Veterinary Nursing (Bachelor)
See study programmeThe purpose of the study program is to qualify graduates for authorization as veterinary nurse and simultaneously qualify graduates for further university studies. Good knowledge of anatomy and physiology, animal behavior and needs, animal diseases, treatment and convalescence is necessary to ensure proper professional practice and good animal welfare.
Hence, key topics of the program are anatomy and physiology, ethology, genetics and breeding, feeding, animal health, microbiology, pharmacology, and clinical procedures and lab work. Emphasis is on animals' natural behavior and welfare, infection control, ethical attitudes and knowledge about the occupational and legislative framework given by Norwegian law. The study focuses on companion animals.
The program includes two periods of practice, respectively in the 4th and 5th semester, at small animal clinics. In these periods, the students apply their achieved theoretical and practical skills in every day clinical settings.
The various courses in the program build upon each other, and practice periods demand a minimum of theoretical and practical knowledge. Therefore, the program defines a certain progress in order to proceed with new courses, and have mandatory participation in various activities.
Practical training:
There are two practical training periods in the program, respectively in 4th and 5th semester. Both practical trainings are at animal clinics so you can practice everything from sampling and analyzes to reception work, focusing on pets.
Mattilsynet (the Norwegian competent authority) approves bachelor in Veterinary Nursing at the Nord University as a grounds for assigning authorization as a veterinary nurse according to the Norwegian legislature.
The study program is based on the Dossier of European Competencies for the Veterinary Nurse, given by the Accreditation Committee of Veterinary Nurse Education (Acoven) in 2012
The study programme has several study progression requirements:
The students must have passed at least 70 ECTS (including BI143F , BI145F, BI146F, BI141F and BI142) in order to start their first practical training.
The first and seond year of study (120 ECTS) must be passed in order to continue the third year.
Medical calculations (a part of BI242F) must be passed in order to start their second practical training.
Several courses also have prerequisites.
Knowledge
The candidate
- Knows the anatomy and physiology of animals, their behavior, natural needs and common diseases
- Knows the instruments and working procedures applied in small animal clinics to ensure animal welfare
- Knows the basic cultural, legal og econoimic framework of the profession
- Knows and can explain the spesific terms used in the profession
- Knows how to update his/hers knowlegde
- Knows ongoing research and development in the profession
- Knows the history, traditions and caracheristics of the profession
- Knows the state of the profession in todays society
Skills
The candidate
- Can apply professional knowlegde both on pratical and teoretical issuses
- Can make decisions based on professional knowlegde
- Can reflect on his/hers professional work and adjust to assesments and feedback from other professionals
- Can find and asses professional articles and books and coomunicate this to others
- Has the relevant and basic practical skills necessary to handle patients, sampling, analysis, aseptics and hygiene in a way that ensures animal welfare, personal and animal safety and infection control
- Knows how to talk to the patients' owners in different circumstances
General knowledge
The candidate
- Possesses knowlegde of relevant legal and etical professional problems to ensure animal welfare and infection control
- Is capable of planning, implementing and presenting tasks, both alone and in cooperation with others, according to national legislature and professional eticsal guidelines
- Knows how to distribute and communicate sentral issues and to suggest solutions to clients, both oral, in writing and by other suitable means of expression
- Is capable of sharing and exchanging experiences and perspectives with other professionals and thereby contribute to develop and establish best practice
- Knows ongoing research and development in animal welfare, and especially know how to ensure animal welfare and needs in different work related situations
Application Deadlines
March 1 Applications based on prior learning or exceptional circumstances
April 15 Central admission for applicants with Norwegian education (refer to information about admission to Norwegian-taught programmes)
Semester registration fee and course literature, in addition to travel and accomodation costs relating to practice periods.
- Written exams
- Multiple choice tests
- Compulsory reports, presentations and attendence at laboratory exercisies, seminars and practical sessions
- Assignments
- Practice
- Bachelor thesis is optional in the 6th semester
Students take an active part in the evaluation of the courses in the programme through mid-term and final evaluations. Dialogue meetings are also conducted between students and the programme director every semester.
The evaluations form a part of the university's quality assurance system.