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Veterinary Nursing - Bachelor´s programme

Scope:
180 ECTS

Level affiliation:
1 - First cycle

Degree
Degree of Bachelor of Science

Programme code:
VK003

Responsibe faculty:
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science

Applies to students admitted in
1.    Autumn 2009
2.    Autumn 2012    Visas nedan 

Appendices

1. Decision

In 1984 the Board of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) established a one-year training programme for veterinary nurses. The programme syllabus of a two-year programme was established on 24 April 1998. On 30 October 2007 the Board instructed the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science to further develop the two-year programme into a three-year study programme. The Board of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) established the Veterinary Nursing – Bachelor’s Programme on 17 June 2008. The programme syllabus was approved by the Faculty Board at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science on 14 May 2009, and has since been revised on 7 June 2010 and 13 August 2012. The latest change is valid from the academic year 2012/13.

Veterinary Nursing – Bachelor’s Programme leads to a Degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Veterinary Nursingand comprises 180 credits. The programme has the following programme code: VK003

2. Prior knowledge and other requirements

In order to become admitted to the Veterinary Nursing – Bachelor’s Programme there are, in addition to general entry requirements, specific entry requirements as follows:
• Mathematics B
• Natural Sciences B
• Social studies A
which correspond to field-specific entry requirements 15.
 
Alternatively, specific entry requirements according to field-specific entry requirements A14 (general exemption from the requirement for Social Studies 1a2):
• Mathematics 2a or Mathematics 2b or Mathematics 2c
• Natural Studies 2 (or one of the following: Biology 1, Physics 1a and Chemistry 1 or Biology 1, Physics 1b1+1b2 and Chemistry 1)
• Social Studies 1b or Social Studies 1a1

Natural Studies 2 can also be replaced by the following courses from the Natural Resource Use Programme:
• Natural Studies 1a1
and one of the following options:
o Animals in agriculture and Animal management or
o Animals in agriculture and Agriculture plant cultivation 1 or
o Plant Studies 1 and Horticulture or
o Multiuse of forests and one of the following: Forestry 1, Hunting and wildlife management 1 or Fishing and water management 1.

Grading requirements: In each individual course above, the applicant must have earned at least a Pass grade.
There are more options for replacement courses in the field-specific entry requirements.

The specific entry requirements as above can also be met by those who have obtained equivalent knowledge from current or former Swedish education. The requirements are also fulfilled if equivalent knowledge has been obtained by other means.

For admission to the various courses included in the programme, specific entry requirements defined for each individual course must be fulfilled.

3. Intended learning outcomes

3.1 General learning outcomes
In accordance with the Swedish Higher Education Act (chapter 1, section 8), first-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop
• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments,
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to
• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level,
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

3.2 Specific learning outcomes for a Degree of Bachelor
In accordance with the Annex to the Ordinance for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the student shall fulfill the following learning outcomes for a Degree of Bachelor:

Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall have
• demonstrated knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field, understanding of applicable methodologies in the field, specialised study in some aspect of the field as well as awareness of current research issues.

Competence and skills
For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall have
• demonstrated the ability to search for, gather, evaluate and critically interpret relevant information for a formulated problem and also discuss phenomena, issues and situations critically,
• demonstrated the ability to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously and to complete tasks within predetermined time frames,
• demonstrated the ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions in speech and writing and in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrated the skills required to work autonomously in the main field of study.

Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall have
• demonstrated the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues,
• demonstrated insight into the role of knowledge in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrated the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.

3.3 Detailed learning outcomes for Veterinary Nursing – Bachelor’s Programme
Within the framework of the learning outcomes of the degree, SLU has stated the following detailed learning outcomes for the Veterinary Nursing – Bachelor’s Programme:

Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Veterinary Nursing the student shall have
• demonstrated knowledge of the constitution, function and behaviour of healthy animals as well as understanding of how animal health is influenced by internal factors and of the external environment,
• demonstrated theoretical and practical knowledge within the field of veterinary nursing and veterinary medical care for horses, dogs, cats and exotic animals,
• demonstrated knowledge of the use and handling of animals,
• demonstrated knowledge of the legislation that regulates veterinary nursing and infectious diseases,
• demonstrated knowledge of the scientific basis of veterinary nursing, current research and development and applicable methodologies as well as the relation between science and evidence based medicine and their relevance to veterinary nursing practice.

