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 work placement.

Our course articulates with the RCVS Day One Skills for veterinary nurses and the RCVS Day One Competencies for veterinary nurses, meaning students are eligible to join the RCVS register of veterinary nurses upon successful graduation from the course.

The course begins in September of each year and each year is split into two semesters. 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. The final award is calculated by a 30:70 split between level 4 and level 5 marks.

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 assessment tasks.

The threshold is 40% for all assessed tasks in all mandatory modules. All modules require a minimum of 75% 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 the 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

Students begin their placements in the second semester of their first year, spending three days in placement alongside two days in college. The students will then continue to spend three days in placement throughout their second year and then two days a week in their third year. This placement will take place in an approved training practice where the student is allocated a clinical coach. 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.

On completion of the course, students will be eligible to join the RCVS register of veterinary nurses. 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 coaches, work in referral hospitals, and had their project research published by recognised magazines and become teachers on the course.

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.

Facilities

Students on the course have access to the facilities in the VN training suite which holds a range of equipment and materials found in veterinary practice and enables the students to learn the basic knowledge and understanding of how to maintain, care for and use equipment and develop their clinical nursing skills.

During the students first year, they spend time in the Animal Management Unit developing their knowledge and skills in husbandry and handling of exotic species. This time also incorporates experience on the smallholders far ‘Little Wales Farm’ where experience with livestock is gained.

All teaching staff on the programme are registered veterinary nurses holding a level 4 qualification or above. A requirement of being a registered veterinary nurse is that 15 hours a year of industry relevant CPD is carried out, ensuring that the students are being taught by staff with most up-to-date industry knowledge.

Library

The library facilities at Plumpton located in the centre of the College campus. There is plenty of space for quiet study and plugs at every desk. The library has extensive computer facilities to support student research and there is also easy access to printers. The library is staffed by the library manager and library assistants.

There are over 10,000 books on land-based subjects, plus a range of magazines and journals, including electronic resources that may be accessed from College or home. The library stocks specialist material that covers a broad range of animal management, conservation and veterinary science subjects to facilitate students in their assignments and research projects. Students also have access to subject-specific e-journals and e-publications.

I.T. Resources

We have a dedicated Higher Education I.T. room here at Plumpton, providing reliable access to a quiet study space and printing facilities. 

Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), SharePoint, is used by both staff and students to ensure that we adhere to the College aim of using modern technology to help support outstanding teaching, learning and assessment. 

Staff are encouraged to empower their students through the use of digital tools both in and outside the classroom. For example, they can provide support before a lesson by uploading lecture slides onto the module page. Digital enhancement can be conducted in a variety of ways during a lesson, such as encouraging student interaction through the use of Virtual Reality. Meanwhile, post-lesson enrichment can come in the form of a lesson-review quiz. Students must also submit assignments online via Turnitin, allowing staff to provide accessible and detailed digital feedback.

HE Study Rooms

HE students have access to their own study rooms that are for the sole use of HE students. The rooms are located in the Research & Development building, and creates a quiet self-study environment for students. Additionally, there is also a dedicated HE common room designed to provide students with a space to relax and engage with other HE students.

Safety equipment
Students are required to purchase their own steel-toe-capped boots for work in our animal management centre and a veterinary nursing tunic for practical sessions. Lab coats and personal protective equipment is provided free of charge when required.

Future Opportunities

We work closely with many veterinary practices within Sussex and the surrounding counties. You’ll be allocated a work placement practice in your first year – most students will stay with the same practice throughout their training. This is an opportunity for you to become fully integrated within a multidisciplinary team. We’ve found that many of our students have gone on to be employed at their placement practice after they’ve successfully completed their Foundation Degree.  

What professional qualifications can I study? 

On graduation, you’ll receive professional accreditation as a veterinary nurse from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and will be eligible to enter the professional register as a registered veterinary nurse (RVN), subject to accreditation.

Professional memberships
Enrolment to the RCVS as a student veterinary nurse is required to complete this course. The current enrolment fee is £202, which must be paid by the student within 6 weeks of the course starting. You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships, such as British Veterinary Nursing Association membership, at your own cost.

Degree course subject to validation Spring 2023.