Veterinary Nursing

The BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing is a full-time 4 year degree programme. Veterinary Nurses work alongside Veterinary Surgeons in order to provide a high standard of care for animals. They normally work within a veterinary surgery or veterinary hospital and are involved in a wide range of care and treatment. Including; providing skilled supportive care for sick animals, undertaking minor surgery, monitoring during anaesthesia, medical treatments and diagnostic tests under veterinary supervision. Veterinary Nurses also play an important role in the education of owners on good standards of animal care.

As a Veterinary Nursing student you'll complete at least 70 weeks of practical training at a range of excellent veterinary practices, including the RVC's own world-leading hospitals - giving you hands-on experience and real insight into the day-to-day role of the veterinary nurse.

Programme Structure

Part 1

• Professional Development and Clinical Skills 1
• Clinical Nursing Practice 1
• Clinical Nursing Practice 2
• Veterinary Nursing Applied Science 1
• Veterinary Nursing Applied Science 2

Part 2

• Professional Development and Clinical Skills 2
• Emergency, Critical Care Nursing & Anaesthesia
• Applied Nursing Care
• Diagnostic Techniques
• Professional Practice

Part 3

• Professional Studies
• Research Methods
• Business Management
• Final Year Project

Choose one Elective Module from the following:

• Pharmacology
• Teaching & Assessment
• Pathology

OR

Choose two subjects from the clinical specialties (availability of each module is subject to demand):

• Anaesthesia
• Analgesia
• Fluid Therapy
• Intensive Care Nursing
• Wound Management
• Surgical Nursing
• Theatre Management
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Pharmacy
• Diagnostic Laboratory skills
• Medical Nursing
• Wildlife and Exotic Animal Nursing

Entry Requirements

Veterinary Nursing is a competitive degree course but the RVC actively encourages applicants with the desire to succeed. Our admissions tutors consider all applications carefully on their individual merits.

• Acceptable academic qualifications:
  • Advanced/A2 Levels
  • Access to HE Diplomas
  • Birkbeck College's CertHE in Life Sciences
  • BTEC National Diploma
  • Cambridge Pre-U
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate
  • GCSE- only in addition to other qualifications
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • International and EU applicants
  • Other
• Work experience (both in practice and in a non-clinical placement)