First two CertAVPs for Royal Army Veterinary Corps

Captains Nicola Housby-Skeggs and Claire Budge, the first two members of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) to achieve the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP), were presented with their certificates at Belgravia House last week (15 June 2012).

The two Captains were visiting us as part of a ‘Meet the RCVS Day’ organised for a group of Officers from the RAVC.

The day gave the visitors the opportunity to find out more about the role and function of the College, and meet members of the Officer and Management Teams.

The Captains were presented with their Certificates by Vice-President Peter Jinman.

Capt Nicola Housby-Skeggs had completed a mixture of small animal and equine modules in order to achieve her Certificate, and was positive about the modular approach: “It’s reassuring to know you can have a break if you need to,” she said.

“The compulsory module on professional key skills was also more useful than I had anticipated, as it focused on aspects that you don’t really have time for at vet school, such as management, and health and safety," she added.

Meanwhile, Captain Claire Budge appreciated the fact that many of her modules could be completed via distance learning. “It was great that I could continue with my studies even when serving in Afghanistan,” she said.

“My only regret is that when I started the Certificate back in 2008, there wasn’t the range of modules available that there is now.

"For example, I would like to have done one of the new Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law modules. However, there is no reason why I can’t just take this as continuing professional development – that’s the benefit of the modular approach.”

More information about the CertAVP can be found in our Education section.

‘Meet the RCVS Days’ give members of the veterinary team the opportunity to visit the College and find out what goes on behind the scenes.

If you would like to join a future event, please let Fiona Harcourt know, on [email protected]. Reasonable travel expenses are paid.