The course is predominantly practical and professionalising in its training in relevant Veterinary Nursing techniques to provide qualified support to the Veterinary Medical profession. The general objectives of the course are to train professionals In nursing techniques in the different animal species with a focus on companion and exotic animals, equines and livestock species in a clinical, hospital or field environment, and other technological sectors related to veterinary medicine; Able to integrate the universal concepts of `One Health¿ into multidisciplinary teams, particularly those related to the areas of zoonoses and biosafety; With ethical and legal responsibility when dealing with colleagues, patients, clients, society and the environment; With extensive, integrated knowledge and critical thinking in order to enhance the Veterinary Nursing profession.

Applicants to this programme are those who apply through the institutional access competition and have passed one of the following sets and have passed one of the following groups: 02 Biology and Geology 07 Physics and Chemistry or 02 Biology and Geology 16 Maths or 02 Biology and Geology 18 Portuguese or 02 Biology and Geology 04 Economics Candidates can also enter through the change of institution/course pair schemes or through a special competition in accordance with the legal rules in force (holders of higher education courses, holders of CETs, holders of CTSPs, over 23s). Candidates who fulfil the conditions laid down in the International Student Statute may also enter the school.

The student must acquire the knowledge to be able to apply nursing techniques to different animal species with ethical responsibility and in accordance with the law, in a clinical, hospital or field environment, and in other technological sectors related to veterinary medicine. Thus, they must be able to assist the veterinarian in the treatment of sick animals, the administration of medicines, anaesthetic and surgical protocols; the application of biosafety principles; the knowledge and provision of basic prophylactic care; collecting, preserving and transporting samples and preparing appropriate diagnostic tests; carrying out analyses and laboratory tests, using auxiliary diagnostic equipment; providing procedures in emergency situations and pain management; animal production, welfare and nutrition; applying essential public health concepts, recognising zoonotic diseases and helping with appropriate measures to safeguard public health and safety.

- Holders of a secondary education course (12th year) or legally equivalent qualification and respective access test. - Candidates who have passed the exams for those over 23 or who have completed higher education courses, CETs, CTeSPs or dual certification courses.

This cycle of studies guarantees consistent training in Veterinary Sciences, responding to the needs of the sector, namely Veterinary Medical Care Centres (VMCs), Hospitals, Clinics and Veterinary Practices. According to the DGAV, the largest number of CAMVs are located in Lisbon and the Tagus Valley, with more than 500. According to management studies by the magazine Veterinária Atual, it has been notoriously difficult to hire nurses in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley area. In addition to its ability to train staff capable of competing in a variety of national and international contexts, offering a degree that does not exist in the geographical area of Lisbon and the Tagus Valley can help strengthen the needs and competitiveness of this region.