Bachelor’s programme

Veterinary Nursing

Bodø

Is your dream to work with pets? Through theory and practice, you will learn to collaborate with people and pets, in the examination and treatment of animals.

Admission is closed See study plan Structure/topics

Programme description

Veterinary nurses work mainly in animal clinics or hospitals for companion animals. Their main responsibilities are nursing sick or injured animals, assisting and facilitating the vet`s work, taking samples, analyzing samples and customer services. An ordinary day at work is often busy. This profession will probably suit you if you like animals but it is equally important to enjoy working with people and interacting with the owners. The veterinary nursing profession is constantly developing and this program is labour intensive and requires both good skills and motivation. Students are required to live in Bodø.

Career opportunities

Veterinary nurses normally work in small animal clinics. Their competence is also relevant whenever theoretical and practical knowledge about animals is required.

1. Higher education entrance qualification

2. Special admission requirements for BSc in Biology

3. English language proficiency

4. Financial capacity - non-EU/EEA applicants

View general admission and documentation requirements

View FAQs about admission, credit transfer, scholarships/financing and result of admission

Have you thought of exchanging to another part of the world? We highly recommend our students to spend part of their degree at one of our partner institutions abroad. An exchange will compliment your degree best as an international internship period in the 6. semester or on an academic level in the 6. semester.

We have dedicated staff who will do their best to help you with your stay abroad. For more information on the process, please contact Jose de Pool , advisor for study exchange.

The programme qualifies graduates to apply for admission to Master in biosciences at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture. Contact an advisor at the faculty for guidance in selecting appropriate elective courses to qualify for admission to the master programme.

There are also other relevant master studies in Norway and abroad. Please contact the specific university directly for information about admission and requirements.

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

Knowledge

The candidate

has broad knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of animals, their natural behaviour and needs, as well as diseases, treatment and care
has knowledge of the basic cultural, legal, and economic factors in the field where veterinary nurses operate
knows clinical procedures and tools used in small animal clinics to ensure good animal welfare
knows relevant scientific research and development in the field of veterinary nursing
can understand and explain veterinary medical terminology
can update his/her own knowledge in veterinary nursing from key textbooks, and has the ability to find new valid sources
has knowledge of the profession of veterinary nursings origins, history, traditions, uniqueness and place in today's society.

Skills

The candidate

can apply professional knowledge to practical and theoretical issues, and make profesionally justified decisions when nursing and monitoring patients
can communicate appropriately with pet owners in different situations
can reflect on his/hers work, and adjust based on professional feedback and guidance
can find, evaluate and disseminate litterature within the field of veterinary medicine and animal welfare.
can communicate and disseminate litterature to colleagues and pet owners, both in writing and orally
has relevant practical skills within the basic clinical procedures in concern to animal welfare and HSE.

General competence

The candidate

has insight into professional, legal and ethical issues related to the profession as an awarded veterinary nurse
can plan, carry out and present work (practical skills, theoretical reviews, written assignments) both alone and in collaboration with others in line with the professional ethics guidelines of NDAF* and Norwegian legislation
can communicate central topics and problems, as well as suggest possible solutions to colleagues and pet owners. Both orally, in writing and by other suitable means of expression.
can exchange experiences and views with others within the field of veterinary nursing, and thus contribute to developing and establishing good practices and good animal welfare
is familiar about scientific research and development whitin the fields of animal welfare and veterinary nursing, especially concerning the need and welfare of animals in various work-related situations

*Norsk dyrepleier og assistenforening (NDAF) is a Norwegian association for veterinary nurses/ technicians or assistants at veterinary clinics.

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 and scrubs for use in some courses.

In addition, students must expect costs related to travel, vaccinations, clinical work clothes and accomodation during practice periods.