RCVS highlights success of Level 3 vet nursing diploma

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has highlighted the positive impact its new Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing qualification has had on vocational education in the UK.

Since introducing the diploma around six months ago, the organisation has seen a rise in veterinary nurse students enrolling, with almost double the amount signing up in January 2011 compared to 12 months earlier.

Moreover, a similar rise has been seen in the number of training practices in the UK thanks to the diploma's emphasis on auxiliary training practices, which has opened the door for sites that lack full facilities and caseloads.

The RCVS states that this shows the ways in which the new qualification is meeting the needs of practices, colleges and students.

Libby Earle, head of the organisation's veterinary nursing department, said: "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."

Last month, the RCVS called on GCSE-level students to give more consideration to a career in veterinary medicine in order to meet demand for animal health practitioners.