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CQ awarded accreditation for Level 3 Vet Nurse qualifications
RCVS praised CQ's innovative approaches to SVN education.
The awarding organisation will support centres delivering the new qualifications.

Central Qualifications (CQ) has received full accreditation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) for two Level 3 Veterinary Nursing qualifications.

It can now support learning centres providing the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and the Level 3 Diploma in Equine Nursing for the next five years.

Through its new qualifications, CQ says its learning centres can take a more integrated approach to delivering and assessing veterinary nursing knowledge. However, it says centres will still have the flexibility to deliver content in a bespoke way.

CQ adds that its rationalised assessment strategy will reduce the burden on learners, while still encouraging them to meet qualification outcomes. Its unique OSCE protocol is expected to make assessments less stressful for students.

The achievement follows its recent RCVS accreditation event, which saw CQ commended for the development of its Level 3 qualifications.

RCVS recognised CQ’s External Quality Assurance processes, particularly highlighting the development of its Vantage Quality Assurance system. The report said these processes showed a commitment to protecting people and animals across learning environments. It noted CQ’s analysis of the OSCE assessment, which it said demonstrated strong assessment practices and continuous improvement to its processes.

CQ was also praised for engaging multiple clinical supervisors simultaneously. RCVS said that this innovative approach was ensuring students were supervised in a comprehensive and effective way.

Central Qualifications is an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation, providing qualifications for the veterinary and animal-related industries. Alongside its Level 3 Veterinary Nursing courses, CQ also provides qualifications for veterinary nursing assistants and companion animal training.

Denise Burke, quality assurance manager for CQ, said: “The CQ team have worked really hard to achieve this goal.

“This achievement is testament to teamwork, commitment, enthusiasm and pride in what we do, leading to robust qualifications that give clear direction to both learners and educators.”

Learning centres can find out more about CQ’s new Level 3 Licence to Practice Veterinary Nurse qualifications by contacting Ms Burke at denise.burke@cqual.org.uk .

Image © Central Qualifications

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.