Competence and skills
For a Degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Veterinary Nursing the student shall have
• demonstrated the clinical and practical skills in veterinary nursing, veterinary medical care and in controlling of infectious diseases required to work as a veterinary nurse within the fields of animal healthcare and outpatient and inpatient veterinary medical care,
• demonstrated a capacity for teamwork and collaboration with animal health staff and other professionals as well as the ability to perform duties as a supervisor and mentor,
• demonstrated the ability to handle pharmaceuticals, anaesthetic gases and radiation in an appropriate way and the ability to document measures and treatments according to current legislation,
• demonstrated a strong ability to communicate in speech and writing with different target groups, for example counselling animal owners and informing about veterinary nursing and veterinary medical care issues,
• demonstrated the ability to search for, gather, evaluate and critically interpret relevant information in the field of veterinary nursing and veterinary medical care and to implement research results into practice,
• demonstrated the ability to discuss new facts and issues with different target groups and thereby contribute to the development of the profession and the field of veterinary nursing as well as the ability to identify special needs and initiate methodological improvements and make quality checks in the field of veterinary nursing,
• demonstrated the ability to identify and solve problems autonomously and within a given time frame perform practical and theoretical work within veterinary medical care,
• demonstrated the ability to work correctly with regard to disease control, occupational safety and animal welfare.

Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Veterinary Nursing the student shall have
• demonstrated a mature approach to ethical issues related to animal husbandry and veterinary medical care,
• demonstrated the ability to assess nursing needs in scientific and ethical aspects,
• demonstrated understanding of the importance of scholarship and proven experience in the field of veterinary nursing,
• demonstrated the ability to assess his or her own skills and limitations of the professional performance as well as the ability to acquire new knowledge,
• demonstrated a professional approach to patients and animal owners and demonstrated self-awareness and empathy.

4. Possibilities for further study

Students who have completed the Veterinary Nursing – Bachelor’s Programme and been awarded a Degree of Bachelor meet the specific entry requirements for admission to second-cycle studies.

The study programmes available at SLU are listed in Appendix 1 approved by the Board of Education on first and second cycle (GUN) at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science.

5. Content and outline

5.1 Courses
The courses included in Veterinary Nursing – Bachelor’s Programme have been approved by the Board of Education on first and second cycle (GUN) at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and are listed in Appendix 2 to the programme syllabus. The contents and learning outcomes of the courses are stated in the course syllabus of each course.

5.2 Outline
Veterinary Nursing – Bachelor’s programme includes theoretical and practical courses to provide students with a holistic approach and a deeper understanding of veterinary nursing and veterinary medical care.

The subject Veterinary Nursing includes the following areas: management of animals in veterinary medical care, the behaviour and needs of sick animals, communication, counselling, preventive animal healthcare and rehabilitation.

The two first years include compulsory courses, and in the third year, there are differentiation possibilities.

Lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops are the main types of instruction. Working in groups according to the principle of problem-based learning (PBL) is used as a teaching method in some of the courses. The clinical training (VFU) is carried out in animal clinics and animal hospitals around the country. Dissections of different animal species and physically strenuous exercises occur in the training.

Degree Project
The programme is completed with an independent project (degree project) comprising 15 credits, in which the students apply their knowledge, skills and approach on a current issue within the field of veterinary nursing.

6. Examination

Each course includes one or several tests. The grading scales are 5-4-3-U (5-4-3-Fail). The grade Pass signifies that the student has obtained the grade Pass on all tests included in the course and also meets the participation requirements for all the compulsory course elements.

The grade is decided by an examiner appointed by SLU. Grades cannot be appealed. Further information on students’ rights to reexaminations can be found in the Regulations for education in first and second cycle at SLU.

7. Degree

7.1 Degree awarded after completion of the study programme
A Degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Veterinary Nursing, corresponding to the programme syllabus of Veterinary Nursing – Bachelor’s Programme, is awarded after completed course requirements (passed courses) of 180 credits, according to the following:
• at least 60 credits of courses within the field of veterinary nursing
• at least 15 credits of courses of specialised study within the field of veterinary nursing
• at least 15 credits degree project within the field of veterinary nursing
• a maximum of 30 credits of second-cycle courses.

Course requirements further include:
• at least 130 credits of compulsary programme courses corresponding to Appendix 2
• at least 15 credits of elective programme courses corresponding to Appendix 2
• a degree project within the field of veterinary nursing corresponding to Appendix 2.

Students who fulfil the requirements for a Degree of Bachelor will, upon request, receive a degree certificate. The certificate will state that the owner holds a Degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Veterinary Nursing.

The degree certificate will also state that all requirements for the degree have been fulfilled corresponding to the programme syllabus of the Veterinary Nursing – Bachelor’s Programme. Detailed course requirements are listed in Appendix 2, approved by the Board of Education on first and second cycle (GUN) at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science.

8. Miscellaneous

8.1 Credit transfer
Passed courses from other institutions of higher education, in Sweden or abroad, may be transferred and recognised in the Degree of Bachelor. This does not apply if there is a substantial difference between the educations. Credit transfer requests are assessed on an individual basis. Equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in an occupation may also be credited upon assessment.

8.2 Provisional regulations
Students admitted to the Animal Nursing Programme at SLU before 1 July 2009 can obtain a Degree of Bachelor corresponding to this programme syllabus, provided that the requirements stated under 7. Degree are fulfilled.

8.3 Professional status qualification
A person who has been awarded a Degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Veterinary Nursing may apply for a professional certificate at the Swedish Board of Agriculture. If approved, the person receives the title Licensed Veterinary Nurse.