long time, I’ve really benefited from the course and learned so many new things. It is a great opportunity to share experiences and ideas with other students and tutors.
“As well as young people who are new to the profession, the course has been highly useful to someone like me who has been out of education for a long time because it gets you into a learning mindset and gives you access to so much in-depth knowledge.
“It would also benefit anyone wanting to go on to do their Level 3 Veterinary Nursing course.”
Places are available on the next Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare course at Lynwood School of Veterinary Nursing, starting in September. To apply, email val@lsvn.co.uk or jacqui@lsvn.co.uk
Lynwood School of Veterinary Nursing provides high quality apprenticeships and achieves high passes in all courses, exceeding national standards. It provides training and support for veterinary nurses, animal care assistants and training practices.
Its team of qualified tutors are either Registered Veterinary Nurses or vets with years of clinical experience, who deliver all our theoretical and practical teaching at a centre in Higher Bockhampton near Dorchester.
Training courses offered:
- Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Certificate
- Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Certificate (by correspondence)
- Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing Diploma
For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director. Email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk
