Royal Canin has announced that its Level 4 Certificate in Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition is now open for enrolment.Royal Canin has announced that its Level 4 Certificate in Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition is now open for enrolment.

The Nutrition Certificate, which is provided in association wth COAPE, is a qualification which explores both the theory and practical application of the most recent advances in diet formulation and case-based feeding. Royal Canin says it is an equivalent study level to the first year of a degree course and runs over a nine month period (up to 180 hours of study). 

The certificate involves assignments spanning four units, including: 

  • Anatomy and Physiology of the Canine and Feline Digestive Tract
  • Essentials of Canine and Feline Nutrition / Canine and Feline Diet Types and Feeding Regimes
  • Principles of Canine and Feline Lifestage Nutrition
  • Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition: Major Body Systems / Critical Care / Principles of Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition

On graduation, students are awarded a ‘Certificate of Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition’ and can place Cert CFVHNut as post-nominals after their name.

Carly Nairn, Head Veterinary Nurse at Seymore Vets, completed the course this year. She said: "As soon as I began the course I was able to take new learnings to use as part of my day to day work in practice.

"I have been able to advise clients on the direct link between nutrition and specific illnesses, providing them with more accurate, in-depth information, helping pet owners gain a greater understanding of their pets.

"Although the course was challenging, it was most certainly worth the knowledge, greater understanding and daily transferable skills."

Royal Canin is offering bursaries to a limited number of applicants, allowing for a 30% discount in course fees. To apply for a bursary, applicants should contact their local Veterinary Business Manager for an application form or, to enrol without the assistance of a bursary visit: www.coape.org

Nutrition Certificate courses run twice a year, with a February and September intake: applications for September 2016 close on Wednesday 31st August.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.