BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing Degree

Overview & facilities

Veterinary Nursing is an emerging profession with real opportunities not only within veterinary practice but also related areas such as academia, research, the pharmaceutical industry and pet insurance to name but a few.

BSc Veterinary Nursing Degree with Honours in London is the highest academic standard available to a veterinary nurse and attracts those that aspire to a fulfilling and rewarding career built on a solid base of knowledge and skills.

The Veterinary Nursing Degree aims to

• Develop your analytical and problem-solving approaches to the holistic assessment,planning and implementation of veterinary nursing care illustrating understanding ofthe evidence informing the care of a range of species
• Demonstrate an array of practical skills and techniques required in the implementation of veterinary nursing care
• Practice in a range of veterinary setting
• Become a reflective practitioner
• Develop the skills required for autonomous practice, decision making and team working in a veterinary environment
• Demonstrate competency in line with the LANTRA Veterinary Nurse 2006 Occupational Standards for entry to the List as a Veterinary Nurse
• Engage with life-long learning, develop transferable skills to enhance their Veterinary nursing role and maintain their continued personal and professional development

Content & modules

The programme taken over four years immediately starts at BSc (hons) level and through a process of academic studies followed by real veterinary practice experience in a range of approved training veterinary practices students quickly gain the underpining technical skills and competence required. As the programme progresses students develop their analytical, research and problem solving abilities that will raise their level of understanding and application beyond that of a traditionally trained veterinary nurse or those that have not studied at an honours level.

This programme is based at our flagship Hendon campus.

Modules

• Year 1

  Animal Science 1 (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide: i an introduction to physiology and anatomy which is fundamental to understanding the biological processes occurring in dogs, cats and exotics. This module will provide a framework for VET 2603 Animal Science II. ii an understanding of scientific methods including personal observation and recording data.

  Introduction to Professional Practice (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module analyses the concepts of housing, handling and husbandry of animals and their importance in relation to veterinary care. It will provide a foundation of skills required to become an autonomous and lifelong learner.

  Nursing Practice (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  During this 18-week practice experience the student is expected to participate at an advanced beginner level in the provision of veterinary nursing care.

  Nursing Theory (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The aim of this module is to provide students with the theoretical underpinning knowledge relating to the care of kennelled animals, observation and care of the hospitalised patient and first aid both relating to animals and personnel . Theory and legislation relating to practice organisation and ethics, pharmacy and dispensing is also included in this module to provide students with a broad foundation for their practical placements in veterinary practice

• Year 2

  Animal Science 2 (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to build on the material supplied in Animal Science I VET 1600 to enhance the understanding of anatomy and physiology and provide a framework for ensuring good nursing practice.

  Veterinary Pathology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides an understanding of some of the body s responses to disease processes, trauma, and the pathological changes which occur in illness and which inform the planning and assessment of client care. This module is science based and incorporates approximately 50% laboratory based work. The module covers the following areas: general pathology, clinical pathology and an overview of diseases in different organ systems. Nursing models will be used to underpin the care of ill patients.

  Veterinary Pharmacology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Clinical pharmacology is an area of growing importance to nursing as increasing responsibilities is being placed on them in the administration, prescribing and monitoring of the outcome of drug treatment. It is therefore of vital importance that the preparation of student nurses is appropriate to address these challenges. The aim of this module is to develop a sound knowledge base in clinical therapeutics and facilitate the acquisition of the necessary practical skills in order to produce practitioners who are safe and competent in the administration of drugs.

• Year 3

  Infection and Immunity (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide an introduction to paraclinical subjects of microbiology, parasitology and immunology. The introduction is a platform for understanding pathological processes occurring in dogs and cats and the diagnostic methods used commonly in small animals with which nursing practitioners should be familiar. The module will address elements of the RCVS NVQ syllabus and Occupational Standards included in Diagnostic Aids and Medical Nursing at Level 3.

  Reflection on Professional Issues (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to develop the students cognitive potential enabling students to examine knowledge, skills and attitudes in relation to professional, legal and ethical issues which face them as practicing veterinary nurses. In doing so, this will facilitate the progression of the student towards an autonomous, accountable practitioner.

  Surgical Nursing (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module enables individuals to build upon their current knowledge, skills and experience within the surgical area. The module will cover theatre practice, surgical nursing, anaesthesia, radiography, care and management of a range of other species and triage. The module will incorporate the learning outcomes described in the relevant sections of the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Occupational Standards.

• Year 4

  Behaviour and Training (30 Credits) - Optional

  The aim of this module is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills required for the understanding of behavioural problems presented to the typical small animal veterinary practice.

  Equine Nursing (30 Credits) - Optional

  To provide the necessary understanding and experience required for nursing in equine practice or other areas of equine work. Horses are uniquely susceptible to a variety of illnesses and injuries that require skilled nursing management. Working with horses requires specific skills in restraint, handling and management. An insight into the equine industry and people involved at various levels will also be approached. The module aims to allow development of the necessary knowledge and skills in theory and practice sessions.

  Exotics and Wildlife (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module analyses the concepts of housing, handling, husbandry and environment of exotics and wildlife to include 10 of each species i.e. Birds, reptiles and mammals. It will equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience required for nursing wildlife and exotics. Working with wildlife requires specific skills in restraint, handling and management whilst working within the constraints of legal requirements.

  Management and Business (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The aims of this module are to enable veterinary nurses to play a key role through a process of critical reflection and planned action in developing managerial competence within the veterinary practice through: the establishment, maintenance and improvement of the quality of veterinary nursing they provide; the use of a problem - solving approach for effective nursing management and leadership; the awareness, control and monitoring of the use of appropriate veterinary care resources for quality and effective nursing management.

  Preparation for Professional Practice (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to prepare the Veterinary Nurse for clinical practice and to deepen understanding and promote critical appreciation of the theories of learning and principles of teaching to enable effective facilitation and assessment of a variety of learners within the clinical field. It will draw upon the concepts of reflection, nursing models and the VN s role in teaching and assessing in clinical practice. It will build on the skills gained in VET 3600 and 3601.

  Surgical Nursing (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module explores the principles of anaesthesia, intensive care nursing, radiography, pharmacology and the management and care of surgical patients. It will equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience required for those veterinary nurses who may wish to go on to complete the RCVS Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing Surgical .

Download the course specification

Entry & applying

We normally make offers between 200-280 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE Maths Science and English Language at grade C. BTEC National Diploma/International Baccalaureate/Advanced Progression Diplomas at equivalent tariff. Access to HE - Pass. Applications from candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed. Additionally overseas students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, eg IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL paper-based of no less than 600, 250 computer based or 100 internet based

Entry requirements

We normally require 200-280 tariff points for entry onto undergraduate courses. However, some degrees may require additional entry requirements, for example a portfolio or an audition.

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Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 550 (no less than 4 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 80 (with no less than 17 in each component). Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements. 

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

At the current time and for the foreseeable future there is a huge shortage of qualified veterinary nurses and therefore career and job prospects are very good within veterinary practice as well as industry.

Veterinary Nurses are highly regarded thoughout the animal welfare and allied areas and therefore wider opportunuties for qualified veterinary nurses are always evident.
Many of its graduates are the leading veterinary nurses in the field.