University College Dublin - Ireland
Veterinary Nursing
| Programme Short Name: | BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) |
| Load (FT vs PT): |
Full Time |
| Levels (UG, G, etc): |
Undergraduate studies |
| Course Information: |
CAO Code: DN310 Leaving Certificate: Passes in six subjects including English (Min OC3), Irish, Mathematics (Min OC3), one laboratory science subject (or Home Economics) (Min HC3) & two other recognised subjects. Two of the six subjects must be minimum HC3. Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for: |
| Why is this course for me? |
In response to the recognition and registration of veterinary nursing as a profession in Ireland, UCD developed and implemented a full-time, four-year honours BSc Veterinary Nursing degree programme in 2009. The degree provides the graduate with not only a sound academic foundation but also the practical skills and competencies with which to build a solid career as a professional veterinary nurse. The study of Veterinary Nursing necessitates using animal-derived material in some classes. Any animal tissue used in classes is ethically sourced in full compliance with the university's ethical review body. Individuals who object unreservedly to the use of animal material in teaching should not enter the veterinary nursing programme. |
| What will I study? |
First & Second Year Students receive a high-quality education through lectures, tutorials and practical classes, as well as off-site work experience. The curriculum reflects the demands on the Irish veterinary nurse in practice by incorporating teaching on small animal (including exotics), farm animal and equine nursing During the first two years, students spend an average of 30 hours per week attending lectures, tutorials and practicals on all aspects of veterinary nursing, including:
Third & Fourth Year During third year you undertake additional modules and embark on placements within veterinary practices that are committed to veterinary nurse training. During the final year, Veterinary Nursing rotations largely take place in the UCD Veterinary Hospital and can involve early mornings and some late-night work. Students are also expected to undertake independent study. A combination of end-of-semester written and practical examinations, along with continuous assessment during semesters, is used throughout the programme. For detailed information on subject content click here. |
| Career & Graduate Study Opportunities |
In addition to the highly skilled role of veterinary nursing in the practice environment, strong demand exists for qualified veterinary nurses in a number of related fields:
You will also have the opportunity to pursue graduate studies, thereby actively contributing to academic and research fields both within your profession and in related sciences. |
| Staff Profile: |
I graduated from the UCD Dip VN programme in 2005, as a mature student. I had previously obtained my BSc from NUI Maynooth in 2000. After graduating as a veterinary nurse I spent three years working in a private equine referral hospital in Ireland. I returned to UCD in 2008, to work in the UCDVH as a veterinary nurse in the large animal surgery section. In 2009, I decided to take a more academic direction by taking up the position of Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing and pursuing an MSc in Equine Science through Edinburgh University, which I completed in 2012. My current role as lecturer allows me to blend my love of nursing, lifelong learning and all creatures great and small. The university environment always offers new and exciting challenges. Pamela Gillick, Lecturer, BSc, RVN |
| Student Profile |
“The depth of knowledge that is available to us from lecturers that come from both veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing backgrounds is amazing. The lecturers are extremely approachable and they will go out of their way to make sure a student understands any area they may be having difficulty with. The experience that I have gained from the practical side of the course has been invaluable to me. The veterinary practice where I completed my placement taught me so much and I really gained an understanding of the roles and the responsibilities that a veterinary nurse has. The combination of the lecturers, class mates and practical learning has greatly increased my confidence and I cannot wait for the day that I become a registered veterinary nurse.” Ciaran Lloyd, Student |
| Related Programs: |
Animal Science Veterinary Medicine |
| Pathway |
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| Contact Information: |
Ms Trish Scaife Tel: +353 1 716 6100 |
| Categories: |
Veterinary Medicine |
