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On 9 February, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone campus, commemorated two decades of veterinary nursing education.
Since its establishment in 2003, the bachelor of science in veterinary nursing course has produced 555 graduates, with class cohorts growing from 13 to 48.
The occasion was celebrated with a special continuing professional development (CPD) event that had over 100 delegates in attendance, including alumni and industry leaders.
The event served as a platform to showcase the impact the veterinary nursing programme has had over the past 20 years.
Clinical placement abroad
TUS Athlone has recently forged links with Nord University in Norway, enabling veterinary nursing students to carry out clinical placement there as part of an Erasmus programme.
This collaboration is opening up new opportunities for students, according head of department, bioveterinary and microbial sciences Cormac O’Shea.
“As we look to the future, our collaboration with Nord University is opening up new horizons for our students, offering unparalleled opportunities for international placements and exposure to cutting-edge veterinary nursing practices,” says Cormac.
Value to the industry
Ovagen CEO and former external examiner of the programme Martin Murphy commended the dedication and achievements of the academic staff and the university, emphasising graduates’ value to industry.
“Much credit is due to the academic teaching staff and the university itself for the investment in people and top-class teaching facilities. Graduates from this course are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to be incredible assets to any veterinary practice or animal health business that is lucky to employ them,” he said.
Attendees of the event received 11.5 continuing veterinary education (CVE) credits. To stay on the Veterinary Council of Ireland’s register, veterinary nurses are required to accumulate 12 CVE credits annually.
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