Improve Veterinary Education seeks to reassure delegates on the RCVS Advanced Practitioner status changes

Earlier this month, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) announced an updated process for reviewing and accrediting postgraduate certificates that lead to eligibility for Advanced Practitioner (AP) Status. 

Aiden McAlinden, MVB, MSc, CertSAS, DipECVS, MRCVS, academic and content director at Improve Veterinary Education says: "This is a significant development for the profession. The initiative is designed to ensure that the AP designation continues to represent a robust and meaningful recognition of advanced veterinary knowledge and skills." 

This review process will provide greater confidence and assurance for veterinary professionals, clients, and the wider public that AP Status reflects the highest standards of education. 

How Improve Veterinary Education is responding:

Aiden continues, "As the leading provider of veterinary postgraduate education, Improve Veterinary Education fully welcomes and supports this development. We're in a strong position to meet and exceed the expectations of the new process." 

The CPD provider maintains independent quality oversight: all of Improve Veterinary Education's programmes are validated by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and Harper Adams University (HAU). Further, they have rigorous assessment standards as Improve Veterinary Education operates a robust examination and assessment process, ensuring that every qualification they deliver carries academic integrity and professional credibility.

What this means for you: 

If you are currently enrolled in one of Improve Veterinary Education's programmes, or considering enrolling soon, here’s what you can expect: 

• Eligibility maintained: all of our programmes that were previously approved by the RCVS will remain eligible for AP applications during the 18-month “bedding-in” period announced by the RCVS

• Proactive re-assessment: Improve Veterinary Education have already submitted their programmes for reassessment under the new criteria and are confident they will continue to be endorsed

• Future-ready programmes: any new programmes in development and those due to be completed after the bedding-in period will be prioritised for submission, ensuring continued eligibility

"Changes like these can create uncertainty; however, please rest assured that Improve Veterinary Education are actively engaging with the RCVS and working to keep all of their programmes aligned with the highest standards", says Aiden. 

Still have questions? You can find more details here and you can check Improve Veterinary Education's FAQs here.