STUDENTS on an innovative veterinary course enjoyed a perfect start to the year.
Learners on the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Small Animal Practice at Coleg Cambria Northop achieved a 100% pass rate in their first set of exams.
Among them were Hannah Williams and Katherine Oldham, who work at practices in North Wales and hope to go on and have careers in a sector where there is huge demand..
With more students joining the Cambria programme in September, lecturer and IQA (Internal Quality Assurer) Ellie Woodcock is confident the qualification will go from strength to strength, as they have created a unique training facility to replicate a real-life medical setting, complementing theory and assessment modules.
“That is a major USP for us, and the quality of the teachers we have on this programme, all of whom are qualified veterinary nurses,” said Ellie.
“There is demand for more workers in veterinary science, and there are many other roles in this arena, so this is the right time to join us.”
She added: “The facility we have here is at the cutting edge, with ‘dummy dogs’, animal anatomy models, diagnostics, X-rays, sterilisation equipment and more.
“We also have the Small Animals Centre on site and our class space is unique as we can offer support here theoretically and practically.
“We have set it up to replicate their working environment and also have presentations from guest speakers and experts in different areas of veterinary science and surgery, all of which contributes to the students being ready for the world of work when they move on to their future careers.”
Hannah, from Colwyn Bay, works at the town’s Conway Road Veterinary Surgery and, following a spell volunteering with the RSPCA decided caring for animals was to be her dream role.
She said: “I had followed a different path but have always loved animals and decided to pursue that, which was the best thing I ever did.
“The time I spend here at the college in addition to my position as a student vet nurse have helped me to make great strides and build my confidence – this is definitely what I want to do with my life, I love it, and the course is very rewarding.”
Katherine, originally from Manchester and now living in Flint, works at Rhianfa Veterinary Centre in Rhyl, and also switched direction before joining Cambria.
“I always had a love of animals but had never seen it as an option for me as I was in a different industry for 10 years,” she said.
“I decided to take the leap and join an ANA (Animal Nursing Assistant) course here at Northop and then moved on to the Level 3, which has been brilliant.
“Learning with this equipment and the experienced tutors we have here – who are respected and so well-known in this field – are really benefiting us, and the results demonstrate that.”
