College Certificate Veterinary Terminology

Veterinary Terminology will introduce you to veterinary words and terms, particularly in relation to the body systems of cats and dogs. The course is studied over the course of six months.

Location: Non Campus Specific
Study mode: Distance Learning (0.6 years)
Start date: September 2027
Duration: 0.6 years
Agency code: VTE1

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Course overview

This online distance learning course will help you to develop an understanding of the words, phrases, and abbreviations commonly used in veterinary practices. It particularly relates to terminology used in small animal practices, mainly with reference to the body systems of dogs and cats. The course incorporates a level 6 SQA unit.

This course is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the animal care or veterinary sector, for example, as a veterinary receptionist or as animal welfare staff. It is also highly recommended for anyone who would like to progress onto a veterinary nursing diploma or degree course.

We also offer a version of this course for Senior Phase School pupils. Visit: SRUC Courses for schools | Veterinary Terminology

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements, however, English at National 5 is desirable due to the course content and SQA level. An interest in animals or pursuing a career in the animal care or veterinary sector would also be beneficial.

The course costs £300 for Scottish applicants and £600 for rest of UK/international applicants.

If you are a school pupil, please apply through the schools link.

What you'll learn

If you’re thinking of a career in the veterinary sector or in animal welfare organisations, you’ll need to understand the terminology used by your potential employers. This course provides an understanding of how these terms are formed and relates them to animal disease processes, as well as surgical and medical veterinary procedures and medicines.

The course is split into sections covering the various body systems and explores the terms associated with each system.

Example modules:

Body Cells and Tissues
The Respiratory System
The Skeletal System
The Endocrine System
Infectious Diseases of Dogs and Cats

Example modules include:

How veterinary terms are formed
Terminology relating to disease of specific body systems
Terminology in medical and surgery procedures
Medical abbreviations
Terminology relating to drugs

College Certificate Veterinary Terminology

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