This one year course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and the skills to work in a variety of areas within the Animal Health Care sector, or to progress to Higher Education through the Higher Education Links Scheme.
Students study core areas of Animal Health Care and are enabled to put theory into practice through experiential learning in a fully equipped Animal Health Care Suite. This course is delivered by specialists who are currently practising within the profession. Regular field trips and the handling of a wide variety of animals are key features of this course.
Entry Requirements
One of the following:
Leaving Certificate
A Level 4 QQI Award
Mature applicants are welcome
As there is an emphasis on the science subjects, Biology, Animal Anatomy and Physiology, a background in science would be desirable, but not essential.
Course Modules
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Animal Grooming
- Animal Welfare
- Animal Behaviour
- Small Animal Husbandry and Housing
- Veterinary Assisting Skills
- Biology
- Word Processing
- Work Experience
- Communications
- Mathematics (Optional)
- Module Information
Certification
Level 5 QQI Award Animal Care (5M2768).
AniEd Canine First Responder Certificate
Work Experience
Students will be required to undertake a period work placement in an organisation connected to their vocational area during the academic year. Students are required to source their own work placement but will be assisted in this by the work experience teacher. The work placement is usually for a period of 10 days or a minimum of 60 hours. Students usually find the work experience element of the course to be invaluable and should bear in mind that a successful work placement can sometimes lead to further opportunities.
Assessment
Assessment techniques will be used to assess the knowledge and skills that students will have achieved on successful completion of modules:
- Student Record
- Portfolio/Collection of Work
- Assignments
- Examinations -Written or Practical
- Project
Progression Opportunities
DFEi: Graduates may progress to the Level 6 QQI Advanced Certificate in Animal Health Care/Advanced Animal Care Assistant at DFEi.
Elsewhere: Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes, at Universities, Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities. It is important to contact the relevant higher education institute for further information about links.
Progression Examples
- BSc in Veterinary Nursing
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science
- BSc in Veterinary Nursing
- BSc in Veterinary Nursing
- BSc in Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology
Career Paths
Graduates may seek employment in: large and small veterinary clinics, dog grooming parlours, pet shops, catteries/dog kennels, animal welfare organisations, agricultural, science industries, farms (including petting farms), zoos, wildlife parks, and self-employment (both in Ireland and abroad).
- Course Type : QQI Level 5
- Duration : 1 year