Veterinary Nursing Science Foundation Degree in Science - FdSc

What makes UCS special?\
University Centre Sparsholt has a very strong provision for teaching and training Veterinary Nurses. Our teaching staff bring experience and expertise in all areas of animal work including vet nursing, health and welfare work as well as animal training.

Our purpose‑built Veterinary Nursing Centre boasts radiology, consultation preparation and theatre rooms and all the equipment veterinary nurses use on a daily basis. In addition, our BIAZA‑accredited Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre is stocked with a diverse and extensive range of animals that allows you to develop your practical animal handling and husbandry skills.\
At UCS, we partner with over 50 local registered training veterinary practices to provide invaluable professional experiences. Guest lectures, conference trips and networking opportunities give you first hand insight into the industry and help you build networks that pave the way into your veterinary nursing career. A veterinary nursing course can lead you to a variety of fulfilling career paths, including veterinary nursing in general, specialist or referral practice; animal health and conservation; education; insurance for animal health companies; work for organisations and charities such as the RSPCA; teaching and research in Veterinary Nursing.

What Makes This Course Unique?

* Offering a scientific and innovative approach to the veterinary nursing industry, it combines concepts of scientific principles with clinical skills to prepare graduates for real‑world challenges.

* Beautiful 183‑hectare campus with purpose‑built state‑of‑the‑art Veterinary Nursing Centre, designed to expand and grow student expertise to meet industry standards in veterinary nursing and animal welfare.

* Cutting‑edge science laboratories for students to undertake detailed research and analysis relating to the wider veterinary industry.

* Our expert tutors bring a wealth of practical experience, to prepare you for your veterinary nursing career.

What will I learn?\
Throughout the course you will be taught a wide range of science‑based subjects, vital in developing your knowledge of diverse topics of companion animal nursing including anatomy and physiology, analytical techniques, anaesthesia, pharmacology and animal behaviour.\
Practical learning to ensure you graduate with career confidence:

* Practical learning is at the heart of this programme, with a range of laboratory sessions, animal handling and clinical practicals all designed to develop the essential skills for a registered veterinary nurse and ensure you are meeting the RCVS Day One Competencies and Day One Skills for Veterinary Nurses.

How will I be assessed?\
Our assessments mirror the challenges you will face in your career, combining academic depth with practical application. While you are working within the clinical environment, you will also be assessed in the competencies needed for a career as a veterinary nurse.

Focused on Your Future:\
This course will enable you to work as a RVN within the companion animal profession in general practice. Veterinary nursing is a diverse and satisfying career with many opportunities to work within patient rehabilitation, specialised referral hospitals, equine practice, the pharmaceutical industry, zoological/wildlife parks and in education.

How our graduates are shaping the future:

* Working in a variety of careers within the veterinary industry, including specialist or referral practice, animal health and conservation, education, charitable organisations and wider research within veterinary nursing.