RCVS launch 'middle tier' accreditation for vet surgeons
Practising veterinary surgeons with at least five years' experience and a relevant postgraduate qualification will be eligible to apply
Starting in September, the RCVS will begin to accept the first applications for Advanced Practitioner status, its new accreditation for veterinary surgeons.
The new accreditation status represents a 'middle tier' between veterinary surgeons holding an initial veterinary degree and RCVS specialists, and will demonstrate that the veterinary surgeon has advanced knowledge and experience in a designated field of veterinary practice.
Practising veterinary surgeons with at least five years' experience and a relevant postgraduate qualification will be eligible to apply to be recognised as RCVS Advanced Practitioners. Accepted qualifications include the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP) with a designation; the RCVS Certificate awarded up to 2012; postgraduate clinical qualifications awarded by universities or recognised awarding bodies; and other relevant clinical postgraduate master’s degrees.
Advanced Practitioners will be expected to undertake at least 250 hours of CPD over each five-year period of accreditation, of which 125 hours should be in their designated field.
Dr Kit Sturgess, chair of the advanced practitioner assessors panel, said: “Being an Advanced Practitioner is more than just a status – it will demonstrate to members of the public and colleagues alike that a veterinary surgeon is working at an advanced level in their field and has made an ongoing commitment to career development and lifelong learning through engaging with CPD over and above the RCVS minimum requirement.”
Applications can be made online at www.rcvs.org.uk/advanced where further information about eligible qualifications, CPD requirements and fees can be found.
A free webinar about Advanced Practitioner status will take place on Tuesday 30 September at 8.30pm. To register for the webinar visit www.thewebinarvet.com/rcvs-advanced-practitioner-status
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
