DN310 · Level 8 · 4 years

Veterinary Nursing

University College Dublin (NUI) · Dublin

2026 Round 1 points

484

Down 34 points since 2023 (518).

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About this course

A degree that trains you to become a professional veterinary nurse. It is accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland and by the European body ACOVENE.

How long
4 years
What you study
You learn through lectures, tutorials and practical classes, covering small animal, farm animal and equine nursing. Subjects include anatomy and physiology, anaesthesia, surgical nursing, animal handling and diagnostic imaging. In final year, nursing rotations take place mostly in the UCD Veterinary Hospital, and you must pass a nursing skills exam to graduate and register.
Placement and abroad
You do clinical placements in veterinary practices, with a large block of placement in third year.
Where it can lead
Veterinary nurses are also needed in animal nutrition, pet insurance, the pharmaceutical industry, practice management, animal welfare, charity work and education.
Who it suits
Suits students who love working with animals, enjoy hands-on practical work and can cope with early starts and late shifts.

Summary written by FindMyCollegeCourse.ie from the college's own course information. Check the college website for full details.

About Veterinary

Animal healthcare and welfare, veterinary medicine, and nursing

Involves the education and training required to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and injuries in animals. Veterinary programs focus on the health and welfare of animals, including pets, livestock, wildlife, and exotic species. E.g. Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Nursing, Animal Bioscience.

Points history

2023518202449920255002026484

Round 1 points by year

YearRound 1Final (end of season)Middle student
2026484Published after the final round
2025 500468509
2024 499481521
2023 518518543

Round 1 is the points needed for a first-round offer. Final is the lowest points offered a place after all rounds. Middle student is the points of the student in the middle of everyone who got a place. * means not everyone on those points got a place (random selection). Source: CAO points lists.

Subject requirements

  • English: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Irish: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Mathematics: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Lab Science Subject: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6

These are the course's own subject requirements. You also need to meet the college's general minimum entry requirements.

See the course on the University College Dublin (NUI) website ↗

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Points and course details change every year. Always check cao.ie and the college website before you fill in your CAO form.