Veterinary Nursing
(Animal Care)

INTRODUCTION:

This is the first year of a two year programme accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland. Students that complete this course and the progression (Animal Science – Veterinary Nursing at QQI Level 6) are eligible for registration as Veterinary Nurses.

Our Mission Statement:

To create a supportive learning environment that encourages excellence and facilitates every student to reach their full academic and professional potential.

We emphasize the scientific, social, and environmental aspects of the Veterinary Nursing profession using academic literature, practical classes, and extramural studies.

We produce graduates who will become central members of their communities of practice and for whom the attainment of Day One Competencies is just the beginning of their life long professional development as Veterinary Nurses.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

DURATION:

This is a one-year full-time course.

FEES:

€50 Registration Fee + €100 for kit.
Total = €150.

Please see fees & payment for more details.

CERTIFICATION:

• QQI Animal Care – Level 5 (5M2768).

CORE COMPONENTS:

INTEGRATED COMPONENTS:

WORK PLACEMENT / EXPERIENCE:

Participants will be required to undertake one day work experience per week and four block weeks. The College will assist participants in identifying suitable placements.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES:

For full details on progression opportunities see these links:

• Cork Colleges Progression Scheme
• QQI Requirements

Excellent progressions opportunities including:

• Dundalk IT: BSC (Hons) Veterinary Nursing (Top Up).

• MTU Cork: Some Science Courses*.

• MTU Kerry: Veterinary Bioscience (MT881), Animal Bioscience (MT781).

• TUS Limerick: Applied Biology (LC26).

• TUS Athlone: Bioveterinary Science* (AL842).

• SETU Waterford: Science (WD177) (*maths requirement or QQI).

• Tralee IT: TL748, TL758, TL858.

• WIT: 176.

We advise you to consult the CAO website – www.cao.ie to confirm specific entry requirements for Higher Education Institutions.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

The veterinary nursing profession has varied and important duties to support veterinary surgeons in safeguarding the health and welfare of animals. Career opportunities in a number of areas as outlined below:

• General Practice
• Education
• Head Nurse/Practice Management

Benefits for veterinary nurses:

Veterinary nurses who graduate from an ACOVENE-accredited programme have attained a known minimum standard of knowledge and skills. Their programme has been subject to expert visitation and ongoing monitoring by the Board, which is recognised and endorsed by the Federation of Companion Animal Veterinary Associations. This means they have highly employable skills within European veterinary practice, providing opportunities to work in many member states. Veterinary nursing is a regulated profession in an increasing number of countries. Achievement of an ACOVENE-accredited programme is recognised by most registration bodies, thus speeding the process of professional registration where this is required.