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3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Atlantic Technological UniversityThe Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing at Atlantic Technological University is a full‑time, three‑year undergraduate degree that prepares students to become skilled and compassionate veterinary professionals. Students gain practical clinical experience, scientific knowledge, and real‑world workplace skills to work confidently with animals across a range of settings, from companion animal practices to larger animal care environments.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In the first year, students build a solid foundation in animal care and biological sciences while learning essential nursing practices. Core studies include Introduction to Nursing, Animal Husbandry, Nutrition & Welfare, Communications and Research Skills, and initial Work Placements, giving hands‑on experience with animals and veterinary environments from early on.
Year 2
The second year focuses on clinical skill development and deeper scientific understanding. Modules cover intermediate nursing techniques, diagnostic science, and continued work placements, allowing students to apply theory to real practice with a variety of species and clinical scenarios.
Year 3
In the final year, students consolidate advanced nursing skills, professional communication, and practical readiness for veterinary careers. Units include Surgical and Theatre Practice, Advanced Nursing Procedures, and Veterinary Practice Management, preparing graduates to register and work as professional veterinary nurses.
Focus areas
Animal health and welfare, clinical and surgical nursing practices, diagnostics, professional communication, ethics, and veterinary practice management.
Learning outcomes
Graduates are prepared to assist veterinary surgeons in diagnosing and treating animals, perform hands‑on nursing tasks with confidence, understand the science behind care decisions, communicate effectively with clients and teams, and uphold ethical and professional standards in veterinary practice.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
This BSc Veterinary Nursing programme is fully accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI), ensuring graduates are eligible to register as Registered Veterinary Nurses and practice professionally in Ireland.
Reputation (employability rankings)
Graduates from VCI‑recognised veterinary nursing programmes are highly regarded in the industry. Career opportunities include private practices, animal hospitals, animal welfare organisations, and other animal health fields, reflecting strong demand for qualified veterinary nurses across Ireland and internationally.
At Atlantic Technological University’s Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing, you learn by doing from the very first semester. The programme blends clinical understanding with hands‑on veterinary practice, so you graduate ready to work confidently alongside veterinary surgeons and support animal health in busy practice settings. Students develop practical competency in animal nursing, routine clinical procedures, animal welfare, communication, and professional practice — all grounded in real veterinary work environments.
Experiential Learning Includes:
Structured clinical placements: Across the three‑year programme, students complete work placements in veterinary practices, putting you directly into veterinary environments and gaining real professional experience. Placement experience is an integral part of developing practical nursing skills and confidence.
Applied animal nursing training: Students gain skills in animal husbandry, clinical support, and welfare practices that prepare them for everyday veterinary nursing tasks.
Practice management and communication skills: The programme includes learning professional tools and communication techniques needed to work effectively with colleagues, clients, and diverse animal patients.
Species‑diverse clinical exposure: Training covers nursing and welfare care for a range of animals, helping students build versatile clinical competence.
Why This Programme Stands Out
The Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing at ATU is accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland, meaning graduates meet recognised standards for professional veterinary nursing training and are eligible to register as veterinary nurses in Ireland — a key step toward your career.
This degree prepares graduates for rewarding careers in private veterinary practices, animal hospitals, welfare organisations, pharmaceutical support roles, and other animal health settings.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing at Atlantic Technological University step confidently into valuable animal care careers where demand is strong and professional recognition matters. Typical roles include Registered Veterinary Nurse, Animal Health Technician, Clinic Practice Assistant, and Veterinary Support Specialist:
• University‑led career support: Students benefit from ATU’s dedicated careers service with personalised career coaching, CV and interview preparation, and connections to employers and clinical placement providers to help secure veterinary practice roles after graduation.
• Employment opportunities & salary: Veterinary nursing is a growing profession in Ireland with consistent demand for qualified nurses; registered veterinary nurses earn competitive salaries reflecting their specialised skills and responsibilities in animal care.
• Industry engagement: The programme includes real‑world practical placements in accredited veterinary practices, giving hands‑on experience and building professional networks before graduation.
• Accreditation value: This degree is accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland, meaning graduates meet the standards required for registration as veterinary nurses — a key professional credential in Ireland and recognised across the EU.
• Graduate outcomes: On completion, students are eligible to register officially as Registered Veterinary Nurses in Ireland, opening up roles in small animal clinics, equine and large‑animal practice settings, shelters, pharmaceutical support, and broader animal care sectors.
Further Academic Progression:
After earning this Bachelor of Science, graduates can pursue higher‑level qualifications such as a Level 8 honours top‑up or specialisation (for example an advanced veterinary nursing honours programme), postgraduate diplomas or Master’s degrees in animal science or veterinary fields, engage in research‑related postgraduate study at Level 9/Level 10, or take specialist clinical and leadership training to advance their careers in veterinary nursing, practice management, research, or education.
International Baccalaureate (IB): Applicants must be awarded the IB Diploma with a minimum overall score of 24 points. This confirms successful completion of an internationally recognised secondary qualification.IELTS (Academic): Applicants must achieve an overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0. IELTS Indicator is accepted for 2026 entry only, subject to review.TOEFL iBT: Applicants must achieve an overall score of 90, including 21 in Writing and at least 19 in other sections. TOEFL Home Edition is accepted for 2026 entry, pending future recognition.NQF Level 7: This programme is offered at NQF Level 7 and leads to an ordinary bachelor degree. Applicants must meet recognised entry standards appropriate for undergraduate study at this level.GCE / A-Level / GCSE: Applicants must present five recognised subjects, including one A-Level at Grade E and four GCSE subjects at Grade C. English or Irish, Mathematics, and a laboratory science subject are mandatory.QQI/FET Major Award: Applicants must hold the CASAC qualification or QQI Level 5 award 5M2768 in Animal Care. This confirms appropriate vocational preparation for progression to Level 8.Irish Leaving Certificate: Applicants must achieve five subjects at O6 or H7, including English or Irish, Mathematics (O6/H7 or Foundation Maths F2), and one laboratory science. Accepted sciences include Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, or Agricultural Science.CBSE / Indian Boards (Class XII): Applicants from CBSE, CISCE, or State Boards must achieve a minimum of 70% overall in Standard XII. Mathematics and English must be passed with at least 65%, meeting subject-specific academic expectations.American Curriculum (GPA / AP / SAT / ACT): Applicants must hold a U.S. High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0. They must also present either SAT 1000+, ACT 22+, or 2–3 relevant AP subjects with grades of 3 or above.Veterinary SurgeonVeterinary Public Health OfficerAnimal Health InspectorVeterinary PathologistVeterinary MicrobiologistVeterinary EpidemiologistAnimal NutritionistLivestock Production ManagerCompanion Animal ClinicianWildlife VeterinarianZoo VeterinarianVeterinary Pharmaceutical Sales ExecutiveVeterinary Clinical Research AssociateAnimal Welfare OfficerMeat Inspection OfficerFood Safety OfficerBiosecurity OfficerVeterinary ConsultantVeterinary Laboratory ScientistAnimal Breeding SpecialistVeterinary Regulatory Affairs Officer
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