Today (Monday 20 January 2025) the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched a consultation on its Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (CertAVN) framework as part of a regular review process to ensure it remains up to date.
The CertAVN was launched in May 2019 as an advanced professional qualification allowing veterinary nurses at all stages of their careers to develop their professional skills and knowledge in designated areas of the veterinary nursing profession. The modular style framework for the certificate leads to awards in a variety of subject areas.
The CertAVN framework sets out the professional values, skills and behaviours required of the higher education institutions responsible for providing the training and support for CertAVN students. There are currently five accredited course providers in the UK:
• Harper Adams University
• University of Glasgow
• Royal Veterinary College
• Hartpury University and Hartpury College
• University of Central Lancashire
As with other standards frameworks, the RCVS will continue review the CertAVN framework on a five-yearly basis to ensure that course providers have the structures to best provide contemporary and innovative approaches to education for CertAVN students, while being accountable for the delivery and management of accredited programmes.
The proposed standards for accreditation are set under three areas:
• Curricula and assessment
• Educators and assessors
• Learning culture
A key change being proposed is the introduction of a new standard covering learning culture which encompasses the previous sustainability standard.
Julie Dugmore, RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing, said: “Our CertAVN initiative has proven to be hugely successful over this initial five-year period, and we are delighted that 216 qualifications have now been completed.
“In order to make sure that the CertAVN remains up to date and fit for purpose, it is important that we consult on the accreditation standards at regular intervals. We welcome constructive and specific feedback from veterinary nurses at all stages of their careers – whether you have already undertaken the CertAVN or are perhaps considering doing so in the future – as well as the wider veterinary team, educators, and employers of current and potential CertAVN holders.
“Your insights will help us ensure that the standards continue to enable veterinary nurse educators to deliver the best training and support possible for CertAVN students.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with educational institutions, veterinary nurses and the wider profession to ensure the ongoing development of advanced practice.”
The consultation runs until 5pm on Monday 3 March 2025. Detailed feedback is welcomed on each of the three core standards and each of the individual requirements within these standards.
A PDF version of the new draft framework is available to download or you can visit the RCVS consultation webpage where the document is also available to read in webpage format and you can also find the survey link.
If you have any questions about the document or how to respond to the survey, please don’t hesitate to contact the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Team on vetnursing@rcvs.org.uk.