• » Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing
    CAO Code  LY847
    LYIT internal code  
    Duration  3 Years
    Standard Code Places:  16
    FETAC Places:  2
    Mature Applicants Places:  1
    Foundation Places:  1
    National Framework Level  7
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    The degree in Veterinary Nursing is a novel and exciting area for potential graduates. It is a multi-disciplined course providing learners with surgical, clinical and nursing skills alongside business skills to provide the practice with the required management/veterinary nursing skills that many practices are seeking in a veterinary nurse. The programme will also contribute to the academic and professional development of veterinary nurses so that they will make an enhanced contribution to the care of animals.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    Entry to the course will be via normal CAO Applications Processes. The course will be available to applicants who meet the following criteria:
    • Grade D3 or higher in at least five ordinary level subjects at Leaving Certificate, including Maths, a laboratory based science subject and either Irish or English, or an equivalent qualification.
      or
    • Applicants from Northern Ireland must have a minimum of 1 GCE A level at grade E or better and 4 other passes at GCSE ‘O’ level grade C or better to include Maths, English and a science based subject.
      or
    • Have obtained a full FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Animal Care (CASAC), including a distinction in C20006 Biology and two further distinctions in the following modules, C20152 Animal Welfare, C20153 Animal Anatomy & Physiology or G20001 Communications.
    What will I have to study?
    Year/SemesterModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     1/1  Communications & Study Skills Mandatory  5  8
     Introduction to Nursing Mandatory  5  10
     Laboratory Science & Calculations Mandatory  5  6
     Animal Husbandry 1 & Welfare Mandatory  5  6
     Placement Preparation Mandatory    1
     Work Placement 1 Mandatory  10  6 week block
     1/2  Biological & Bioveterinary Science Mandatory  7.5  8
     Veterinary Nursing 1 Mandatory  7.5  8
     Surgical Nursing 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Placement Preparation Mandatory    1
     Work Placement 2 Mandatory  10  6 week block
     2/3  Communications & Client Consultation Skills Mandatory  5  8
     Veterinary Nursing 2 Mandatory  10  12
     Animal Husbandry 2 & Nutrition Mandatory  5  6
     Basic Veterinary Practice Management Mandatory  5  6
     Placement Preparation Mandatory    1
     Work Placement 3 Mandatory  5  6 week block
     2/4  Veterinary Nursing 3 Mandatory  15  8
     Placement Preparation Mandatory    1
     Work Placement 4 Mandatory  15  6 week block
     3/5  Veterinary Nursing 4 Mandatory  10  7
     Surgical Nursing 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Placement Preparation Mandatory    1
     Work Placement 5 Mandatory  15  6 week block
     3/6  Animal Husbandry 3 Mandatory  2.5  4
     Veterinary Nursing 5 Mandatory  5  4
     Research Project Mandatory  2.5  3
     Professional & Ethical Studies Mandatory  5  4
     Behaviour & Behavioural Therapy Mandatory  5  4
     Pharmacy Laboratory & Stock Management Mandatory  2.5  2
     Advanced Veterinary Practice Management Mandatory  2.5  4
     Work Placement 6 Mandatory  5  6 week block
    Learning Outcomes
    Learning outcomes of this programme include the following. The graduate will be able to:
    • Monitor and maintain health, safety and security in the workplace
    • Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, managers and clients
    • Understand the role of the nurse in patient care and the provision of basic care
    • Assist in the preparation of patients for medical procedures
    • Demonstrate a comprehension of the statutory and ethical aspects of a veterinary practice
    • Prepare diagnostic imaging equipment and materials
    • Maintain and prepare surgical environments, equipment and materials for surgical procedures
    • Demonstrate a proficiency in the basics of accounting
    • Demonstrate a comprehension of employment law
    Work Placement
    The work placement modules are an integral part of the course. The aim of the placements is to provide veterinary nursing students with an opportunity to gain skills, experience and competence in veterinary practices.
    In order to ensure the health and safety of the learner during placement the veterinary nursing student will spend 3 hours each week for 6 weeks in semester 1 at a local open farm in Letterkenny gaining experience in the fundamental skills of animal handling.  A further 2 days will be spent in semester 2 at Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Co. Cavan for lambing purposes. The learner will be responsible for payment of his/her expenses for this 2 day period in Ballyhaise.
    Learners will have two 6 week placements each semester. These placements will be in practices in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Learners will spend at least 500 hours of the total work placement over the 3 years in veterinary practices that are Veterinary Council of Ireland registered veterinary clinics and/or registered veterinary hospitals or equivalent. Travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the learner.
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    Progression on this course will comply with standard regulations and procedures. It is anticipated that on successful completion learners will, for the most part, go directly into practice as Veterinary Nurses. Others may wish to progress to BSc (Hons.) programmes in a relevant science discipline in Ireland or abroad.
    Under the Veterinary Practice Act the Veterinary Council of Ireland is the current authority for Veterinary Nurses. However there is provision within the Act for the establishment of a Veterinary Nursing Council (possibly within the next couple of years) and this will allow for this Council to examine progression routes and speciality courses for veterinary Nurses.
    Career Opportunities
    Currently and for the foreseeable future employment prospects for veterinary nurses are good.
    Veterinary Council of Ireland
    The Institute recently (July 2011) obtained full-accreditation of this course from the Veterinary Council of Ireland.
    This course begins in September each year. How to Apply
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact: Dr Anne Nelson Head of Department of Science, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: anne.nelson@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6302