Myerscough v College of Animal Welfare

Re: Myerscough v College of Animal Welfare

Sian Edwards — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 17:14:52 GMT

Thanks everyone, that's really useful.

Mark, I don't think I'm eligible for an apprenticeship. I think the rules in Wales are slightly different but pretty sure my degree excludes me. Funding is something I need to discuss with my boss

I've already been chatting with a friend of mine about the possibility of seeing practice at the vets she works at. The facilities where I work are very different from an average vet practice and to do the VCA or ANA properly I would want more experience than I can gain where I work. But interesting to hear about the auxiliary training practice; not something I had heard of before and might be something to consider for the future.

Lots to think about.

Re: Myerscough v College of Animal Welfare

Mark Hedberg — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 09:53:04 GMT

Disclaimer: I work for The College of Animal Welfare.

First of all, thank you to Steph and jc91 for their kind words, they are warmly appreciated!

Now, as to the nuts and bolts: The two courses (ANA from Myerscough, VCA from us) both serve as an effective 'pre vet nursing' course.

The ANA is a more theory based course, and the Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) course that CAW does is much more 'hands on' and practical. The distance learning part of the VCA means that you can study online in your own time, anywhere in the UK, and you can also pay in installments (Pay as you learn) which helps you be more flexible with finances. You're supported by an in-practice mentor and a distance learning tutor, and we have very good pass rates and completion rates.

(You also don't need to be a training practice; but if you do choose to go on to veterinary nursing, we could potentially talk about being an Auxiliary Training Practice; but that's something for another post.)

http://www.caw.ac.uk/courses/veterinary-care/level-2-diploma-for-veterinary-care-assistants-vca-course/ (Course details for VCA)

http://www.caw.ac.uk/study-with-us/fees-and-finance/pay-as-you-learn-scheme/ (Pay as you learn details)

The VCA course is also available as an apprenticeship - if you are eligible, this could be a funded way for you to do this qualification.

Now in total honesty I happen to agree that Myerscough College is also an excellent college - only a fool or a liar would deny that. I know their Head of School for Veterinary Nursing (Kathy Kissick) as a dedicated and passionate teacher. It's always a pleasure to meet her and I know she'll accept nothing but the best from her students.

So yes, I think you'd do quite nicely at CAW and I'm happy to answer questions on the VCA (or refer you to the Admin team on questions I can't answer) but I certainly won't say a word against Myerscough.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll make the right choice - please don't hesitate to get in touch if you need further information.

Best wishes,
Mark

Re: Myerscough v College of Animal Welfare

Steph Worsley — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 17:38:22 GMT

I did my initial training and subsequent DipAVN training with Myerscough and they are great....although I know CAW are fab as well so think you would be fine with either of them

Just to throw another one in the works: http://www.sjstraining.co.uk/ SJS training is run by a friend of mine and she runs various levels of courses for animal assistants

Re: Myerscough v College of Animal Welfare

jc91 — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 17:22:09 GMT

I am currently working on the College of animal welfare distance learning course. They are really helpful to deal with. You have a tutor that you can email anytime and calls you every month or so for a learner review.

Not heard of the Myerscough one so can not compare

Re: Myerscough v College of Animal Welfare

Grace Spedding — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 16:41:05 GMT

I would go with Myerscough. I did my Vet Nurse training there and I cant recommend the college enough. They go far further than just teaching you what you need to pass your exams. x

Re: Myerscough v College of Animal Welfare

Amanda — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 15:58:55 GMT

Go with Myerscough! They are a better college overall!