CAFRE celebrates veterinary nursing success as Ballymena learner among top achievers
- Love Ballymena
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Evelyn Harris from Ballymena achieved six Distinctions in her VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) course which she studied at CAFRE.
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has celebrated the achievements of its latest veterinary care and veterinary nursing graduates, with Ballymena among the towns represented by top-performing learners recognised at a major awards ceremony in Antrim.
Held at Greenmount Campus on Friday 27 March 2026, the event brought together families, friends, colleagues, veterinary practices and industry partners to mark the success of learners completing Level 2 and Level 3 programmes in Veterinary Care and Veterinary Nursing.
The ceremony recognised not only academic achievement but the growing role of veterinary professionals across Northern Ireland at a time of increasing demand for skilled support staff in animal care.
Greenmount Campus hosts celebration of achievement
Greenmount Campus welcomed guests from across the province for the awards event, which highlighted the progress of learners balancing classroom study with hands-on work in veterinary practices.
Dr Eric Long, Head of Education at CAFRE, formally welcomed Nigel Trimble, Director of the Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS) within DAERA’s Veterinary Service, who delivered the keynote address and presented awards to learners.
Addressing those gathered, CAFRE Director Paul McHenry praised the dedication shown by students as they reached a key point in their professional journey.
He said:
“I want to congratulate each of you on reaching this significant milestone in your Veterinary professions. Your Level 2 and Level 3 awards are an indication of your resilience, determination, and dedication to your career. You should be very proud of what you have achieved.”
Mr McHenry also underlined the growing need for qualified veterinary staff.
He said:
“Over half of all households in the UK own a pet, the demand for skilled veterinary care support and veterinary nursing staff is at an all-time high. This rise in the need for pet care is a testament to the significance of your chosen profession, and I have no doubt that you will excel in your field.”
33 learners qualify in veterinary nursing
Nicole Cromie was presented with the VSSCO Cup, by Mark Kellet, awarded for first overall on the VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support. Congratulations were extended by Sharon McLaren (CAFRE interim Head of Agriculture Education).
A major milestone in the ceremony was the recognition of 33 learners who attained the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
The qualification is completed alongside employment in veterinary practice and forms part of the route to professional registration.
Mrs Claire Morris, interim Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing at CAFRE, explained that the Level 3 programme is directly linked to professional practice standards.
She said:
“Level 3 qualifications are attained alongside employment within a Veterinary Practice. Learners aspire to enter onto the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) register, which provides them with their license to practise as recognised professionals giving them their Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) title.”
For learners, the final stage of training involves an intensive practical assessment process.
To qualify, students must complete 60 practical tasks covering areas including theatre work, anaesthesia, nursing care, radiography, communication and laboratory duties.
These are then tested in Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs), where learners are assessed across 12 stations.
Four learners achieve perfect OSCE success
Among the most notable achievements of the day, four CAFRE Level 3 learners successfully passed all 12 practical stations.
Those recognised for this exceptional result were:
Cleone Egerton, Lisbellaw
Tiffany Murray, Newry
Brenda Raven, Fivemiletown
Melinda Wallace, Newtownards
Mrs Morris said: “We are delighted that four CAFRE Level 3 learners, Cleone Egerton (Lisbellaw), Tiffany Murray (Newry), Brenda Raven (Fivemiletown) and Melinda Wallace (Newtownards) passed all twelve practical stations, a fantastic achievement!”
She added that the learners will receive a VetSkill OSCE Star badge and certificate, recognising their outstanding practical competency, and will also be listed in the organisation’s ‘Hall of Fame’.
Mrs Morris said many graduates will remain in frontline clinical practice, while others may move into pharmaceuticals, research, insurance, nutrition and education.
She added: “Registered Veterinary Nurses hold many transferable skills that open doors across multiple sectors.”
Ballymena learner among distinction achievers
Among the standout local successes was Evelyn Harris from Ballymena, who achieved six Distinctions in her VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) course.
Her achievement placed her among the highest-performing learners recognised during the ceremony.
Another exceptional performer was Sian Fletcher from Aghalee, who secured seven Distinctions out of a maximum of eight across her course.
Megan Andrews from Antrim achieved six Distinctions in her VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) course which she studied at CAFRE.
Meanwhile, Megan Andrews from Antrim also achieved six Distinctions in the same Level 3 qualification.
The ceremony also recognised learners from veterinary practices across Northern Ireland who have been combining work responsibilities with formal study.
Practice-based learners recognised across Northern Ireland
CAFRE highlighted the role of training practices across the province in supporting learners through workplace placements and mentoring.
Mr McHenry said: “The practices, located throughout the province, are essential in providing learners with the appropriate experience outside of regular class times.”
Gleno Veterinary Care staff Susan Houston from Newtownabbey and Amy Martin from Larne.
Among those recognised were staff from Gleno Veterinary Care.
Susan Houston, from Newtownabbey, attained the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal), while Amy Martin, from Larne, received her VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support.
Staff from Glenburn Veterinary Surgeons were also among those honoured.
Glenburn Veterinary Surgeons staff Holly Knox from Crumlin, Megan Andrews from Antrim and Chloe Millar from Newtownabbey have been balancing work and training.
Holly Knox, from Crumlin, achieved her VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support, while Megan Andrews and Chloe Millar, from Newtownabbey, were each awarded the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
CAFRE noted that these learners had been balancing professional duties with their studies throughout the programme.
Level 2 learners praised for frontline support
Learners on the Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support were also recognised for the practical contribution they make during their 12-month placement.
Mrs Morris said:
“They have engaged proactively in numerous aspects of practice operations, supporting Veterinary Surgeons and Registered Veterinary Nurses while contributing to the care of a diverse range of patients.”
She added that CAFRE hopes a number of Level 2 learners will now progress to the Level 3 programme as they continue their professional development.
One of the day’s notable awards saw Nicole Cromie presented with the VSSCO Cup, awarded for first overall on the VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support.
The award was presented by Mark Kellet, with congratulations extended by Sharon McLaren, CAFRE interim Head of Agriculture Education.
Oath recital marks right to practise
To formally mark the achievement of the 33 Level 3 graduates, Bethan Pinhey, on behalf of the Veterinary Nursing Council, delivered the oath recital for Professional Registration for the Right to Practice Veterinary Nursing in the UK.
This ceremonial moment marked the learners’ progression towards full professional recognition within the veterinary sector.
Next steps for aspiring veterinary staff
CAFRE has also encouraged veterinary employers to support staff wishing to formalise their qualifications.
Veterinary Practice Managers with staff interested in training pathways are being encouraged to contact Claire Morris, interim Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing, or visit the CAFRE website for further information.
The awards ceremony underscored both the calibre of this year’s learners and the wider growth of veterinary nursing as a profession across Northern Ireland, with local learners from Ballymena and beyond among those leading the way.
At a glance
CAFRE hosted its Veterinary Care and Veterinary Nursing Awards Ceremony on Friday 27 March 2026
The event took place at Greenmount Campus, Antrim
Families, friends, employers and industry partners attended
33 learners achieved the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
Four learners passed all 12 OSCE practical stations
Ballymena’s Evelyn Harris achieved six Distinctions
Aghalee learner Sian Fletcher secured seven Distinctions out of eight
CAFRE highlighted growing demand for veterinary nursing professionals across Northern Ireland and the wider UK
Level 2 and Level 3 learners were recognised for academic and workplace excellence
