Bachelor in Veterinary Nursing

Our Degree in Veterinary Nursing (DVN) values the practical and sustained application of the acquired knowledge, forming competent and able Veterinary Nurses (VN) that can contribute significantly to the Health and Animal Welfare, not only of Pets, but also of Exotic Animals, Horses, and Livestock Species.

DVN's curriculum structure values tutorial learning in a real environment, based on innovative logic, established in teaching that aims for integration, branching, and professionalization, while also valuing global health. Animal Welfare and ethics will be valued through broad access to clinical models and simulators, reinforcing the acquisition of skills and the preparation of students with real practical cases, in a deep respect for sick animals and their responsible use in teaching.

Strengths of the course and differentiating elements:

• Student-centred teaching methodology, with a strong Active Learning Methodology component, such as Problem-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, Challenge-Based Learning, Team-Based Learning, Gamification, Design Thinking, Case Study, Inverted Classroom, Field Work, Think-Pair-Share, among others;
• Modular teaching in which each module integrates a set of interconnected concepts, facilitating deep learning;
• Strong theoretical and practical preparation, with more contact hours between teacher and student than in other European higher education programmes;
• High investment in Tutorial Guidance contact hours, allowing for more personalised attention to the student, enhancing learning;
• Continuous and digital assessment, with immediate feedback;
• Use of teaching/learning software, namely Physiology, Nutrition, Anatomy, Companion Animal Clinic, Exotics, Equines, and Livestock, as well as hardware for the same purpose, including the Anatomage virtual anatomy table;
• Use of a Clinical Skills Lab, with a very large collection of mannequins, including dogs, cats, horses, and cows, for training veterinary clinical skills in a safe and controlled space for practising clinical procedures before carrying them out on real animals.
• Veterinary Hospital on campus, with all the services of medical specialties, surgery, hospitalization, and intensive care, for all species of companion animals;
• Network of extramural training partners, with various Veterinary Clinics, Veterinary Hospitals, and Veterinary Outpatient Services for all animal species;
• The existence of social and environmental responsibility activities, with the participation of students, which include clinical and para-clinical activities;
• Permanent integration of the One Health concept;
• A curriculum programme accredited by A3ES, which meets the quality required and is audited by the European quality assurance system for higher education, and which fits with similar programmes at an international level;
• The existence of frequent Curricular Enrichment opportunities, in interaction with the Community, organised, promoted, and accompanied by Teachers, promoting empathy and integration into the Community and the consolidation of learning.