A unique and prestigious higher education route for Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVN’s) will be offered at Solihull College from September 2014, the result of an exciting new partnership.
Two new university level qualifications for RVN’s can now be studied at Solihull College, who have an impressive and vast animal care and land-based facility at their Blossomfield Campus.
Both the Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Advanced Veterinary Nursing Studies and BSc (Hons) in Advanced Veterinary Nursing Studies (top-up year) have been developed alongside Abingdon and Witney College and will be delivered in partnership with Oxford Brookes University. This is a unique programme that focuses on developing veterinary nursing knowledge and skills, above and beyond those acquired for RVN status.
Rosie Godfrey, Land-based HE Leader at Solihull College comments: “There are currently very few higher education opportunities for RVN’s and these exciting new qualifications will aid a graduate to pursue employment in clinical nursing roles requiring specialised expertise”.
The animal care facility at the College has been described by staff as “one of the best kept secrets on campus” and – in the West Midlands – is very unique in what it offers learners. The facility encompasses a three storey building, complete with specialist rooms for exotics, reptiles and an aviary. In addition to this there are also two external paddocks to house the College’s larger animals including donkeys, goats and pigs.
This is an historic move for Solihull College in being able to offer higher education qualifications in one its most popular further education subject areas. The Foundation Degree includes the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing being embedded into the second year.
Along with this, newly qualified RVN’s can gain a year of clinical experience needed to undertake this RCVS qualification in their first year of the Foundation Degree.
Professor David Evans, Head of Biological and Medical Sciences at Oxford Brookes University comments: “I am delighted that the team at Solihull College has been successful in the validation of these higher education qualifications. The vet nursing team at the College can be commended on their dedication to drive forward the profession and there is no doubt these qualifications will prove to be highly popular”.
The new qualifications will be an addition to the College’s University Centre; which delivers higher education degrees in partnership with various partner universities, including Oxford Brookes. Learners are able to study subjects including Fine Art, Early Years and Childhood Studies and Health and Social Care.
