Veterinary nursing is a career with lots of job satisfaction, and there is a strong demand for registered veterinary nurses. Although most RVNs work in general practice, there are increasing opportunities for specialisation in different areas, such as patient rehabilitation and companion animal behaviour. Although primarily a companion animal qualification, the degree offers modules for those interested in other species, increasing the job opportunities available upon graduating.
The pharmaceutical industry employs trained veterinary nurses. The degree also opens the door to wider opportunities concerning the health and welfare of animals. Because of the vocational nature of the course, the content is a balance between practical work (vital to gain the necessary experience to become a qualified nurse) and the intellectual skills needed for a degree. You will learn valuable skills at Harper Adams via short block releases completed during vacations and the work placement year.
Students on these courses share a standard curriculum for the first two years, studying the same modules before spending their third year on placement. The focus of the first three years of the course is to equip students with the day-one skills and competencies required by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to practice as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
Subjects will include veterinary physiology, professional skills of the veterinary nurse, companion animal management, anaesthesia and surgery, medical nursing, diagnostic imaging and disease diagnosis.
In the final year, all routes share common subjects such as anaesthesia, critical care and surgical techniques. The Honours pathways will allow students to specialise in their chosen field of study.
Those undertaking the honours degree in Veterinary Nursing will study companion animal life care and exotic animal health and nursing.
Students undertaking the Veterinary Nursing with Small Animal Rehabilitation pathway will study the rehabilitation of the veterinary inpatient. In contrast, students in Veterinary Nursing with Companion Animal Behaviour pathway will learn the diagnosis and treatment of behavioural problems.