Veterinary Nursing
Athlone Campus, Ireland
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing
Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
Veterinary Nursing
Program Overview: BSc in Veterinary Nursing at TUS
The BSc in Veterinary Nursing at TUS Midlands equips you to nurse companion animals, equine, and farm animals, preparing you for a broad range of veterinary nursing careers. This established programme is accredited by both the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and ACOVENE (Accreditation for Veterinary Nurse Education), ensuring your qualification is recognised across Ireland and Europe.
During the three-year degree, you will experience on-farm training in farm animal production and health and safety, alongside compulsory clinical placements in veterinary practices at each stage of your studies. A total of 30 weeks of clinical placement is completed across the three years in small animal, equine, and large animal hospitals, giving you extensive hands-on experience.
Since its establishment in 2003, this programme has evolved into a flagship offering at TUS Athlone, now taught in a purpose-built teaching and diagnostic facility featuring a digital imaging x-ray suite. Graduates are eligible to register as veterinary nurses with the Veterinary Council of Ireland and enter the Register of Veterinary Nurses, a requirement for working as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) in Ireland.
Key Program Highlights
- Dual accreditation by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and ACOVENE, enabling registration and employment across Europe
- 30 weeks of clinical placement across three years in small animal, equine, and large animal hospitals
- Purpose-built teaching and diagnostic facility with digital imaging x-ray suite on the Athlone Campus
- Erasmus exchange opportunities including clinical placement at Nord University in Norway
Curriculum and Modules
The BSc in Veterinary Nursing curriculum combines core science and clinical knowledge with practical veterinary nursing skills development and professional practice. You will study modules across all three years that build progressively from foundational science to advanced clinical competencies, supported by on-farm residential training and extensive clinical placements.
Develops a detailed understanding of the anatomy of animals and how the major organ systems function, relating anatomical structures and physiological principles to clinical and biological problems encountered in veterinary practice.
Provides practical clinical skills and underpinning knowledge for applying medical nursing care to animals, including recognising signs of ill health and managing nursing care for companion animals with various medical conditions.
Covers surgical nursing management, competent assistance to veterinary surgeons during procedures, pre-anaesthetic patient assessment, and the administration, monitoring, and recovery of patients from general anaesthesia.
Introduces the principles of pharmacology and the range of antimicrobial drugs, analgesic drugs, and other therapeutic agents commonly used in veterinary practice, including safe dispensing and administration of medication and fluid therapy.
Trains students to conduct and appraise radiography safely, identify when alternative diagnostic imaging methods are required, and carry out diagnostic laboratory techniques commonly used in veterinary practice.
Elective and Specialisation Areas
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BSc in Veterinary Nursing at TUS is competitive, with strong demand for places each year. All applications and inquiries for international students are handled through Uni4Edu, who will guide you through every step of the process.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationCompleted secondary education with passes in at least five subjects, including a laboratory-based science subject
- MathematicsMinimum O6/H7 grade in Mathematics at Leaving Certificate level or equivalent
- Language RequirementProficiency in English and/or Irish at secondary level, or equivalent international qualification
- Science SubjectA laboratory-based science subject is required (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or equivalent)
- International QualificationsOverall minimum 60% in secondary school final examinations including English and Mathematics, or equivalent
English Language Requirements
- IELTS AcademicMinimum overall score of 6.0 (with no band below 5.5)
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 72 or equivalent
- PTE AcademicMinimum score of 52 or equivalent
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
TUS offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support international students pursuing their studies. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on available financial support and eligibility criteria for the BSc in Veterinary Nursing programme.
TUS International Student Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship available to international students enrolling in undergraduate programmes at TUS, designed to recognise academic achievement and support students throughout their studies.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for Veterinary Nursing Graduates
Employment prospects for veterinary nurses in clinical practice are excellent, both currently and for the foreseeable future. Graduates of this programme are eligible to register as veterinary nurses with the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and the ACOVENE accreditation also facilitates employment opportunities across Europe.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is a QS 5 Star rated university, recognised for its high-quality education and applied learning approach. As a relatively new institution formed in 2021, TUS has quickly established itself among the top-ranked universities in Northern Europe and holds the TrustEd Ireland statutory quality mark for international student experience.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Nursing | Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) | Fully Accredited |
| Veterinary Nursing | ACOVENE (European) | Fully Accredited |
| Teaching Quality | QS Stars | 5 Stars |
| Employability | QS Stars | 5 Stars |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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