Enter OTP
3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Technological University of the Shannon - Moylish CampusThe Veterinary Nursing BSc at Technological University of Shannon is a three‑year undergraduate degree that prepares students to become compassionate and capable veterinary nurses with the practical skills and scientific knowledge needed in modern animal healthcare. Students learn to care for companion animals, equine, and large animals through hands‑on training, clinical placements, and a curriculum designed to build confidence and competence from day one to graduation.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In the first year, students begin with essential biological sciences, including Biology for Bioveterinary and Microbial Science and Chemistry for Bioveterinary and Microbial Science, alongside core nursing foundations such as Introductory Veterinary Nursing and Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology. Students also start practical experience with VN Practice Placement 1 and gain exposure to professional standards through Ethics and Regulatory Affairs for Veterinary Practice and placement preparation.
Year 2
The second year builds on that foundation with modules like Veterinary Pharmacology, Veterinary Clinical Laboratory Techniques, and Diagnostic Imaging for Veterinary Nurses. Students expand practical competence with Introduction to Surgical Nursing, Veterinary Infection and Disease Control, Clinical Veterinary Nursing, and continue VN Practice Placement 2 to apply skills in real clinical environments.
Year 3
In the final year, students advance into specialised practice with units such as Surgical Nursing, Veterinary Anesthesia, Companion Animal Medical Nursing, Equine Medical Nursing, and Veterinary Bioanalysis. A major focus is practical competency through extensive VN Practice Placement 3, including clinical exams and portfolio work that prepare graduates to enter professional roles upon completion.
Focus areas
Clinical animal nursing, surgical and anaesthetic care, diagnostics and laboratory techniques, pharmacology, equine and farm animal health, professional ethics and veterinary practice standards, and long‑term clinical placements.
Learning outcomes
Graduates are ready to assist veterinary surgeons across small animal, equine, and large animal practices with confidence, perform clinical and surgical nursing tasks competently, communicate effectively with teams and clients, and apply scientific understanding to animal health and welfare.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
This Veterinary Nursing BSc is accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and meets regulatory requirements for Registered Veterinary Nurse eligibility in Ireland. It also holds ACOVENE accreditation, supporting recognition across Europe and enhancing international employability.
Reputation (employability rankings)
The programme has been shaping veterinary nursing professionals for over two decades and is recognised as a flagship veterinary nursing degree in Ireland, with strong employer demand for graduates in clinical practice, animal health sectors, and related industries.
The Veterinary Nursing BSc at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is a professionally recognised, hands‑on degree that prepares you for work as a veterinary nurse in diverse clinical settings. This three‑year, full‑time programme combines classroom learning with extensive real‑world training so you graduate ready to support veterinarians, care for animals, and contribute confidently in practice. The course is accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and ACOVENE, meaning your qualification meets national and European standards for veterinary nursing and leads to eligibility for professional registration after graduation.
Experiential Learning Includes:
Extensive clinical placements: Over the three years, you complete roughly 30 weeks of compulsory clinical placement in small animal, equine, and large animal veterinary practices and hospitals, giving you real‑world nursing experience across species and environments.
On‑farm training: The programme includes on‑farm training in animal production, health, and safety, strengthening your practical understanding of farm‑based animal care.
Residential practical weeks: In both first and second year, you spend residential training periods at a specialist agricultural college, where you build hands‑on skills beyond the campus labs.
Veterinary‑specific practical modules: Through structured labs and supervised placements, you practise diagnostic imaging, clinical techniques, surgical assisting, anaesthesia support, medication administration, and other essential tasks under professional guidance.
Why This Programme Stands Out
The TUS Veterinary Nursing BSc has a well‑established reputation — celebrating over 20 years of training veterinary nurses — and is delivered by a dedicated clinical teaching team in purpose‑built facilities. The curriculum evolves with industry needs so you gain current clinical skills, professional confidence, and hands‑on competence that employers value. Graduates are eligible to register as veterinary nurses in Ireland, meeting the regulatory requirements to practice across small animal, equine, and large animal sectors. The programme has also developed international links that extend placement opportunities, including clinical experiences abroad.
Graduates of the Veterinary Nursing BSc at the Technological University of Shannon are ready to launch rewarding careers in animal care with practical skills, professional accreditation, and strong industry demand. Typical roles include Registered Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Practice Assistant, Veterinary Pharmaceutical Associate, and Animal Healthcare Technician:
University‑led career support: Students benefit from TUS’s careers services with personalised guidance on CV preparation, interview skills, and employer networking to support the transition into veterinary practice and related roles after graduation.
Employment opportunities & salary: Employment prospects for veterinary nurses remain excellent, with qualified graduates eligible for registration and competitive entry‑level salaries that reflect the specialist skills demanded in veterinary clinics and healthcare settings. Graduates work in small animal, equine and large animal practices, and can also pursue roles in veterinary pharmaceuticals, sales, and allied animal care industries.
Industry engagement: The programme includes 30 weeks of structured clinical placement over the three years, with hands‑on experience in small animal, equine and large animal hospitals, plus on‑farm training in animal production and health and safety — giving students real‑world skills and professional connections.
Accreditation value: This BSc is accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and ACOVENE, meaning graduates meet the professional standards required to register as a veterinary nurse in Ireland — a credential recognised across the EU that enhances career mobility.
Graduate outcomes: On completion, students are eligible to register as veterinary nurses with the Veterinary Council of Ireland, positioning them for roles in clinical practice, animal care organisations, veterinary product industries, and broader animal health sectors.
Further Academic Progression: After earning this Veterinary Nursing BSc, graduates can build on their qualification with honours‑level study such as a Level 8 top‑up or specialisation, pursue postgraduate diplomas or Master’s degrees in related animal science or veterinary fields, engage in research‑oriented Level 9/10 programmes, or undertake specialist clinical and leadership training to advance careers in veterinary nursing, practice management, research, or education.
IELTS (Academic): Applicants must achieve an overall IELTS score of 7.0. This demonstrates a high level of English language proficiency required for academic study.NQF Level 7: This programme is offered at NQF Level 7 and is highly competitive, with a minimum CAO requirement of 430 points.CAO Points: A minimum of 430 CAO points is required for entry, subject to availability of places. Points are calculated based on eligible Leaving Certificate subjects.Irish Leaving Certificate: Applicants must present a laboratory-based science at H6 or O3, plus four subjects at O6, including Mathematics and English or Irish. Mature applicants applying through CAO may be required to attend an interview if shortlisted.QQI: Applicants may present a QQI Level 5 award alongside Leaving Certificate Mathematics at O6/H7 and a science subject at O3/H6. Alternatively, the QQI award must include a pass in a Mathematics module and a Merit in a Biology module.CBSE / Indian Boards (Class XII): Applicants completing Standard XII or equivalent must achieve a minimum of 80% overall for programmes in the 400–499 CAO points range. This requirement applies across all recognised Indian school boards.American Curriculum (GPA): Applicants must hold a U.S. High School Diploma with a minimum GPA equivalent to 60%, typically assessed as a 2.4 GPA. This ensures baseline academic suitability for undergraduate entry.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
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
 in Europe1779357712.webp)
