» 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?
- This new degree in Veterinary Nursing is a new, 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.
- 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.
- What will I have to study?
Year/Semester Proposed Modules,
subject to approvalMandatory/
ElectiveNo of credits Class hours per week 1/1 Introduction to Nursing Mandatory 5 5 Communications & Study Skills Mandatory 5 4 Biological & Bioveterinary Sciences Mandatory 5 5 Laboratory Science & Calculations Mandatory 2.5 3 Animal Husbandry 1 & Welfare Mandatory 5 3 Veterinary Nursing 1 Mandatory 5 4 Surgical Nursing 1 Mandatory 2.5 2 1/2 Work Placement 1 Mandatory 30 30 2/3 Animal Husbandry 2 & Nutrition Mandatory 5 4 Communication & Client Consultation Skills Mandatory 5 4 Basic Veterinary Practice Management Mandatory 5 4 Veterinary Nursing 2 Mandatory 10 7 Veterinary Nursing 3 Mandatory 5 4 2/4 Work Placement 2 Mandatory 30 30 3/5 Advanced Veterinary Practice Management Mandatory 2.5 4 Pharmacy Laboratory & Stock Management Mandatory 2.5 2 Surgical Nursing 2 Mandatory 5 4 Veterinary Nursing 4 Mandatory 5 7 Behaviour & Behavioural Therapy Mandatory 5 4 Work Placement 3 Mandatory 10 30 3/6 Animal Husbandry 3 Mandatory 5 4 Veterinary Nursing 5 Mandatory 5 4 Professional & Ethical Studies Mandatory 5 4 Research Project Mandatory 5 3 Work Placement 4 Mandatory 10 30 - 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 1 week at the beginning of semester 1 and a further week in semester 2 at Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Co. Cavan to gain fundamental animal handling skills. The learner will be responsible for payment of his/her expenses for this 2 week period.
- Learners will have a 12 week work placement in semesters 2 and 4 and two 6 week placements in semesters 5 and 6. 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 (October 2009) obtained pre-accreditation of this course from the Veterinary Council of Ireland.
- This course begins in September each year. How to Apply
- FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
- Contact: Head of Department of Science
- Telephone: (074) 918 6302