To qualify as a veterinary practitioner
To qualify as a veterinary practitioner in Ireland, you must complete a programme in veterinary medicine which has been accredited by the VCI. The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine accredited by the VCI is a five-year training programme currently delivered by the School of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin. Currently, the VCI accredits only one veterinary medicine programme in the State. Once you have successfully completed an accredited programme, or an international programme in veterinary medicine recognised by the VCI for the purpose of registration, you will be eligible to apply to register as a veterinary practitioner in Ireland.
Applications for places on programmes accredited in Ireland can be made through the Central Applications Office (CAO), or by contacting university or provider directly.
Details of international programmes in veterinary medicine recognised by the VCI for the purpose of registration in Ireland are available HERE.
To qualify as a veterinary nurse
To qualify as a veterinary nurse in Ireland, you must complete a programme in veterinary nursing which has been accredited by the VCI. Currently, the VCI accredits five veterinary nursing programmes in the State, located in counties Dublin, Louth, Donegal, Cork, and Westmeath. Once you have successfully completed an accredited programme, or an international programme in veterinary nursing recognised by the VCI for the purpose of registration, you will be eligible to apply to register as a veterinary nurse in Ireland.
The five currently accredited veterinary nursing programmes in the State are as follows:
| Institution | Qualification |
| Technological University of the Shannon (Formerly AIT) | Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing (BScVN) |
| Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) | Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing (BScVN) |
| Atlantic Technological University (Formerly LYIT) | Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing (BScVN) |
| St. John’s Central College | QQI Level 6 Advance Science (Veterinary Nursing) |
| National University of Ireland – University College Dublin (UCD) | Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipVN)
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing (BScVN) |
Applications for places on programmes accredited in Ireland can be made through the Central Applications Office (CAO), or by contacting university or provider directly.
Details of international programmes in veterinary nursing recognised by the VCI for the purpose of registration in Ireland are available HERE.
Accreditation
The Veterinary Council of Ireland is responsible for approving and recognising both higher education veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing programmes and continuing veterinary education (CVE) courses for registrants. The VCI is also responsible for the approval or accreditation of all Continuing Veterinary Education (CVE) courses provided in Ireland.
Continuing Veterinary Education
Once you are registered to practise as a veterinary practitioner or a veterinary nurse with the VCI, you are required in law to engage in continuing professional development (CPD), otherwise known as Continuing Veterinary Education (CVE).
You can find out more about CVE for veterinary professionals by visiting our Continuing Veterinary Education information page.
How do I register as a veterinary professional?
As a veterinary medicine or veterinary nurse graduate with the requisite academic and practical training, you must apply to register with the VCI before you can begin practising in Ireland. The registration process is part of our role to ensure that those working as veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses in Ireland meet the standards expected to provide an informed, professional and safe service to the public. You can read more about registration by visiting our Registration information page.