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RCVS approves expanded exam for overseas vet nurses
The first sitting of the exam will be March 2024.
The pre-registration examination now includes a knowledge-based component.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Veterinary Nurse Education Committee has approved an expansion of the pre-registration examination undertaken by veterinary nurses  trained overseas.

As well as a practical exam, veterinary nurses will now be required to take a knowledge-based component to work as a registered veterinary nurse in the UK.

This pre-registration examination is a requirement for any veterinary nurse who was educated outside of the UK, and therefore does not hold a qualification that is approved by the Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nurse Education (ACOVENE). It is also completed by holders of UK qualifications, if their educational institution is not fully accredited by the RCVS.

From March 2024, veterinary nurses completing this assessment will complete an online knowledge-based exam, alongside the usual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in the UK.

The exam will consist of two multiple-choice exam papers, each with 100 questions to answer. The examination is taken online, which means that veterinary nurses can complete the assessment anywhere in the world with access to a computer and good internet connection.

The first sitting of the exam will be held in the week beginning 25 March 2024, with further test dates available in summer and autumn.

Any candidate who submitted their application to have their experience and education checked for eligibility to enter the pre-registration exam after 1 November 2023 will be required to sit both components of the examination.

Julie Dugmore, RCVS director of veterinary nursing, said: “VN Education Committee approved this new exam component to ensure that we weren’t only testing candidates’ Day One skills via the OSCE, but were also making sure that they met our Day One Competences, which integrate a mixture of knowledge, skills and attitudes.”

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NOAH board elected

News Story 1
 NOAH has elected its board team, as part of its annual general meeting.

Ned Flaxman, general manager at Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, retains his position as chair, which he has held since June 2023.

Caitrina Oakes (Vetoquinol) remains past chair, and Matthew Frost (Elanco) remains treasurer.

Andrew Buglass (Eco Animal Health Ltd), Oya Canbas (Zoetis) and Charlotte Covell (Virbac) are newly elected vice-chairs. Meanwhile Roy Geary (Ceva) and John Toole (Beaphar) join the NOAH Board of Management.

Dawn Howard, NOAH chief executive, said: "I congratulate all the officers and board members who have been elected or re-elected today.

"I look forward to working together to ensure that NOAH continues to deliver at the highest standard for its members." 

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News Shorts
Series two of SCOPS podcast launched

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) Group has launched the second series of its podcast.

The series will comprise four episodes, with topics including the sustainable use of parasite treatments, effective quarantining, administrating a mid/late season dose, and tackling resistance to multiple groups of anthelmintic.

Kevin Harrison, Gloucestershire sheep farmer and SCOPS chair, said: "The podcast is suitable for sheep farmers, vets and advisers, so please subscribe and spread the word if you enjoy the content.

"All episodes from series one are still available online, as well as the new episodes being added."

The podcast is available on the SCOPS website and other podcast platforms.