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Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT)

Athlone , Westmeath ,Ireland

Bachelor of Science Veterinary Nursing

Why take this course?
The growth in scale, demands and sophistication of veterinary practices has created a significant market for the services of veterinary nurses. The veterinary nurse plays an essential role in the running of a modern veterinary practice. Their roles can be in an advisory capacity, such as advising clients about husbandry, kennel and stable management and responsible pet ownership. Veterinary Nurses are involved in the running of diagnostic tests within the clinic such as diagnostic imaging and blood testing. AIT was a leader in developing a veterinary nursing degree in Ireland. Since the programme was introduced, it has consistently been one of the most popular degrees offered by AIT. The high level of demand is testament to the quality of the AIT degree and the nature of the education provided.

What will I experience?
This established degree programme will give you the multidisciplined skills to play a key role in large animal, small animal veterinary practices. A critical component of each year of the course is a clinical placement in a veterinary practice.

What opportunities might it lead to?
Currently, and for the foreseeable future, employment prospects for veterinary nurses are excellent. As well as providing the necessary scientific and nursing skills and understanding.

As a graduate you are eligible to apply for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Biosciences at AIT. Graduates of this programme have been successful in gaining entry to the five-year veterinary programme in Budapest, Hungary.

Additional Information
This course is accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and graduates are eligible to enter onto the register of Veterinary Nurses in Ireland - a requirement which must be met in order to work as a Registered veterinary Nurse.

61% of the Class of 2014 were in employment and 26% were continuing their studies, six months after finishing their degree.

You will be required to spend two residential weeks at Gurteen College, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co Tipperary during both first and second year of the degree programme. The cost of this week must be paid by the student (details of fees available from AIT).

Intakes

  • Jan
  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 20

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

The Careers Office is focused on helping you reach your full potential through personal development, academic progression and preparing for your next steps once you graduate. While you are at AIT, we encourage you to make the most of your time and embrace all aspects of college life.

The Careers office offers the following:

Career advice and coaching
Help with compiling CVs and cover letters
Interview techniques and ‘mock’ interviews
Advice for students thinking of leaving their course
Employer recruitment programmes
Career Bootcamp series and Annual Careers & Further Study Fair
Job opportunities
Employer presentations and interviews
Postgraduate and further study opportunities
Scholarships and Internships
Summer work
Travelling and working abroad

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Application Procedures for Non-EU Students

Students applying for entry to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes should supply the following information directly to the International Office, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest on or before 1 May for programmes commencing in September:

Completed TUS application form;
Detailed curriculum vitae;
Certified transcripts of examination results and English language translations of qualifications not issued in English
Evidence of ability to follow classes in the English language (which must satisfy Institute entry requirements for the following programmes)
Foundation level programme: Certificate in English for Academic Studies: Minimum IELTS 4.5 or equivalent.

Pre-sessional Summer programme in English June to August: Minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.

Undergraduate programmes: Minimum IELTS 5.5 with no Band less than 5.0.

Postgraduate programmes: Minimum IELTS 6.0 with no Band less than 5.5 *

*note some postgraduate programmes require minimum IELTS 6.5.