Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing
| Duration | Mode | Level | Application to | Latest Points | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | Full Time | 7 | CAO |
|
The growth in scale, demands and sophistication of veterinary practices has created a significant market for the services of veterinary nurses. The veterinary nurse plays an essential role in the running of a modern veterinary practice, from assisting the veterinary surgeon, to maintenance of the clinic and patient care.
Their roles can be in an advisory capacity, such as advising clients about husbandry, kennel and stable management and responsible pet ownership. Veterinary Nurses are involved in the running of diagnostic tests within the clinic such as diagnostic imaging and blood testing. They may also be responsible for administering and dispensing medicines and stock control. Administrative duties may also be part of the veterinary nurse’s responsibilities.
This established degree programme will give you the multi-disciplined skills to play a key role in both large and small animal veterinary practices. A critical component of each year of the course is a clinical placement in a veterinary practice.
You will be required to spend two residential weeks at Gurteen College, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co Tipperary during both first and second year of the degree programme. The cost of this week must be paid by the student (details of fees available from AIT).
Minimum Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate
Laboratory-based science subject at Grade D3 in higher level or B3 in ordinary level, plus four subjects at Grade D3 at ordinary level, to include Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).FETAC
Any FETAC level 5 qualification is acceptable. Applicants to this programme are required, however, to have the module Mathematics (C20139) included in their award or alternatively have Leaving Certificate Mathematics. They must also have the module Biology (C20006) at minimum Merit level or alternatively have a Leaving Certificate Science subject at minimum B3 in ordinary level.
Modules
Year 1
Learning to Learn, Biology, Chemistry, Introduction to Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology, Companion Animal Husbandry, Information Technology for Scientists (Veterinary Nursing), Practice Placement (10 weeks). (There will be a two week residential placement in Gurteen Agricultural College in semester 2 during which practical training in animal handling and farm health & safety will be provided).
Year 2
Biochemistry, Veterinary Clinical Laboratory Techniques, General Microbiology, Veterinary Pharmacology, Diagnostic Imagining, Large Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Infection & Disease Control, Surgical Nursing, Practice Placement (10 weeks). There will be a two week residential placement in Gurteen Agricultural College in semester 2 during which training in farm animal and equine husbandry will be provided).Year 3
Advanced Surgical Nursing, Veterinary Anaesthesia, Small Animal Medical Nursing, Equine Medical Nursing, Animal Behaviour, Marketing & Accounting, Practice Placement (all of semester 2).
Progression
As a graduate you are eligible to apply for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Biosciences, the BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Practice Management or other Level 8 programmes in AIT or elsewhere. Graduates of this programme have been successful in gaining entry to the five-year veterinary programme in Budapest, Hungary.
Professional Recognition
This course is accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and graduate are eligible to enter onto the Veterinary Nurse Register of Ireland.
Career Opportunities
Currently, and for the foreseeable future, employment prospects for veterinary nurses are excellent. As well as providing the necessary scientific and nursing skills and understanding, this programme also uniquely provides you with the business skills that are essential for running and marketing a veterinary practice.
Additional Information
Susan Reilly graduated from AIT with a BSc in veterinary nursing in 2007. While practicing in Ireland she went on to complete further specialized training in Canine Hydrotherapy and Rehabilitation at the Hawksmoor Hydrotherapy Training Centre and at the Greyfriars Canine Rehabilitation Centre in the UK. She went on to set up a business ‘Blanchardstown Canine Hydrotherapy’ in Dublin. She now specializes in rehabilitation of dogs. In September 2009 she was accept into the University of Nottingham to study veterinary physiotherapy. Following her graduation she hopes to work as a veterinary physiotherapist in Ireland, specializing in dogs, cats and horses.
