Katia
Da Silva Moura

Why did you choose to study your course at NTU?

I chose to study veterinary nursing at Nottingham Trent University because of its excellent reputation in veterinary nursing education and its emphasis on hands-on training. NTU offers access to state-of-the-art veterinary labs and animal care units, allowing me to build practical skills in a supportive setting. The faculty includes experienced veterinary professionals who provide invaluable mentorship, helping me prepare for real-world challenges in animal care. NTU’s strong industry connections and focus on practical placements also mean I’ll gain essential experience and have networking opportunities to support my future career in veterinary nursing.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

What I enjoy most about my veterinary nursing course at NTU is the practical experience I gain through placements. These placements allow me to work directly with animals in real clinical settings, applying what I’ve learned in class to real-life situations. It’s incredibly rewarding to build my skills in patient care, surgical assistance, and diagnostics while working alongside experienced professionals. The placements not only prepare me for a future career in veterinary nursing but also give me valuable insights into the daily realities and challenges of the field, which has been both motivating and educational.

How do you find your modules and what have you most enjoyed studying?

I find my veterinary nursing modules both challenging and incredibly valuable, as each one builds essential knowledge and skills for my future career. The module I’ve enjoyed the most is Applied Medical Nursing. I appreciate how it dives into the specifics of diseases and treatment protocols, helping me understand how to provide effective, hands-on care for patients.

What do you think about the facilities available on your course and what do you use the most?

I think the facilities available on my course are excellent, especially the animal unit, which I use the most. The unit provides a great environment for hands-on learning with the animals, allowing me to build practical skills essential for veterinary nursing. When I have free time, I enjoy visiting the animals and taking part in any animal-related programs available. This extra involvement has been valuable in helping me gain experience and confidence in handling and caring for animals.

What do you think about Brackenhurst Campus? What do you get up to in your spare time?

I really enjoy the countryside atmosphere at Brackenhurst Campus. The rural setting is peaceful and relaxing, and being surrounded by animals makes it even more special. In my free time, I’ve been part of the NTU W2 Volleyball team for the last two years, which has been a great experience. I’m also proud to be the president of the Veterinary Nursing Society, where I help organize events and connect with fellow students in our field.

What is your top tip for someone considering studying/living at Brackenhurst Campus?

My top tip for someone considering studying or living at Brackenhurst Campus would be to take full advantage of the campus’s peaceful, rural setting. It’s a great place to focus on your studies and unwind, especially with the animals around. Also, get involved in campus activities like sports or student societies — it’s a great way to meet people and make the most of your time here. The sense of community is strong, and you’ll find that balancing your academics with some extracurricular activities can make your experience even more rewarding.

Have you been involved in any placements, work experience or volunteering as part of your course? If so, what did you do and what did you achieve?

As part of my course, I completed a 12-week placement during the summer of my first year at a veterinary hospital. This experience was incredibly valuable as it gave me the chance to deal with real-life cases and scenarios, allowing me to apply what I had learned in a clinical setting. In addition to my studies, I also worked as a puppy trainer for six weeks, which gave me further hands-on experience with animal behaviour and training techniques. Both experiences have helped me develop practical skills that I’ll carry with me into my veterinary nursing career.

Why would you recommend your course to someone considering studying it?

The course offers a perfect balance of theoretical learning and practical experience, with excellent facilities such as the animal unit, where we get hands-on experience with animals. The teaching is delivered by experienced professionals who are passionate about the subject and provide great support throughout. The course content is both comprehensive and relevant, covering everything from medical nursing to animal behaviour. Additionally, the opportunities for placements provide valuable real-world experience that prepares you for a career in veterinary nursing. The campus itself is beautiful, set in a peaceful rural location, which makes it a relaxing place to study and learn.

What are your plans for after the course and how do you feel your course has/ will help you to achieve that goal?

After completing my veterinary nursing course, I plan to continue my studies by doing the Veterinary Nursing Science (final year top-up) BSc (Hons) at NTU. Following that, I aim to secure a job in a small animal practice where I can apply everything I’ve learned and continue growing as a veterinary nurse.