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.
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

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 

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

BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.