BSc (Hons) in Advanced Veterinary Nursing
Three great reasons to consider this course
- This course is open to veterinary nursing level 7 graduates from other Institutes and Universities. Applicants with a Veterinary nursing level 6 award are also eligible to apply (see full entry requirements below)
- Improve your leadership skills and ability to evaluate work practices and deliver improved patient care and build a strong foundation in research skills applicable to both evidence-based clinical care and postgraduate study.
- Build expertise in critical care veterinary nursing, advanced laboratory diagnostics and disease control strategies in shelter or production animal populations.
Course Summary
This add-on BSc (Honours) in advanced veterinary nursing programme is open to graduates of accredited level 7 qualifications in Veterinary Nursing and can be accessed on either a full time or part time basis. The aim of this programme is to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills and attributes to pursue extended or advanced veterinary nursing roles, such as critical care, laboratory diagnostics, management and leadership, or to undertake research in the field.
This is a Level 8 add-on in advanced veterinary nursing for holders of a Level 7 degree in veterinary nursing. It consists of 60 credits and includes research-based as well as clinical modules. The programme is available on a full time (1 year) or part time (2 year) basis. There is no work placement component, rather students will attend the DkIT campus for lectures and practical classes, plus some field trips.
Semester 1:
- Research Methods
- Veterinary Research Project (year-long)
- Clinical Governance and Evidence-Based Veterinary Care
- Canine and Feline Shelter Medicine (Elective)
- Herd Health & Biosecurity (Elective)
Semester 2:
- Veterinary Research Project (year-long)
- Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Nursing
- Advanced Veterinary Laboratory Techniques
- Veterinary Leadership
The programme will develop the knowledge, skills and competence of qualified veterinary nurses and allow them to work in both specialised and extended roles in both veterinary practices and animal shelter facilities. Graduates will be able to pursue a career related to advanced practice such as referral nurse, head nurse, practice manager, educator or researcher.
Holders of a Level 8 award in veterinary nursing are eligible to apply for Technical Agricultural Officer roles with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). This is an additional career progression option for graduates with an interest in regulatory affairs, agri-food and animal health and welfare.
Graduates of this Veterinary Nursing Level 8 add-on course are eligible to apply for a place on the MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology.
The programme also provides a platform for graduates to move into the field of research with the potential to continue studying towards a research Masters or PhD award.
- For information on fees for the full-time students please see www.dkit.ie/study/student-fees-grants-scholarships/fees
- The fees for part-time students are €3,000 (€1,500 per year).
- Applicants should have a Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing, which is a registrable qualification with the Veterinary Council of Ireland. If the programme is over-subscribed, preference will be given to DkIT graduates and candidates will be selected by ranking credit-weighted average award marks.
- OR A level 6 award in Veterinary Nursing, accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland AND
- (i) At least 2 years full-time experience (or equivalent) in Veterinary Nursing practice OR At least 1 year full-time experience (or equivalent) in Veterinary Nursing practice
- AND (ii) successful completion of the DkIT Certificate in Higher and Professional Learning.
- Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements and have a veterinary nursing qualification registerable with the VCI may apply for entry through the Institute's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedures. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You may need to submit a portfolio of evidence and attend for interview. Download RPL Application Form
Dr Siobhan Jordan (Acting Head of Department of Agriculture, Food and Animal Health)
Email: Siobhan.Jordan@dkit.ie
Frequently Asked Questions
View the latest Frequently Asked Questions about the BSc in Veterinary Nursing.
| Course ID | DK_NAVET_8 |
| Course Type | Add On |
| Study Mode | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Level | 8 |
| Duration | 1 - 2 years |
| Starting Date | September 2023 |
| School | School of Health & Science |
| Department | Agriculture, Food and Animal Health |
| Credits | 60 |
| Awarding Body | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
| Download | FAQ — BSc (Hons) in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Add On) |
| Delivery Method | On Campus |
How To Apply
Apply Directly to DkIT
Apply directly to DkIT using our online applications system. Please remember to upload the required documentation (copies of your existing qualification(s), your CV, any other support documents etc) with your online application to expedite your application. To avoid disappointment early registration is recommended.
