New VN Qualification, the DipVN
Bringing a fresh and flexible approach to VN training, the Diploma is an exciting development for the whole veterinary profession as it seeks to fulfil the need for competent qualified veterinary nurses.
A recent survey of the profession* revealed that there was significant support for a new qualification. In fact, over three quarters of the respondents were in favour of an alternative. The results also highlighted that:
- 98% believe qualifications should focus on practical competencies
- 99% feel it is important to retain a practice based training scheme
- 95 % want to see a reduction in administrative “paperwork”
The new Diploma in Veterinary Nursing takes into account the feedback received from the profession and has been specifically designed to meet these needs. There is a clear focus on learning outcomes and it also embraces key recommendations from the recent government report into vocational training (Wolf report).
In particular, the Diploma will provide:
- Flexibility for Centres to use different training styles and structures.
- Increased guidance for students and tutors.
- A customised web based skills recording system.
- An inclusive approach to smaller Centres so that remote and rural areas have access to training
- A team based approach to training with multiple coaches and tutors facilitated.
- A feedback mechanism so that employers can have greater involvement in the development of qualifications.
- Separate small animal and equine qualifications with others in development.
The new Diploma in Veterinary Nursing builds upon the successful features and quality assured standards of the existing VN qualification, as well as introducing enhancements such as choice and flexibility. The Diploma’s structure and learning objectives are identical to those of the current level 3 diploma and all units are designed around the national occupational standards. One of the advantages of using the same structure is that transfer between qualifications is simplified.
The new qualification is administered by the Central Qualifications awarding organisation and is currently awaiting VN Council approval. Once approved, students successfully competing the Diploma and obtaining the required practical experience will be able to register with the RCVS and use the DipVN post-nominal letters in addition to RVN.
e.g. Amanda Smith would appear as Amanda Smith DipVN RVN
The Small Animal Diploma is scheduled for registrations in September 2011 and the Equine Diploma for Sept 2012.
Centres, practices and students wanting to find out more can email Denise Burke at enquiries@cqual.org, visit the Central Qualification website at www.cqual.org or telephone 01359 245316.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
