Exemplary Pass Rate For Equine Diploma Vet Nurses

Catherine Luke Vet nurses taking the Level 3 Equine Pathway Diploma last year have achieved outstanding pass rates, which are almost double those of candidates who sat the small animal exams during the same period. The Level 3 Equine Pathway Diploma was introduced in August 2010, to replace the previous NVQ. 90% candidates passed their exams and were awarded the Level 3 Diploma last year. Libby Earle, head of veterinary nursing at the RCVS, comments: “This is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work and commitment of both the students and their tutors and clinical coaches.” The Diploma programme has a common core that encompasses both small animal and equine disciplines together, providing additional and transferable skills, whilst the equine pathway supports practical nursing know-how in equine cases. It also allows successful candidates to explore a broader range of employment opportunities. The format of the Level 3 Diploma allows students to demonstrate their expertise within the professional field of equine veterinary nursing with comprehensive assignments and formative assessments using a range of questioning styles. “This stretches and challenges the students in their area of expertise and allows them to expand their practical skills with the Nursing Progress Log (NPL),” explains Kathy Kissick, head of Veterinary Nursing and Farriery at Myerscough College. “The inclusion of basic equine handling skills as well allows them to excel and to share their expertise with their small animal peers and vice versa.” “We would prefer to employ vet nurses who have taken the Equine Pathway,” continued Deidre Carson, partner at Rossdales veterinary surgeons in Newmarket. “The qualification provides a thorough grounding in the specifics of equine nursing and gives VNs the necessary understanding and confidence to handle horses effectively. This makes equine pathway candidates a strong asset in our busy equine referral practice.” Catherine Luke qualified REVN at Minster veterinary practice in York passed the Level 3 Equine Pathway Diploma last year. She said: “I wanted to be proud of my career. Passing the diploma is an assurance of a level of quality needed to be a good equine nurse. The vets can rely on my knowledge and experience to provide quality nursing care. Being qualified also provides better long term job options with possibilities to do the advanced diploma in nursing. My employers were very supportive throughout my study period and the practice is very proud to have two qualified equine veterinary nurses on its staff.” To find out more about the Level 3 Equine Pathway Diploma contact: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/education/

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