What will I learn?
The programme is designed to equip you for the veterinary industry, studying in a supportive environment with industry professionals. Throughout the course you will be taught a wide range of science based subjects, vital in developing your knowledge of companion animal nursing within diverse topics including anatomy and physiology, analytical techniques, professional skills of the veterinary nurse, anaesthesia, pharmacology and animal behaviour. You will learn through a combination of formal lectures, laboratory sessions, animal handling and clinical practicals, along with guided and independent study.
Work placements are key to your professional development and benefit from the University Centre’s strong links to diverse organisations within the veterinary and animal professions. To meet RCVS clinical placement requirements you will spend a minimum of 1800 hours in veterinary practice in a year placement.
We also offer students the chance to participate in optional overseas study tours including the Shamwari Conservation Experience in South Africa and LAST Conservation in Costa Rica
How will I be assessed?
A wide range of assessment methods are used including written coursework, presentations, practical examinations and traditional written examinations. While you are working within the clinical environment, your progress will be monitored with practical competency assessments, designed to assess RCVS Day One Competencies and Day One Skills for Veterinary Nurses
Where can I go from here?
Veterinary nursing is a diverse and satisfying career with many opportunities for registered veterinary nurses.
Following graduation, you will be able to work as a RVN within the companion animal profession in general practice. Students completing the FdSc are also given the prospect to continue their studies for a final year in a wide range of related BSc top up courses including BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Science, BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Behaviour or BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology, all of which are offered by University Centre Sparsholt.
The veterinary industry also presents increasing opportunities for veterinary nurses to work within patient rehabilitation, specialised referral hospitals, equine practice, the pharmaceutical industry, zoological/wildlife parks and in education.
Modules Covered
Level Four
- Analytical and Diagnostic Techniques.
- Animal Husbandry, Inheritance and Disease.
- Functional Anatomy.
- Industrial Experience.
- Practice Organisation and Personal Development Planning.
- Principles of Veterinary Nursing.
Level Five
Level 5 modules will be taught during the course of year 2 and 3.
- Application of Veterinary Nursing Care
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Pharmacology
- Surgical Theatre Practice and Anaesthesia
- Veterinary Nursing Industrial Placement
- Animal Behaviour
- Applied Industrial Research
- Recent Advances in Animal Health
- Veterinary Nursing Clinical Skills
Additional Costs
For additional course costs click here
Entry Requirements
- A Level – Three A Level passes, including two at grade C or above one of which should be in a life science
- BTEC National Ext. Diploma – DMM
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Ext. Diploma (1080) – DMM in an appropriate pathway
- BTEC National Diploma – N/A
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720) – N/A
- Access to HE – A Merit profile in a relevant Access course with 96 tariff points including a minimum of 15 credits at merit in science-based units
- International Baccalaureate – 25 points with HL Biology at 4. Good grades in MYP English, Maths, and Science
- *Plus five GCSEs at C/4 or above, including Maths, English and Science
- *Two weeks’ work experience in a Veterinary Surgery
Fitness to practise
Applicants for registration must demonstrate their fitness to practise through their conduct, health and performance.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses 2012 details the ‘fitness to practise’ requirements for Veterinary Nurses.
Professional Responsibilities 3.1 states that Veterinary Nurses must take reasonable steps to address adverse physical or mental health or performance that could impair fitness to practise; or, that results in harm, or a risk of harm, to animal health or welfare, public health or the public interest.
Additional information can be found here
