Hopwood Hall College students get an insight in to veterinary nursing

Hopwood Hall College student Sollia Wellon, demonstrating suitable fracture management through application of an appropriate bandage to stabilise an injured limb

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A group of BTEC National Animal Management students from Hopwood Hall College recently attended the 5th annual VETNET sponsored Veterinary Nursing Symposium held at Myerscough College School of Veterinary Nursing.

The Symposium is part of the Progression Accord that the BTEC National Animal Management course at Hopwood Hall has with the School of Veterinary Nursing at Myerscough. As a result of the strong links the College has built up with them over the years, and the confidence they have in the calibre of students that Hopwood Hall College produce, every learner who attends the Symposium is guaranteed at least an offer of an interview for either the FDSc or BSc(Hons) in Veterinary Nursing.

The day is designed to give the students a realistic experience of what it’s like to study at degree level on a Veterinary Nursing program and the professional competencies that must be achieved to gain registration in this profession.

The 13 students were first given an extensive talk about the FDSc and BSc (Hons) courses on offer, which outlined the modules that would be studied, the course structure, assessment methods and work experience requirements. Then the students met the entire Veterinary Nursing teaching team and current 3rd year students, two of whom were former Hopwood Hall College Animal Management students. This was followed with a tour of the college facilities by a 3rd year student vet nurse, another former Hopwood Hall College Animal Management student.

The rest of the day was spent doing practical assessments as these are an imperative part of achieving this highly vocational degree and gaining registration as a Veterinary Nurse. The students completed sessions on gloving and gowning, where they learnt how to scrub up for surgery; haematology, to identify PCV levels and diagnose dehydration; blood film preparation and staining for microscope analysis; fracture management and bandaging and radiography.

Course tutor, Sarah Whitehurst, commented on the experience, “The students were a credit to the College – they fully participated in the entire day and their enthusiasm never wavered. We received some excellent feedback on the students’ high levels of practical ability, subject knowledge and general professionalism. They made me extremely proud to be their tutor.”