Bicton College adds VetSkill Level 2 Diploma in Patient Care Assistance to portfolio
Bicton College of The Cornwall College Group has received approval to deliver the VetSkill Level 2 Diploma in Patient Care Assistance, further expanding its VetSkill provision and strengthening its veterinary nursing training offer.
A leading land-based college in Devon, Bicton College specialises in practical, hands-on education and has been an approved VetSkill centre since 2020. The college currently delivers a range of VetSkill qualifications, including the VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support, the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal), and the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Award in Canine First Aid, which Bicton was the first centre to deliver in February 2025.
The VetSkill Level 2 Diploma in Patient Care Assistance provides an opportunity for learners to demonstrate their skills and understanding of delivering high level care to animals in a veterinary environment, assisting Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons. It complements the VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support already offered at Bicton College, enhancing progression opportunities within the Veterinary Nursing Department and providing learners with a strong, industry-relevant foundation. It also offers an additional pathway for individuals wishing to prepare for further training and progression into veterinary nursing qualifications, subject to entry requirements.
Joanne Harrison, Head of Veterinary Nursing Centre at Bicton College, shares:
“Bicton College is delighted to announce its recent approval to deliver the VetSkill Level 2 Diploma in Patient Care Assistance within the Veterinary Nursing Department.
This is an exciting development for the college and reflects Bicton’s continued commitment to providing high-quality education and training for learners aspiring to work within the veterinary and animal care sectors. The new qualification will complement the VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support already offered at Bicton College, further strengthening the progression opportunities available to students within the department.
The introduction of the Level 2 Diploma in Patient Care Assistance will enable learners to develop the practical knowledge, professional behaviours, and industry-relevant skills needed to support patient care effectively within a veterinary environment. It also provides an additional route for students wishing to build a strong foundation before progressing into further veterinary nursing training.
By expanding its VetSkill provision, Bicton College is continuing to respond to industry need and to support learners in gaining the skills, confidence, and experience required for successful careers in veterinary practice.
The Veterinary Nursing Department is proud to broaden its curriculum offer and looks forward to welcoming learners onto the new programme.”
Kiera Lawthers, Quality Assurance Officer at VetSkill, adds:
“We are delighted that Bicton College has chosen VetSkill once again to expand its provision with our high-quality qualifications. Throughout the approval process, the team has demonstrated a commitment to creating progressive opportunities for learners that are supportive of industry requirements and long-term learner success. We wish to take this opportunity to extend a warm congratulations to the team on this achievement and wish them every success as they welcome their first cohort of learners onto the VetSkill Level 2 Diploma in Patient Care Assistance.”
VetSkill is pleased to continue building its relationship with Bicton College and supports the centre in delivering high-quality, industry-relevant qualifications that meet the needs of learners and veterinary practices alike.
Learn more about VetSkill’s qualifications here. For further information on becoming an approved VetSkill centre, please visit: Become a Centre — VetSkill. Kiera from the VetSkill Quality Assurance Team will be in contact to arrange an initial meeting to discuss the process and provide support and guidance throughout.