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Central Qualifications approved for End-Point Assessments
EPAs were introduced by the Institute of Apprenticeships following a review of apprenticeship standards.
Final examination ensures veterinary nursing apprentices are occupationally competent

Central Qualifications (CQ) has become the first awarding body to be approved to run End-Point Assessments (EPAs) for student veterinary nurses.

The organisation said that, upon successful completion of the EPA, apprentices enrolled on the CQ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing will be awarded the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipVN) and can subsequently join the RCVS register.

CQ director Jacqui Garrett commented: “Apprenticeships have been the cornerstone of veterinary nurse training for several years and Central Qualifications is pleased to support Colleges and employers with their training programmes.”

EPAs were introduced by the Institute of Apprenticeships following a review of apprenticeship standards.

To meet the VN Apprenticeship Standard, each student is required to have the knowledge, skills and professional attributes required to become a veterinary nurse. Typically, students will spend 30 to 36 months working towards the apprenticeship standard, followed by their EPA.

For further information about the CQ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, email enquiries@cqual.org 

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.