Program Overview

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Course Overview

Why take this course?

Veterinary nursing is an exciting, diverse and challenging career. It is a job that requires a person to have exceptional communication skills, empathy, logical quick thinking and problem-solving ability. Some of the daily tasks undertaken by a veterinary nurse in practice include the following:

• Dispensing and administering of medication and fluid therapy
• Performing laboratory diagnostic tests
• Conducting diagnostic imaging
• Assisting in the provision of anaesthetics
• Preparing and assisting for/with veterinary surgical procedures
• Nursing clinics

By undertaking TUS Midland’s BSc in Veterinary Nursing programme, you will learn to nurse companion animals, equine and farm animals, leaving you well equipped for a broad range of veterinary nursing careers.

The programme is _Veterinary Council of Ireland _(VCI) accredited and ACOVENE accredited.

What will I experience?

This established degree programme will give you the multidisciplinary skills to play a key role in large animal, small animal and equine veterinary practices. During the 3 year degree, you will experience on-farm training in farm animal production and health and safety, and undertake compulsory clinical placements in veterinary practices at each stage of your degree.

Work Placement

Work placement will include 30 weeks clinical placement over the 3 years in a small animal, equine and large animal hospitals.

8 weeks in first and second year from May to July and a 14 week placement in year 3 during semester 2. You will also be required to spend two residential weeks at Gurteen College , Ballinagarry, Roscrea, Co Tipperary during both first and second year of the degree programme.

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

Laboratory-based science subject at Grade H6 in higher level or 03 in ordinary level, plus four subjects at Grade 06 at ordinary level, to include Mathematics and a language (English or Irish). Mature applicants who apply via CAO and who are shortlisted will be required to attend an interview.

QQI

QQI Level 5 award in any discipline in addition to the following three Leaving Certificate requirements: minimum of O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, a minimum of O3/H6 in any Science subject OR QQI Level 5 award in any discipline which should include a minimum of a pass in a QQI Mathematics module and a minimum of a Merit in a QQI Biology module as part of the QQI level 5 overall award.

There is a limited number of places of spaces available. Demand is very high each year, making for competitive entry. Realistically, only those presenting with 8 modules at distinction grade compete for a place on a random selection basis.

Mature Applicants

There is very heavy demand for places year-on-year, with CAO points cutting in the region of 400 – 430 being the norm. As an alternative to the Leaving Certificate, you can opt to compete on the basis of a QQI Level 5 award in ANY discipline.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Biology for Bioveterinary and Microbial Science
• VN Practice Placement 1
• Chemistry for Bioveterinary and Microbial Science
• Mathematics for Scientists 1.1
• Companion Animal husbandry
• Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology
• Introductory Veterinary Nursing
• Ethics and Regulatory Affairs for Veterinary Practice
• Veterinary Nursing Placement Preparation

Year 2

• Veterinary Pharmacology 2.1
• Veterinary Biochemistry 2.1
• Large Animal Husbandry 2.1
• Veterinary Clinical Laboratory Techniques
• Diagnostic Imaging for Veterinary Nurses
• General Microbiology
• Veterinary Pharmacology 2.2
• Veterinary Biochemistry 2.2
• Large Animal Husbandry 2.2
• Introduction to Surgical Nursing
• Veterinary Infection and Disease Control
• Clinical Veterinary Nursing
• VN Practice Placement 2

Year 3

• Surgical Nursing
• Veterinary Anesthesia
• Companion Animal Medical Nursing
• Equine Medical Nursing
• Genetics for Veterinary Nursing
• Veterinary Bioanalysis
• VN Practice Placement 3 – Large Animal Practical Exam
• VN Practice Placement 3 – Clinical Competency Exam
• VN Practice Placement 3 – Portfolio

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

Currently, and for the foreseeable future, employment prospects for veterinary nurses in clinical practice are excellent. Graduates are eligible to register as veterinary nurses with the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and work in veterinary practices carrying out all tasks applicable to veterinary nurses under current legislation. Registered graduates may work with veterinarians in small animal, equine or large animal practices assisting in the care of animals. Careers in veterinary pharmaceuticals, food and medical/surgical sales are another career option.

Further Study

As a graduate you are eligible to apply for the BSc(Hons) in Applied Bioscience at TUS.

Graduates of this programme have been successful in gaining entry to the five- year veterinary programme in the UK and in Europe (Slovakia, Hungary). Many students progress to Masters and PhD programmes having used the ladder system within TUS.

Further Information

This programme is accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI), the regulatory body governing veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in Ireland, and graduates are eligible to enter onto the Register of Veterinary Nurses in Ireland – a requirement which must be met in order to work as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).

The programme also has (Accreditation for Veterinary Nurse Education) accreditation. This accreditation is a pan-European quality assurance tool and makes it easier for students from accredited courses to find a job abroad.

Additional Information

How to Apply

CAO FAQs

Student Finance

Other CAO information

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