School of Health & Science Add On

BSc (Hons) in Advanced Veterinary Nursing

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Course Overview

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. This programme aims 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 programme consists of 60 credits and includes research-based as well as clinical modules and it 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. 

What makes this course different

Career Opportunities

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.

Course Delivery and Modules

For the full-time course, students will attend onsite for 2 days a week in Semester 1 and 3 days per week in Semester 2.

For the part-time course, students will attend onsite for 1 day a week in Semester 1 and 1/2 days per week in Semester 2.

Education Progression

Graduates of this Veterinary Nursing Level 8 add-on course are eligible to apply for a place on the MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology. This 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.

Fees and Funding

Fees

EU Fees From €3,000

Entry requirements

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.

Student Stories

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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.

Ask us a Question

If you have a question about the BSc (Hons) in Advanced Veterinary Nursing please ask it below and we will get back to you.

Dr. Jade Pollock

Programme Director

Dr Siobhan Jordan

Head of Department of Agriculture, Food and Animal Health
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