FdSc Veterinary Nursing

If you’re looking to train while gaining invaluable experience as a student veterinary nurse in a placement, this three-year Foundation Degree is the ideal course for you. 

The foundation degree in veterinary nursing is a three-year programme at Level 4 and Level 5 academic study. The programme has been a successful Higher Education provision at Plumpton College since 2009 and incorporates theoretical modules, practical skills and a work placement.

Our course articulates with the RCVS Day One Skills for veterinary nurses and the RCVS Day One Competencies for veterinary nurses, and so pending full accreditation from the RCVS and graduation from the course, students are eligible to join the RCVS register of veterinary nurses. 

The course begins in January of the first year and September each year thereafter. Each year is split into two semesters and the modules offered in each semester are shown in the table below. 

Full-time students will undertake a range of modules totalling 240 credits over the duration of the programme. Students must achieve a minimum of 120 credits at Level 4 and a further 120 credits at Level 5.

A typical 15 credit module comprises a combination of tutor-led contact sessions (usually 2-3 hours per week) and independent study time spent on completing assessments.

The threshold is 40% for all assessed tasks in all mandatory modules. All modules require a minimum of 90% attendance as it is necessary for students to have learnt all aspects of the course, including practical and theory in order to safely practice in industry.

Why Choose Us?

1. Purpose-built Veterinary Nursing Clinical Training Suite
2. Experienced delivery of higher education Veterinary Nursing since 2009
3. Registered Veterinary Nurse status awarded on graduation (subject to accreditation)
4. Vocational, practical qualification suited for all ages wishing to work within the veterinary industry

Work Placement

A work placement is carried out alongside the course. Students complete this as a full year placement within their second year. This placement is found and allocated by Plumpton College and  will take place in an approved training practice. During the placement year students are allocated a clinical supervisor. This is a Registered Veterinary Nurse or Registered Veterinary Surgeon who has undergone additional training to be able to support students through the development of their clinical skills. 

Historically the course sees 100% employability with graduating students and they are able to go into industry as well rounded professionals with both academic and practical skills. Graduating students have gone onto to become Head Nurses, clinical supervisors, work in referral hospitals, had their project research published by recognised magazines and become teachers on the course. 

About the Programme Team: 
We are an experienced team of academic and industry professionals. All teaching and quality assurance members of the team are Registered Veterinary Nurses maintaining their professional registration and therefore industry knowledge and clinical skills by completing Continual Professional Development and industry insights. 

Industry Links & Affiliations

• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 

Careers Hub

We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students; email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.

Year 1

• Study and Research Skills (15 credits)
• Veterinary Theatre Practice (15 credits)
• Clinical Veterinary Nursing Skills (30 credits)
• Animal Health, Husbandry and Welfare (30 credits)
• Applied Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
• Principles of Veterinary Nursing Practice (15 credits)

Year 2

• Veterinary Theatre Practice (15 credits)
• Clinical Veterinary Nursing Skills (30 credits)
• Clinical Placement

Year 3

• Independent Enquiry (15 credits)
• The Fundamental Aspects of Advanced Nursing Care (30 credits)
• Professional Development and Business Skills (30 credits)
• Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (15 credits)
• Veterinary Diagnostics (30 credits)

We consider a range of Level 3 qualifications with 64 UCAS Tariff Points:

• 5 GCSEs A-C/Grade 4 or above to include Mathematics, English Language and a Science. 

• 64 UCAS tariff points = Two A levels Grade C or above including Biology or BTED national diploma MMM or above (including M in Biology) or HE access course – science. All level three courses must include elements of Biology or Anatomy and Physiology. Transcripts required.

• Two weeks' work experience. Students are required to have completed a minimum of 10 days’ work experience in a (UK) veterinary practice. Satisfactory references must be provided from the work experience placement and have taken place in the last two years (before course start date).

We also consider applicants with relevant industrial experience if over 21 years of age. 

We expect a minimum of five GCSEs, including Mathematics, English Language and a science, all at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system).

Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS at 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing.

Please note candidates will also need to complete documented veterinary work experience with references prior to be admitted to the course. Work experience must be carried out in a small animal veterinary practice in the UK. Candidates will also be required to attend an interview.