Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)

Learning Objectives

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal):

Advanced Companion Animal Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology

• Critically analyse advanced anatomical and physiological structures of dogs, cats, and small mammals
• Evaluate how pathophysiological changes impact clinical presentation and patient outcomes
• Apply anatomical knowledge to complex diagnostic and nursing interventions
• Integrate understanding of disease mechanisms into evidence‑based nursing care plans
• Assess the relationship between nutrition, physiology, and companion animal health
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of pain pathways and their relevance to nursing practice
• Relate anatomy and physiology to safe handling, restraint, and clinical procedures
• Critically reflect on how pathology informs preventive healthcare strategies

Clinical Assessment, Diagnostics, and Evidence‑Based Nursing Practice

• Conduct advanced patient assessments using structured frameworks and diagnostic tools
• Interpret laboratory results, imaging, and clinical data to support veterinary decision‑making
• Apply evidence‑based nursing principles to complex companion animal cases
• Critically evaluate diagnostic accuracy and its impact on patient care
• Develop nursing care plans that integrate clinical findings with welfare considerations
• Demonstrate advanced monitoring and reporting skills in clinical environments
• Collaborate with veterinary surgeons to refine diagnostic and treatment strategies
• Reflect on case outcomes to improve future nursing practice

Advanced Anaesthesia, Analgesia, and Surgical Nursing for Companion Animals

• Prepare companion animals for advanced anaesthesia and surgical procedures
• Monitor anaesthesia using advanced techniques and interpret complex data sets
• Apply multimodal analgesia strategies to optimise patient comfort and recovery
• Maintain aseptic techniques and surgical theatre protocols at postgraduate level
• Support advanced surgical interventions, including orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures
• Recognise and respond to anaesthetic emergencies with critical decision‑making skills
• Evaluate post‑operative recovery protocols and implement evidence‑based improvements
• Document anaesthesia and surgical nursing activities to audit and compliance standards

Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Medicines Management in Companion Animal Practice

• Critically evaluate pharmacological principles and therapeutic applications in companion animals
• Analyse drug interactions, contraindications, and adverse effects in complex cases
• Apply advanced knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to nursing practice
• Ensure safe administration, storage, and disposal of medicines in compliance with regulations
• Promote responsible medicine use and antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary practice
• Maintain accurate medicine records aligned with legal and ethical frameworks
• Communicate effectively with owners about medicine use, risks, and compliance
• Contribute to policy development on medicine management within veterinary teams

Companion Animal Rehabilitation, Preventive Healthcare, and Welfare Strategies

• Design and implement rehabilitation programmes for companion animals recovering from surgery or illness
• Apply advanced preventive healthcare strategies including vaccination, parasite control, and nutrition
• Critically evaluate welfare standards and ethical principles in companion animal nursing
• Promote dental care, behavioural health, and long‑term wellbeing through nursing interventions
• Monitor rehabilitation progress and adapt care plans based on evidence and patient response
• Educate owners on responsible healthcare practices and welfare responsibilities
• Collaborate with welfare organisations to strengthen community outreach programmes
• Reflect on the nurse’s role in advancing welfare standards internationally

Leadership, Professional Practice, and Research in Veterinary Nursing

• Demonstrate leadership in managing nursing teams and clinical operations
• Mentor junior nurses and students, fostering professional growth and competence
• Apply ethical decision‑making and professional behaviours in complex clinical scenarios
• Conduct clinical audits and contribute to quality assurance in veterinary practice
• Engage in research projects that advance companion animal nursing knowledge
• Publish case studies, articles, or guidelines to influence the wider profession
• Participate in conferences, workshops, and professional networks to share expertise
• Critically reflect on personal leadership style and its impact on practice culture