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: 19th July 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

Overseas vets and VNs urged to register for online CPD course
The course aims to support qualified overseas veterinary professionals.

Course aims to support overseas professionals considering work in the UK.

Overseas veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are being encouraged by the RCVS to sign up for its ‘Introduction to the UK’ training course.

The course, created in collaboration with VDS training, aims to support overseas qualified veterinary professionals who are considering practising in the UK and those who have been doing so for less than two years.

Part one of the training is a free online course consisting of a series of pre-recorded talks and a live Q&A session with key personnel from the RCVS, VDS Training and other key veterinary organisations.

Participants will hear from people working across the profession, with topics including:

  • finding a great career in UK veterinary practice 
  • how to register with the RCVS as a veterinary nurse or veterinary surgeon
  • RCVS statutory membership exam
  • what support you can access whilst working as a veterinary professional in the UK
  • introducing participants to practising as a veterinary professional in the UK, including the RCVS Code of Conduct.

Part two of the course is an optional, paid-for online communication session led by VDS training. Those who participate in this training will work through some common pitfalls experienced during client consultations and develop the confidence and skills to communicate effectively.

“This course will help overseas-qualified veterinary professionals, who have recently started practising in the UK, to learn more about what to expect, and what is expected of them, while working in the UK as vets or vet nurses,” explained Ian Holloway, director of communications at the RCVS. “We also want the training to help learners understand where they can go to get professional support and what registering with the RCVS will mean for them. 

“Overseas-qualified vets and VNs are a huge asset to the UK veterinary community, and we hope that this training is a useful and welcoming introduction to life as a UK-based veterinary professional”. 

Commenting on the communications skills workshops, VDS training consultant Elly Russell said: “Communicating with clients can be one of the most rewarding, but also challenging parts of our jobs as veterinary professionals. However, communication problems can sometimes lead to complaints, increase your stress at work and can impact the care our patients receive. 

“Our training is a highly interactive, online four-hour workshop where participants will work in small groups with our experienced facilitators and role players using realistic scenarios to practise and develop communication skills. We will help learners to feel more confident managing common communication challenges in UK practice.” 

For more information about the course, including the dates of the live Q&A sessions, visit: rcvs.org.uk/overseas

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

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.