BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing with Foundation Year (Middlesex University) Huntingdon

Within the foundation year you will study four compulsory modules, all of which are exclusive to, and specifically tailored to, veterinary nursing foundation year students:

• Essentials for Learning
  This module aims to prepare learners for undergraduate study on their chosen veterinary nursing programme, equipping them with the necessary soft skills and study skills to enable a smooth transition to study at level 4. The module principally aims to address the core subjects of: English and academic writing; use of number and applied mathematics; and Information Communication Technology (ICT).
• Applied Research
  You will engage in a research project specific to the veterinary nursing sector and will apply the knowledge and understanding gained within the other three modules of this foundation programme. Additionally, the module provides an opportunity to develop the soft skills and employability skills that are vital to continuation on to the veterinary nursing degree and within the veterinary nursing profession post-qualification.
• Introduction to Animal Science
  This module explores the fundamental principles and concepts in animal anatomy, principles of genetics and basic laboratory skills in preparation for future study on veterinary nursing undergraduate programmes.
• Fundamentals of Veterinary Nursing
  Within this module you will gain a basic overview of what it means to join the veterinary nursing profession alongside essential basics of health, disease, behaviour and welfare. The module aims to ensure that students have a good grounding in subject areas relevant to veterinary nursing in preparation for continued study on undergraduate veterinary nursing programmes.

Students who successfully complete the foundation year will then be able to continue on to the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing programme and undertake the following modules:

Year 2:

• Body Systems (Gastrointestinal and Integument)
• Professional Development (Legal & Professional)
• Fundamentals of Working in a Veterinary Environment
• Practical Veterinary Nursing (Placement and Clinical Skills)

Year 3:

• Body Systems (Urogenital & Theatre Practice)
• Body Systems (Musculoskeletal, Endocrine and Radiography)
• Professional Development (Evidenced-based Veterinary Nursing, Communication & Ethics)
• Practical Veterinary Nursing (Placement and Clinical Skills)

Year 4:

• Body Systems (Neurology & Anaesthesia)
• Body Systems (Cardiovascular & Respiratory)
• Professional Development (Leadership skills, Wellbeing, Minor Surgical Procedures)
• Practical Veterinary Nursing (Placement and Clinical Skills)

Year 5:

• Applied Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Nursing
• Contemporary Veterinary Nursing (Including SQP)
• Professional Development (Quality Improvement Project Proposal)
• Practical Veterinary Nursing (Placement and Clinical Skills)

Modules are taught in semesters, with three semesters per year.

Clinical Experience

The foundation year does not contain any time spent in clinical practice, however there will be opportunity to undertake field trips and develop vital laboratory skills. The remainder of the course blends placement in veterinary practices with theoretical study. This meets and exceeds important requirements of the profession as specified by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

You are offered an opportunity to choose between placements near to your home where possible (potentially a considerable cost saving) or closer to the campus you are studying at. All placements are arranged by the University and, in accordance with the RCVS requirements, may only be undertaken in RCVS approved Training Practices.

Virtual Reality Learning at CAW

The College of Animal Welfare’s new virtual reality technology is changing the way we think about learning. All CAW students will have the opportunity to use virtual reality headsets to prepare for their OSCEs (practical exams). Virtual reality helps create muscle memory, leading to the development of practical skills and alleviating exam anxiety. Students can practise the OSCE tasks that they may come across in their real exam, such as taking x rays, packaging samples and identifying parasites. We are the first veterinary nurse college to use virtual reality and we are very excited about the potential application of it. So, the only question we have left to ask is, are you ready to step into the future of veterinary nurse training and join us?

Assessment

You will be assessed by a variety of means including written examinations, coursework, practical assessments and presentations. You are required to pass all elements of every module in order to complete the programme.

The demand for places on this programme is high and, as a consequence, the selection process will be competitive.

All prospective students must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above (9-4) including English, Mathematics, and a Science subject.

In addition, you must also have one of the following:

Please note that preference will be given to those who have achieved the above additional qualifications in science or animal related subjects.

Work experience requirements

Gaining at least 2 weeks work experience in a veterinary practice will be a distinct advantage for your application, however any animal related or customer focussed work experience will be considered by admissions tutors.

The following types of work experience are useful for your application and future career:

• Kennels/catteries
• Zoos
• Rescue centres (small and large animal, wildlife, reptile)
• Equestrian centres/equine yards/riding schools
• Farms/city farms
• Pet shops
• Dog groomers
• Dog day care/pet sitting/dog walking
• Care work with humans
• Customer focussed work experience

Mature students

Prospective applicants who are over 21 years of age and meet the minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Mathematics, English, an a Science subject, but do not hold further qualifications, but who can show high levels of ability and experience within the veterinary care sector (evidenced by a supportive reference by a veterinary practice principal or registered veterinary nurse), are also invited to apply.

International students

International students are most welcome to apply. Applicants holding international qualifications are required to have them officially translated into English with a notarised stamp. Furthermore, they must have proof of competence in the English Language by holding IELTS at a minimum score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components) or a recognised equivalence such as the ESOL qualification. Please visit the University’s English language requirements page for a full list of accepted English language tests and qualifications.

More information regarding fees may be found on the Middlesex University website.

Foundation year…

Students who successfully complete the foundation year may continue to study the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing programme at Huntingdon. Students who successfully complete the foundation year and do not to progress on the degree programme will be awarded with a Foundation Certificate in Animal Health Studies.

For some students, progression onto a Level 4 degree programme may not be the right step. For those wishing to continue to study at Level 3, there will be the option to apply to undertake the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing instead.  

BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing…

For those students who progress on to, and complete, the veterinary nursing degree you will be eligible to apply to join the Register of Veterinary Nurses held by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) are able to use the post nominal letters RVN and will receive a badge that, when attached to their uniform, identifies them to members of the public and their colleagues as being of professional status. Registration also demonstrates to employers and the general public that they are accountable to the RCVS for their professional conduct and are committed to keeping their knowledge and skills up-to-date by means of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Progression and Employment Prospects

Due to the high demand for RVNs across the country, job prospects are excellent both within veterinary practice and in other related areas. Many opportunities are afforded to graduate veterinary nurses in relation to working in first opinion veterinary practice, or moving into more specialist areas – such as surgical nursing – in a referral practice or large veterinary hospital. On completion of degree level training and study, your career prospects could also expand into team leadership, research, teaching, sales or even rehabilitation with continued learning.

Remember that, on achieving professional status, it is your responsibility to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) on a regular basis. Our CPD and short courses are designed for both registered and student veterinary nurses, allowing you to refresh your veterinary knowledge and understand the latest developments in the profession.