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Welsh farm hosts innovative taster course
vet and nurse
Planned by Neil Paton, the course looks to provide invaluable realistic insight into the physical and intellectual demands of life in the veterinary profession.
Prospective students to gain insight on vet life
 
A course, designed by Neil Paton and run by the Royal Veterinary College and Wales’ Coleg Sir Gar, will be attended by 26 prospective vets from the UK, France and Belgium.

In a five day long programme of lectures and practical visits, 16-24 year olds will visit Coleg Sir Gar’s Gelli Aur College Farm.  

Inspired by Neil Paton’s book So You Want To Be A Vet?, the course features a keynote lecture from RSPCA chief veterinary officer, James Yeates, alongside talks from farm vets, lecturers and current veterinary students.

Planned by Neil Paton, the course looks to provide invaluable realistic insight into the physical and intellectual demands of life in the veterinary profession. Neil Paton said: “It’s great to see the insight I aim to give prospective veterinary students in the book come to life in this course.”

The book informs students about what to expect from a veterinary degree, and outlines a range of potential graduate careers ranging from working with wildlife to drawing up government legislation.

Mr Paton continued: “That we have students from France and Belgium this year and students from Japan last year shows there is international demand for this ‘taster’ course and it is credit to the RVC and Coleg Sir Gar in leading the way and making Wales the home of this innovative course”.

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.