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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th June 2011
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New VN Qualification, the DipVN

As veterinary nursing celebrates its 50th year, Central Qualifications awarding body announces the arrival of a new qualification in veterinary nursing, the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, or DipVN.

Bringing a fresh and flexible approach to VN training, the Diploma is an exciting development for the whole veterinary profession as it seeks to fulfil the need for competent qualified veterinary nurses.
 
A recent survey of the profession* revealed that there was significant support for a new qualification. In fact, over three quarters of the respondents were in favour of an alternative. The results also highlighted that:
 
  • 98% believe qualifications should focus on practical competencies
  • 99% feel it is important to retain a practice based training scheme
  • 95 % want to see a reduction in administrative “paperwork”
 
The new Diploma in Veterinary Nursing takes into account the feedback received from the profession and has been specifically designed to meet these needs.  There is a clear focus on learning outcomes and it also embraces key recommendations from the recent government report into vocational training (Wolf report).
 
In particular, the Diploma will provide:
  • Flexibility for Centres to use different training styles and structures.
  •  Increased guidance for students and tutors.
  •  A customised web based skills recording system.
  •  An inclusive approach to smaller Centres so that remote and rural areas have access to training
  •  A team based approach to training with multiple coaches and tutors facilitated.
  • A feedback mechanism so that employers can have greater involvement in the development of qualifications.
  •  Separate small animal and equine qualifications with others in development.
 
The new Diploma in Veterinary Nursing builds upon the successful features and quality assured standards of the existing VN qualification, as well as introducing enhancements such as choice and flexibility. The Diploma’s structure and learning objectives are identical to those of the current level 3 diploma and all units are designed around the national occupational standards. One of the advantages of using the same structure is that transfer between qualifications is simplified.
 
The new qualification is administered by the Central Qualifications awarding organisation and is currently awaiting VN Council approval.  Once approved, students successfully competing the Diploma and obtaining the required practical experience will be able to register with the RCVS and use the DipVN post-nominal letters in addition to RVN.

 e.g. Amanda Smith would appear as Amanda Smith DipVN RVN

The Small Animal Diploma is scheduled for registrations in September 2011 and the Equine Diploma for Sept 2012.

Centres, practices and students wanting to find out more can email Denise Burke at  enquiries@cqual.org, visit the Central Qualification website at www.cqual.org or telephone 01359 245316.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.