What is Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?
The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons requires that all veterinary surgeons ensure that they develop the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain effective professional practise. This process, called Continuing Professional Development, or CPD, requires veterinary surgeons to maintain, improve and broaden their skills and knowledge while developing personal qualities, which help them remain professionally competent.
All practising veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses listed on the RCVS Register must complete the minimum CPD requirement, regardless of whether they are working full-time or part-time. The minimum requirement for veterinary surgeons is currently set at 35 hours a year.
Courses offered by veterinary schools
Veterinary schools offer a range of short-term courses focused on individual topics which aim to improve practising veterinarians’ skills in specific areas. There is a considerable range of topics on offer, from feline orthopaedics to cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation in small animals and youngstock health and management. Veterinary schools offer a variety of courses to suit an individual’s requirements, including evening short courses, day courses, online courses, talks and seminars.
Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP)
The Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and is assessed under a modular system, whereby candidates can build up credits over a maximum period of 10 years. Candidates must be enrolled with both the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the universities through which they are studying.
Alternately, modules can be taken individually with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons keeping a record of the individual’s achievement. Modules can be attempted in any order, and it is important to note that some universities place a two-year time limit within which to complete any individual module. More information can be found on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons website.
Further information can be found on the websites to veterinary schools which run CPD courses:
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham
- Royal Veterinary College
