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RCVS to consult on new VN qualifications framework
A consultation will be launched in early July.
Proposals aim to provide a more structured career path

Veterinary professionals are being asked for their views on a new framework for veterinary nursing qualifications post-registration.

The proposals were developed by the RCVS, after the VN Futures research project found that many nurses wanted a more structured and rewarding career path. A consultation will be launched in early July.

In time, the aim is to introduce an Advanced Veterinary Nurse status. The framework serves to offer awards after registration for an enhanced level of veterinary nursing practice, as well as specific modules for nurses at all career levels to study independently for CPD.

Julie Dugmore, director of veterinary nursing, said: “Throughout the VN Futures roadshow events nurses felt they were often entering a career cul-de-sac after a certain amount of time in practice and so the need for further post-registration qualifications which promote excellence and recognise advanced knowledge, skills, competency and experience in designated areas were strongly expressed.

“We have taken this feedback and developed it into a comprehensive framework for two defined post-registration qualifications and are very interested in hearing what both veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons have to say about all aspects of what we are proposing.”

The two new qualifications included in the framework are a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing and a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing.

Once the responses have been collated, the college says it will incorporate the feedback into the framework for further consideration by the relevant committees and VN Council.

An email with a link to the consultation will be sent to all veterinary nurses and surgeons. Once launched, the survey will also be available at www.rcvs.org.uk/consultations

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."