The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has released its updated standards framework for veterinary nurse training, ensuring that they remain up-to-date and fit for purpose.

As with other RCVS standards frameworks, the Standards Framework for Veterinary Nurse Education and Training is reviewed by the College on a five yearly basis to ensure that approved education institutions (AEIs), delivery sites and training practices (TPs) have the structures to best provide contemporary and innovative approaches to education for student veterinary nurses, while being accountable for the local delivery and management of accredited programmes.

The framework sets out the professional values, skills and behaviours required of the AEIs, delivery sites and TPs responsible for providing training and support for veterinary nurses. The new version includes updates relating to sustainability, including the potential impact of delivering veterinary nurse training on the environment, and academic integrity, for example, around assessment and moderation processes.

Julie Dugmore, RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing, said: “The Standards Framework for Veterinary Nurse Education and Training last underwent an extensive review in 2019, with a small interim review taking place in 2021.

“In November 2023, RCVS VN Council agreed to set up a task-and-finish group to look at the potential changes, before these changes then went to consultation back in January this year.

“Animal health and welfare and public safety is central to our standards, and it is important that we continue to review them on a regular basis with input from veterinary nurses from across the profession. Nurses play a central role in upholding animal health and welfare and public health, and so it is important that students receive the best training possible in order to prepare them for life in clinical practice.

“Over the summer, we held a number of educator meetings to help familiarise AEIs, delivery sites, and TPs with the new framework, in order to make the transition as smooth as possible.

“I would like to thank everyone who attended those sessions and also those who took the time to participate in our consultation earlier in the year. Your insights have played an essential role in informing the new standards.”

The new standards came into force on 1 September 2024.

The new Standards for Veterinary Nurse Education and Training document is available to download via the RCVS publications page.