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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.