The move follows the decision from RCVS Council in November 2011 to close the College’s awarding body, in order to avoid a potential conflict of interest between the RCVS’s role as regulator of veterinary nurse education and assessment, and as an awarding organisation.
The transfer of information and materials to City & Guilds, an awarding organisation well established in the land-based sector and with whom most veterinary nurse colleges already have a relationship, will ensure that there remains a choice of awarding institutions in the veterinary nursing sector.
“In November last year, RCVS Council agreed a list of criteria that any awarding organisation taking over the VN Diploma must meet, including a demonstrable track-record in awarding, experience of awarding veterinary-related qualifications and a diverse portfolio of qualifications. City & Guilds fits the profile well,” says Neil Smith, Chairman of the RCVS Awarding Body Board.
“Cooperation with VN training centres and the wider veterinary profession will take place over the coming months, to ensure a smooth transition for those current RCVS candidates who wish to move to City & Guilds,” he adds.
“City & Guilds is delighted that we shall be offering the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. It’s a welcome addition to our portfolio of land-based qualifications and will enable further progression for our learners who are already working towards our Animal Care qualifications,” says John Yates, Product Development Director for City & Guilds.
Meanwhile, those students still in the process of completing the old NVQ qualifications, the accreditation of which is due to expire in 2013, will continue to be serviced by the RCVS.
As the professional regulator, the College will continue to issue RCVS certificates and badges to those who have successfully completed a registerable qualification – such as an RCVS-approved vocational qualification, or veterinary nursing degree.
The Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing will be unaffected by the change, as the qualification is awarded by the College under its Royal Charter powers.
