Revamped online format for course to introduce overseas vets and VNs to working in the UK

The RCVS is relaunching its online-only format for its course aimed at veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who have qualified outside of the UK and recently started practising, or intend to practise, in the UK.

The ‘Introduction to the UK veterinary professions’ is a two-part online course run in partnership with VDS Training, designed to equip those veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses with the knowledge and insight needed to work in the UK veterinary professions.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the course has been moved entirely online and features a series of free online pre-recorded talks from representatives at a number of different veterinary organisations, including the RCVS, VDS Training, the British Veterinary Association, Vetlife, and VetAbroad. The talks cover a variety of topics such as the Code of Professional Conduct, how to find the right job for you, how to look after mental health and wellbeing, and recognising and understanding cultural differences.

There will then be a number of live Question and Answer sessions across different dates over the coming months [see below], which are also free to attend, so those who have watched the videos can ask further questions from some of the speakers themselves.

Part 2 of the course is an optional practical and participatory paid-for online live communications skills training session run by VDS Training, looking at how to navigate some of the most common pitfalls encountered during client consultations, helping to equip you with the skills and confidence to communicate effectively in practice.  

Ian Holloway, RCVS Director of Communications, commented: “While we enjoyed running this course in person and meeting veterinary professionals from all over the world, the coronavirus pandemic has also given us the opportunity to look at how we can make this course even more accessible for a greater number of people.

“While there is still a significant live element, albeit online for the time being, the pre-recorded talks enable those veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to do much of the learning in their own time, without having to take time off work or travel to London for the day, meaning that more people can engage with this crucial information on working in the UK.”

Elly Russell MRCVS, a consultant at VDS Training, added: “Communicating with clients can be one of the most rewarding, but also challenging parts of our jobs as veterinary professionals. Communication problems lead to complaints, increase your stress at work and can impact the care our patients receive. Join VDS training for a highly interactive, online 4-hour workshop. Work in small groups with our experienced facilitators and role players using realistic scenarios to practise and develop your communication skills. Let us help you feel more confident managing common communication challenges in UK practice: improved communication will help you, your clients, and your patients.”

The dates for the free live 2021 Q&A sessions are:

• Wednesday 19 May 2021 - 7pm to 8.30pm
• Wednesday 1 September 2021 – 7pm to 8.30pm
• Wednesday 8 December 2021 – 7pm to 8.30pm

The dates and times for the paid-for live online communications skills workshops from VDS Training are:

• Thursday 20 May 2021 – 9am to 1pm (4hrs)
• Thursday 2 September 2021 – 9am to 1pm (4hrs)
• Thursday 9 December 2021 -  9am to 1pm (4hrs)

The cost for attending the communication skills session (Part 2) is £150 +VAT per person. It is not mandatory to complete both parts of the course, but those who are interested may choose the part of the course most suitable for them.

Please visit the dedicated sign-up page to register for the live events.