The learner will be introduced to the husbandry and care of exotic and avian species that are kept as pets. They will develop an understanding of the importance of careful husbandry to prevent disease and will be introduce the care of wildlife.

1. Describe normal husbandry for a range of commonly kept exotic, avian and fish pets.
2. Discuss the health and safety considerations of working with exotic and wild animals.
3. Describe common diseases of a range of exotic and wild patients, including their nursing needs.
4. Demonstrate knowledge in skills of handling and identifying exotic and wild patients.
5. Describe the nutritional needs for a range of commonly kept exotic, avian and fish in a veterinary hospital setting.

The learner will develop skills and understanding in clinical anaesthesia and analgesia.

1. Understand the importance of a thorough pre-anaesthetic assessment and the use of safety checklists for patients and equipment.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the anaesthetic process, including commonly used drugs and their properties.
3. Apply knowledge of cardiovascular and respiratory function to managing changes during anaesthesia, to include developing skills in identifying abnormalities encountered under anaesthesia.
4. Recognise commonly used anaesthetic equipment and their function.
5. Appraise the principles of pain assessment in patients and discuss the properties of various analgesic drugs

This module will introduce the learner to knowledge of musculoskeletal, neurological and dermatological structure and function in various species. The learner will also develop skills in the treatment of nursing patients with disease affecting special senses (eyes and ears).

1. Demonstrate knowledge of common disease conditions that occur in the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system and the skin.
2. Identify the nursing considerations for patients with ophthalmic disease.
3. Recognize the nursing considerations for patients with aural disease.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the nursing needs of orthopaedic and recumbent patients, including performing basic physical therapy techniques used in rehabilitation.
5. Evaluate the nursing needs of patients with neurological and skin disease.

The learner will be introduced to hospital accommodation management skills. They will adhere to the practice Health and Safety policy and will contribute to services within the veterinary practice environment.

1. Admit animals for care, under the supervision of the Veterinary Practitioner.
2. Assess the nursing care requirements of animals under the supervision of a Veterinary Practitioner and participate in the planning and organising of appropriate nursing care of animals under the supervision of Veterinary Practitioner.
3. Deliver planned nursing care to animals under the supervision of a Veterinary
4. Practitioner and participate in the evaluation of the effectiveness of nursing care.
5. Recognise his/her own level of competence and avail of all learning opportunities to increase knowledge and skills, under the direction and supervision of a Veterinary Practitioner.
6. Assist in the management of hospital accommodation.

The learner will be introduced to core business concepts in the context of veterinary practice management.

1. Demonstrate a proficiency in the basics of accounting, credit control, stock management, and the pricing of fees and products.
2. Identify key elements of client care and customer service.
3. Develop a promotion plan for a veterinary practice.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of employment law.
5. Demonstrate a comprehension of health and safety legislation.
6. Demonstrate a comprehension of the statutory and ethical aspects of a veterinary practice.

The learner will be introduced to the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine and reproductive systems. The learner will learn to modify their nursing according to the patient's requirements, paying attention to the particular system under challenge while still nursing in a holistic manner, that is nursing the patient not the condition.

1. Describe the normal function of the reproductive and endocrine systems.
2. Understand the processes of immunology and haematology.
3. Demonstrate an understanding how to nurse patients with common conditions which affect the endocrine and reproductive systems.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the care of patients around parturition and care of the neonate.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of post-operative nursing care.

A student participating in this module will be facilitated to apply and integrate theory learnt to date with current practice in the Veterinary practice setting. They will also be provided with a period of exposure to the Veterinary Practice setting so that the student continues to develop confidence and competence in relation to their practice.

1. Admit and monitor animals for care, under the supervision of the Veterinary Practitioner.
2. To assist in the management of hospital accommodation.
3. Assess, plan, deliver and evaluate the nursing care of the animal under the supervision of a Veterinary Practitioner.
4. Prepare diagnostic imaging equipment and the animal for radiological examination under the supervision of the Veterinary Practitioner.
5. Perform laboratory diagnostic tests in an appropriate manner under the supervision of a Veterinary Practitioner

The learner participating in this module will learn about the normal behaviour patterns of companion animals and will be introduced to the normal development of the juvenile companion animals. They will develop an understanding of techniques used to train mainstream juvenile companion animals and an introduction into the rehabilitation of rescue companion animals. The learner will have an appreciation of the techniques used to investigate and treat common unwanted behaviours. The learner will also gain an appreciation of the effect health can have on behavioural patterns.

