News and events

We were proud to see 15 of our students among the graduates at the Central Qualifications Graduation and Awards Ceremony at Central Hall, Westminster, on Saturday, 9 March.

Dressed in their ceremonial gowns, the graduates received their scrolls from adventurer, broadcaster and writer Ben Fogle while friends and family proudly watched on.

Ben Fogle also gave the keynote speech, in which he spoke about growing up in a veterinary household … Read more

We’re delighted that Donna Green, one of our senior tutors, has won a Central Qualifications (CQ) Veterinary Nursing Educator Award.

Donna received the award at the CQ Graduation and Awards Ceremony, held at Central Hall, Westminster, on Saturday, 9 March. The annual awards celebrate the commitment and hard work of teaching staff who support veterinary nursing students, recognising their talent, skill, and dedication.

Part of the CCOAS team since 2020, … Read more

Registered veterinary nurses play a crucial role in not only the day-to-day responsibilities within a practice, they’re an essential part of the team providing out of hours care. Along with the veterinary surgeon on call, the RVNs make sure the sick and injured animals are monitored throughout the night. Former CCOAS graduate, Scott Norman spoke to PetFocus about working as a night nurse. No two nights are the same and … Read more

First-year veterinary nursing students from CCOAS visited Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue recently as part of their training. They met some of the sick and injured patients currently being looked after by the charity and learned how to handle and care for hedgehogs.

Although veterinary nurses spend most of their time helping pets such as cats and dogs, rescue organisations and members of the public will often bring wildlife in need … Read more

As part of their veterinary nurse training programme, second and third year CCOAS students are getting the opportunity to listen to a series of guest speakers to enrich their time spent at college.

One of the speakers was Paul Donovan, from Kent Police Tactical Operations Dog Unit, who visited the CCOAS college in Kent.

During Paul’s talk, students learnt about the breeds that are selected for the police unit; their … Read more

After experiencing glimpses of what being a veterinary nurse was all about when I worked as a veterinary receptionist, I applied and was accepted as a student veterinary nurse with the Central College of Animal Studies (CCOAS).

I was only six months into the Diploma of Small Animal Veterinary Nursing when the coronavirus pandemic hit and the Government advised us all to stay at home. In-person learning was halted and … Read more

David Bearder on life as a student veterinary nurse

Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) are the backbone of any successful veterinary practice, providing emergency and routine healthcare to animals. From preparing patients for surgical procedures to educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets, the day-to-day responsibilities of a veterinary nurse are vast and varying.

We spoke to David Bearder, a student veterinary nurse studying with the Central College of … Read more

Why I became a Veterinary Nurse?- I first became inspired to become a veterinary nurse when I was 11, my Aunt was a veterinary nurse at the time and she would bring home stray animals and particularly wildlife that needed care. She let me help with caring for them, I helped with hand rearing wild rabbits, squirrels, a badger, piglets and lambs from the farm. I wanted to make a … Read more

Pet Focus magazine caught up with Beckie Mills RVN from Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre about what a typical day involves as a veterinary nurse.

Read the article here.… Read more

Central College of Animal Studies welcomed more veterinary nursing students in September 2019. The College is now busy recruiting for groups to start at each of their three centres in Suffolk, Kent and Devon for September 2020. Specialising in veterinary nursing training, the College offers small class sizes and high levels of student support.

One of the additional benefits of training with CCOAS is the ability to earn while you … Read more