FdSc Veterinary Nursing

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?

1. Purpose-built Veterinary Nursing Clinical Training Suite
2. Experienced delivery of higher education Veterinary Nursing since 2009
3. Registered Veterinary Nurse status awarded on graduation (subject to accreditation)
4. Vocational, practical qualification suited for all ages wishing to work within the veterinary industry

Work Placement

A work placement is carried out alongside the course. Students complete this as a full year placement within their second year. This placement is found and allocated by Plumpton College and  will take place in an approved training practice. During the placement year students are allocated a clinical supervisor. This is a Registered Veterinary Nurse or Registered Veterinary Surgeon who has undergone additional training to be able to support students through the development of their clinical skills. 

Historically the course sees 100% employability with graduating students and they are able to go into industry as well rounded professionals with both academic and practical skills. Graduating students have gone onto to become Head Nurses, clinical supervisors, work in referral hospitals, had their project research published by recognised magazines and become teachers on the course. 

We will arrange your placement, which may be located up to 40 miles from your residence during that year—potentially requiring a commute of up to 1.5 hours each way. It is essential that you carefully consider how you will travel to and from your placement, particularly if you do not drive, and take into account the associated transport costs.

Please also check with Student Finance regarding your maintenance allowance for this year. For veterinary courses, the allowance for sandwich year placements is typically capped at £3,000. Note that the information on the .gov website often reflects figures for human nursing courses and may not be directly applicable.

About the Programme Team: 
We are an experienced team of academic and industry professionals. All teaching and quality assurance members of the team are Registered Veterinary Nurses maintaining their professional registration and therefore industry knowledge and clinical skills by completing Continual Professional Development and industry insights. 

Industry Links & Affiliations

• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 

Careers Hub

We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students; email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.

Year 1

• Study and Research Skills (15 credits)
• Veterinary Theatre Practice (15 credits)
• Clinical Veterinary Nursing Skills (30 credits)
• Animal Health, Husbandry and Welfare (30 credits)
• Applied Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
• Principles of Veterinary Nursing Practice (15 credits)

Year 2

• Veterinary Theatre Practice (15 credits)
• Clinical Veterinary Nursing Skills (30 credits)
• Clinical Placement

Year 3

• Independent Enquiry (15 credits)
• The Fundamental Aspects of Advanced Nursing Care (30 credits)
• Professional Development and Business Skills (30 credits)
• Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (15 credits)
• Veterinary Diagnostics (30 credits)

We consider a wide range of Level 3 equivalent qualifications in science related subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Animal Science and Equine Management. 

• Level 3 qualifications considered include T-levels, A-levels and Extended Diplomas (L3), Irish Highers, Scottish Highers and Access to HE qualifications.

In addition to the above Level 3 qualifications, candidates must have at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (or above) and this must include English Language (Grade 4 or above) and Maths (Grade 4 or above).

Importantly, candidates will need to demonstrate proficiency in Biology at GCSE or above.

• If you are studying a L3 Extended Diploma in an Animal-related pathway, a Merit in Biology is required.

Students must be a minimum of 18 years old upon entry. Attendance of 90% is a course requirement.

Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS Level 6.5 overall with Level 6.0 in writing.

Please note, candidates will have to complete at least two weeks of work experience in a UK registered veterinary practice for which an employer reference must be supplied. Candidates will also be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.