1. Discuss normal development
2. Critique available methods of training
3. Strategies for optimal handling and teaching of companion animals.
4. Discuss common unwanted behaviours

The learner will be introduced to emergency and critical care techniques, first aid, wound management and the recognition of pain in these patients.

1. Discuss the role of a triage nurse.
2. Apply the techniques of wound management.
3. Critique the techniques used for blood transfusion.
4. Demonstrate skills in providing first aid advice and treatment.
5. Recognise pain and describe strategies for its management.

The learner will have an understanding of the normal and abnormal function of the gastrointestinal, hepatic and renal systems. The use of dental skills and instrumentation will be developed.

1. Evaluate the nursing care of the patient with gastrointestinal disease.
2. Discuss the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Evaluate the care of patients with acute and chronic renal disease.
4. Appreciate the role of liver, spleen and exocrine pancreatic function in health and disease.
5. Develop skills in veterinary nursing dental care.

A student participating in this module will be facilitated to become a safe, caring, competent decision-maker within the Veterinary Practice setting and will be assisted in the development of skills in the promotion of Animal Health and Welfare. The student will also be assisted in the development of managerial skills in the Veterinary Practice setting and will be enabled to practice advanced Veterinary Nursing skills.

1. Admit and monitor animals for care, under the supervision of the Veterinary Practitioner.
2. To assist in the management of the veterinary clinic.
3. Assess, plan, deliver and evaluate the nursing care of the animal under the supervision of a Veterinary Practitioner.
4. Provide – first aid in an appropriate manner under the supervision of a Veterinary Practitioner
5. Demonstrate an ability to conduct a holistic assessment of the animal presenting for admission to care and complete admission procedures and documentation effectively and efficiently.

The learner will be introduced to legislation regarding supply and storage of medical products and will develop an understanding of stock control.

1. Discuss the legislation pertinent to pharmacy management in veterinary practice, to include the regulatory mechanisms/obligations for approval/use of veterinary medicines.
2. Critique the prescribing process, including methods of optimising compliance in medication administration by owners.
3. Order stock, reconcile delivery to order and deal with issues of damage or incorrect delivery and appraise special storage requirements of certain classes of drug.
4. Dispense medication according to veterinary direction and maintain appropriate records of the transaction.
5. Examine the importance of the life cycles and transmission of parasites in small animals.

This module will introduce the learner to diagnostic imaging in veterinary practice. The learner will also become proficient in best practice in the nursing of patients with acute and chronic states.

1. Demonstrate understanding of the process of producing diagnostic images.
2. Compare different imaging modalities
3. Critique best practice nursing care of patients with acute and chronic diseases.
4. Describe the role of nursing care plans and care bundles in the management of disease states.

The learner will develop proficiency in practical skills related to all aspects of veterinary nursing.

1. Demonstrate and discuss fluid selection, administration and calculations, including calculations related to medicine administration.
2. Discuss and demonstrate skills in providing first aid advice and treatment, including pain scoring.
3. Demonstrate laboratory skills.
4. Discuss and demonstrate skills in general theatre practice.
5. Discuss and demonstrate practical skills required to obtain diagnostic radiographs.
6. Demonstrate skills in clinical workplace hygiene and health and safety with regard to the prevention of disease transmission.

The learner will be inculcated into Veterinary practice so that he/she continues to develop and consolidate management skills and the fundamental skills of Veterinary Nursing.

1. Conduct a holistic assessment of the physical, emotional and developmental needs of the animal based on theory and research relating to animal health and welfare.
2. Discuss the ethical and legal responsibilities of undertaking a holistic assessment of an animal and the environments in which they reside.
3. Manage a Veterinary practice setting effectively.
4. Plan, implement and evaluate animal care and developmental activities in partnership with the clients.
5. Act to enhance the personal and professional development of self and others.