Veterinary Nursing Centre
Based at our idyllic Brackenhurst Campus our Veterinary Nursing Centre works in conjunction with our Animal Unit to provide veterinary nursing students plenty of hands-on experience with a diverse range of small and companion animals - as well as larger species such as horses and goats.
Take a video tour of our Veterinary Nursing Centre.
Available facilities and equipment
Consultation room and dispensary
You'll have access to a dispensary where you can practise calculating dosage rates and dispensing drugs for patients.
Our consultation room is fully equipped for pet clinics and client interaction where you can practice important aspects of the veterinary nursing role, such as discharging animals from surgery care and giving owners advice on the general husbandry and welfare of their pets.
X-ray machines
We have a range of simulation X-ray machines and anatomically correct positioning models which allow you to practise positioning dogs and other animals for X-rays.
Surgery and theatre
You'll have access to a full surgical preparation area which includes autoclaves for surgical instrument sterilisation, equipment for surgical skin preparation and anaesthetic induction. Our anaesthetic equipment includes a range of different machines, breathing circuits and patient monitoring equipment including multi patient parameter monitors, for ECG, capnography and blood pressure equipment.
We also have a theatre where you will be taught surgical scrub techniques and aseptic instrument trolley set up. You will also learn how to handle instruments correctly and assist the veterinary surgeon with operations and procedures.
Laboratory
We have a laboratory including microscopes and diagnostic tests for developing urine, blood skin and faecal analysis skills to further develop those skills employers are looking for.
Industry placements
We're very proud of our partnerships with a range of veterinary practices. As part of your FdSc Veterinary Nursing course you will complete a placement with one of our associated veterinary training practices.
As a FdSc Veterinary Nursing student you'll spend 2,000 hours of the three year FdSc Veterinary Nursing course in Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) approved training practices. This allows you to gain the day one competencies and skills expected of you as a veterinary nurse.
While in placement you'll complete an online skills log. This has to be completed in full for you to complete the FdSc Veterinary Nursing degree.
Staff within the School work closely with the veterinary practices to ensure that contact is maintained both with students and the clinical coach in the practice. Students are integrated into the normal working rota and have the opportunity to join in all the day to day activities, giving a full and varied experience of the Veterinary Nursing working environment.