Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th October 2021
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RCVS Council amends IELTS requirements for overseas-qualified vets
The RCVS agrees that this flexibility will facilitate further access for overseas vets without compromising the overall standard of English proficiency required.
Those wishing to apply can do so with a 6.5 or C+ grade in any one component. 

The RCVS Council has amended its English language requirements for overseas-qualified veterinary surgeons wishing to join the RCVS register.

In a vote, the council decided to introduce more flexibility into the requirements for English language testing of overseas-qualified veterinary surgeons, in order to boost the number of veterinary surgeons eligible to practice in the UK following shortages in the profession. 

Previously, any overseas-qualified veterinary surgeons wishing to sit the RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership, or apply for a full registration to practise in the UK, would require a Level 7 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or a Level B in the Occupational English Test (OET) across all components (listening/reading/writing/speaking). 

Now however, the RCVS Council, in agreement with the recommendations of the College's Registration and Education Committees, that veterinary surgeons would be able to achieve IELTS Level 6.5 or OET Level C+ in any one of the four test components, provided that the average score across all components remained at at least Level 7/B. 

This degree of flexibility is hoped to facilitate access to the RCVS Register for a larger amount of veterinary surgeons, which the RCVS considers particularly important in light of the current workforce shortages brought about by the effects of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased pet ownership. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.