Thirty-one new practices approved for VN training

The introduction of the new Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing has seen an increase in numbers of both students and training practices, according to our latest records.

Since January, we have approved over 30 more Training and Auxiliary Training Practices, bringing to a total of 1,559 the number of practices approved for veterinary nurse (VN) training.

Scope for practices to train student VNs is increased through the emphasis on Auxiliary Training Practices (aTPs), an option for practices without the full facilities or caseload needed for student training.

Students at aTPs complete their in-practice training at other aTPs or full Training Practices. Of the 31 new practices approved since January for student training, eight are aTPs.

The number of VN students enrolling with us has also increased, with almost double the number enrolling in January 2011, compared with January 2010.

There were a total of 1,168 student enrolments in the 12 months from 1 February 2010, compared with 1,121 enrolments in the same period from 1 February 2009.

“The Level 3 Diploma has been in place for little more than six months, yet VN student numbers are already up,” says Libby Earle, Head of the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Department.

“This bodes well for the supply of qualified, competent registered veterinary nurses demanded by veterinary practices, and for those keen to enter the veterinary nursing profession.”

We introduced this qualification when the government abolished the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) system last summer, forcing a change in the vocational qualifications for VNs.

We have designed the resulting Level 3 Diploma to better meet the needs of practices, colleges, and students themselves.