FdSc Veterinary Nursing

Course overview

If you’re looking to train while gaining invaluable experience as a
student veterinary nurse in a placement, this three-year Foundation Degree is
the ideal course for you.

The foundation degree in veterinary nursing is a three-year programme at
Level 4 and Level 5 academic study. The programme has been a successful Higher
Education provision at Plumpton College since 2009 and incorporates theoretical
modules, practical skills and a one-year work placement (sandwich year). You
will spend the second year of the programme gaining clinical skills in a
veterinary practice and return for your final year to complete coursework.

Our course articulates with the RCVS Day One Skills for veterinary nurses and
the RCVS Day One Competencies for veterinary nurses, and so pending full
accreditation from the RCVS and graduation from the course, students are
eligible to join the RCVS register of veterinary nurses.

Each year is split into two semesters and the modules offered in each
semester are shown in the table below.

Full-time students will undertake a range of modules totalling 240 credits
over the duration of the programme. Students must achieve a minimum of 120
credits at Level 4 and a further 120 credits at Level 5.

A typical 15 credit module comprises a combination of tutor-led contact
sessions (usually 2-3 hours per week) and independent study time spent on
completing assessments.

The threshold is 40% for all assessed tasks in all mandatory modules. All
modules require a minimum of 90% attendance as it is necessary for students to
have learnt all aspects of the course, including practical and theory in order
to safely practice in industry.

Why Choose Us?

• Purpose-built Veterinary Nursing Clinical Training Suite


• Experienced delivery of higher education Veterinary Nursing since
  2009


• Registered Veterinary Nurse status awarded on graduation (subject to
  accreditation)


• Vocational, practical qualification suited for all ages wishing to work
  within the veterinary industry

Modules

Students will study a suite of modules over the duration of the programme.

Year 1Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Applied Veterinary Anatomy & Physyiology (15 credits)
• Study and Research Skills (15 credits)
• Health Husbandry and Welfare
• Principles of Veterinary Nursing Practice
• Clinical Veterinary Skills
• Veterinary Theatre Practice

*This is followed by an 8-week placement during July and August.

Year 2

• Anaesthesia and Analgesia
• Veterinary Diagnostics
• Independet Enquiry
• Clinical Placement – which start in Semester 2 and continues over the Summer.

Year 3

• Clinical Placement (Semester 1)
• The Fundamentals Aspects of Advanced Nursing Care
• Professional Development and Business Skills
• Clinical Competencies.

Students will cover the RCVS Day 1 Competencies and Day 1 Skills.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of written examinations, coursework, practical examinations and clinical placement activities. Assessments are designed to develop and test your scientific knowledge, professional judgement, communication skills and practical competence in veterinary nursing.

You will complete:

• theoretical assessments and examinations across the programme;
• practical examinations, including an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE);
• clinical skills assessments in areas such as medical and surgical nursing;
• the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Nursing Progress Log, completed during clinical placement;
• reflection logs and assessments of professional behaviours;
• supervised clinical training, including a minimum of 1,800 hours in clinical practice.

To graduate and apply for registration as a veterinary nurse, you must successfully complete the mandatory modules, achieve the required clinical competencies and complete the RCVS requirements, including the Nursing Progress Log and final-year practical examinations.

What is it like to be a student on this course?

Studying Veterinary Nursing at Plumpton is challenging, rewarding and highly practical. You will combine classroom learning with hands-on training and an extended clinical placement, developing the confidence to apply your knowledge in real veterinary settings. With specialist facilities, supportive tutors and guidance throughout your assignments, examinations and clinical skills development, you will be encouraged to grow both academically and professionally as you work towards becoming a registered veterinary nurse.

Industry links

The course is closely linked to the veterinary profession and the standards of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). You will complete a substantial clinical placement in an RCVS-approved veterinary training practice, working under the supervision of a Registered Veterinary Nurse or Veterinary Surgeon.

Our teaching team are experienced Registered Veterinary Nurses who maintain their professional registration through continuing professional development, ensuring that your learning reflects current industry practice. The programme also provides access to specialist veterinary nursing facilities, including Plumpton’s purpose-built Veterinary Nursing Clinical Training Suite housed in the Veterinary Studies Centre and Animal Education Centre which houses over 100 species.

The course is validated by the University of Greenwich and aligned with the RCVS Day One Competences and Day One Skills for Veterinary Nurses. Subject to full accreditation and successful completion of the course requirements, graduates can apply to join the RCVS Register as Registered Veterinary Nurses.

Student testimonial

”From hands-on anaesthesia training to a full placement year, the course gave me the confidence to apply my skills safely in real clinical settings. When I struggled academically, I received the right support and the opportunity to improve, which helped me build both my knowledge and confidence. Finally, the South Africa trip was unforgettable, giving me the chance to work alongside veterinary professionals and experience wildlife conservation first-hand.” Libby (Veterinary Nursing student)

Progression routes