The course received full accreditation from regulatory body (The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) in 2019 and the course aligns with the RCVS day one skills and competencies and the QAA subject benchmarks.
Year 1
Academic and Professional Development 1 (30 credits)
- Study skills for university
- communication skills
- Veterinary legislation and professionalism
- veterinary ethics
This module will also prepare the student for practical placement and introduce them to the requirements of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) day one skills and competencies of a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
Applied animal health and welfare 1 (30 credits)
- introduction to animal behaviour
- animal welfare
- animal accommodation
- handling and restraint
- introduction to nursing techniques
- patient assessment - formulating care plans
- nutrition
- breeds and breeding
- pharmacy
- key principles of anatomy and physiology
- comparative anatomy of common exotics and bird
Applied animal health and welfare 2 (30 credits)
- Health and safety - working safely in veterinary practice
- infection control - hospital hygiene
- preparing and assisting with veterinary procedures
- aims and principles of first aid
- assessment and triage of the emergency patient
- nursing care of emergency patients
- key principles of anatomy and physiology
- comparative anatomy of common exotics and birds
Year 2
Academic and Professional Development (15 credits)
This module is designed to continue building on the introductory module in year one and will be delivered alongside the modules in year two to continue to develop the students’ academic skills. Study strategies in academic writing, reflection and working together and presentation will be developed further. Reflection on working in placement and application of previous experience to the theoretical modules will be encouraged. Students will have opportunities to continue building on their day one skills portfolio through attending the Royal Veterinary College hospitals.
Diagnostic Techniques (30 credits)
This module gives you an insight into all methods of diagnostic imaging and enables you to prepare a range of species assisting with various diagnostic procedures. In addition, it will cover the theory and practice in order to be able to process pathological samples for diagnostic purposes. The principles of parasitology, virology and bacteriology are also covered and clinical relevance explored.
Understanding Disease (15 credits)
This module builds on the content covered in the first year and focuses on the pathophysiological processes involved in animal disease and malfunction. Applied clinical pharmacology is an essential part of the nursing care of a range of species. Recognition of side effects of drugs and acknowledgement of barriers to compliance are key aspects of veterinary nursing. An understanding of the absorption, effect on the body and excretion of the drugs used to treat a variety of conditions is essential.
Theatre Practice (15 credits)
The role of the veterinary nurse in running a surgical suite at the veterinary practice encompasses a range of activities from ensuring an aseptic environment to assisting with surgical interventions. This module also encompasses aspects of postoperative veterinary nursing care to ensure a smooth recovery from the surgical procedures for a range of species.
Veterinary Anaesthesia (15 credits)
Monitoring anaesthesia in veterinary patients is a key role for the veterinary nurse. Knowledge of the equipment to deliver anaesthesia as well as methods of monitoring anaesthesia is required. This module covers the principles of anaesthesia in a range of species; from the pre-anaesthetic assessment to maintaining anaesthesia and the recovery period. Methods of pain scoring and the physiology of pain will be explored. The effects of the anaesthetic and analgesic drugs on the physiology of the body will also be covered.
Emergency and Critical Care (15 credits)
Building on the aspects of first aid discussed in year one, more intensive nursing and the emergency triage of body systems for a range of species are introduced. Fluid balance in the body is revisited with respect to the main electrolytes and their replacement in fluid therapy techniques. Transfusion medicine and blood typing are introduced. Intensive nursing care of the critical patient requires intensive monitoring and patient care techniques.
Year 3
Academic and Professional Development 3 (30 credits)
This module builds on the previous two Academic and Professional Development modules ensuring the graduate RVN has the academic and professional skills required for life-long learning. The focus will be on critical appraisal and evaluation of evidence, independent learning and problem-solving skills. Students will be expected to complete the RCVS day one skills and competencies, required placement hours and will be summatively assessed on a sample of these skills in a 16 station Objective Structured Clinical Examination.
The Professional Veterinary Nurse (30 credits)
This module consolidates the theory and practical experience gain during the course ensuring that the students are prepared to encompass the responsibilities of a Registered Veterinary Nurse. The framework of clinical governance will be explored identifying how this may improve veterinary practice. Reflection on professional identity and the future of the profession. Working in a veterinary practice can be stressful and while this may initially increase productivity, the highly emotional nature of the job can lead to anxiety and compassion fatigue. Methods of coping with this aspect of the role will be explored and development of coping strategies encouraged. Registered Veterinary Nurses are often involved in practice management and so an introduction to running a business is incorporated. This module will be delivered alongside the placement activity in year 3 to enable students to apply their knowledge to practice situations.
