Veterinary Nursing (Bachelor)

See study programme

Autumn 2019 (3. semester)

BI247F
10 sp
BI142F
10 sp

Spring 2020 (4. semester)

BI144F
30 sp

Autumn 2020 (5. semester)

BI244F
10 sp

Spring 2021 (6. semester)

Elective courses
BI122F
10 sp

The purpose of the study programme is to qualify graduates for authorization as veterinary nurses and simultaneously qualify graduates for further university studies. Good knowledge of anatomy and physiology, animal behaviour and needs, animal diseases, treatment and convalescence is necessary to ensure proper professional practice and good animal welfare.

Hence, key topics of the programme are anatomy and physiology, ethology, genetics and breeding, feeding, animal health, microbiology, pharmacology, clinical procedures and lab work. Emphasis is on animals' natural behaviour and welfare, infection control, ethical attitudes and knowledge about the occupational and legislative framework given by Norwegian law. The study programme focuses on companion animals.

The programme includes two clinical work placement periods at small animal clinics. In these periods, the students apply their achieved theoretical and practical skills in clinical settings. 
The various courses in the programme are based upon each other where the clinical work placement periods demand a minimum of theoretical and practical knowledge. Because of this, the programme defines a certain progress in order to proceed with new courses and demand mandatory participation in various activities.

Clinical work placement periods:
The clinical work placement periods in the programme are in the 4th and 5th semester. Both periods are at small animal clinics where the students can practice everything from sampling and analysing to reception work. The focus is pets.

Mattilsynet (the Norwegian competent authority) approves bachelor in Veterinary Nursing at Nord University as a solid base for assigning authorization as a veterinary nurse in according to the Norwegian legislature.

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 clinical work placement period. The first two years of study, (120 ECTS) must be successfully completed in order to continue to the third year of study. Medical calculations (a part of BI242F) must be passed in order to start their second clinical work placement period. Several other courses have prerequisites.

Upon successful completion of this study programme, the student is expected to possess the following knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

  • knows the anatomy and physiology of animals, their behaviour, 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 and economic framework of the profession
  • knows and can explain the specific terms used in the profession
  • knows how to update his/ hers knowledge
  • knows ongoing research and development in the profession
  • knows the history, traditions and characteristics of the profession
  • knows the state of the profession in today¿s society

 
Skills

  • can apply professional knowledge both on practical and theoretical issues
  • can make decisions based on professional knowledge
  • can reflect on his/ hers professional work and adjust to assessments and feedback from other professionals
  • can find and asses professional articles and books and communicate this to others
  • has the relevant and basic practical skills necessary to handle patients, sampling, analysis, aseptic 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 competence

  • possesses knowledge of relevant legal and ethical 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 ethical guidelines
  • knows how to distribute and communicate central 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
Higher Education Entrance Qualification Frequently asked questions about admission


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)

Veterinary nurses have job opportunities at small animal clinics, horse clinics and stabels, universities, laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, kennels, zoos, feed suppliers, feed manufacturer, insurance companies and any other place where theoretical and practical knowledge of animals are wanted. At the moment there are a lack of veterinary nurses in Norway.
Students qualify for the Master of Biosciences at Nord University if they choose specific elective courses the last semester. Contact an advisor at the faculty for guidance in selecting appropriate elective courses to qualify for admission. Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Nursing qualifies to apply for admission to the four-year veterinary program at the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Slovakia.
Currently there are no specific exchange programmes and institutions or clinics to be recommended for student exchange.

In addition to the semester fee and syllabus literature, students are expected to have a laptop with microphone and camera. Students must purchase their own laboratory coat for use in courses with laboratory exercises.

In addition, students must expect costs related to travel, vaccinations, clinical work clothes and accomodation during 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
The program is finished when all program elements is completed. Bachelor thesis is optional.

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.