The course provides veterinary professionals and equine industry colleagues with a flexible route to qualifying as an Equine SQP
Chester Veterinary Training Centre Launches New Equine SQP Qualification
1 day ago 
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Chester Veterinary Training Centre (CVTC), part of CVS Group, is launching a new Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP-Equine), providing veterinary professionals and equine industry colleagues with a flexible route to qualifying as an Equine SQP.
Launching on 21 September 2026, the fully online programme has been designed to support learners wishing to gain the qualification required to prescribe and supply POM-VPS and NFA-VPS veterinary medicines for horses.
The new qualification builds on the success of CVTC's existing Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP-Companion Animal), which launched in 2025, and expands the centre's offering to meet demand for accessible, high-quality veterinary medicines training within the equine sector.
The accredited Level 4 qualification is delivered entirely online, allowing learners to study at their own pace alongside their professional commitments. Monthly enrolments are available, with most learners expected to complete the course in approximately six months.
Successful candidates will automatically be entered onto the VetSkill register as a J-SQP, enabling them to prescribe and supply relevant veterinary medicines for equines in accordance with Veterinary Medicines Directorate requirements.
Jacqueline Evans ACMI, Cert Ed, DipAVN (Surgical), RVN, IQA, Head of Centre at Chester Veterinary Training Centre, said: "The launch of our Equine SQP qualification reflects growing demand for flexible, accessible training routes within the veterinary and equine sectors. We are proud to offer a programme that enables learners to gain a recognised qualification while balancing work and other commitments."
"By studying online with support from our experienced SQP tutors, learners can develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills required to prescribe and supply veterinary medicines responsibly, while helping to support equine health and welfare."
The programme consists of three units:
- Legislation and SQP Status for the Supply of Veterinary Medicines
- Equine Health for the SQP
- Practical Prescribing and Supply of Veterinary Medicines for Equines
The qualification is suitable for individuals working within equine veterinary practices and VMD-registered retail premises approved to supply VPS medicines. Learners must be at least 16 years old and have employment or voluntary work experience within an eligible veterinary medicines environment.
Recognising the experience many veterinary professionals already possess, CVTC has also introduced a streamlined route for existing Companion Animal SQPs and equine nurses. Candidates who already hold a Companion Animal SQP qualification will only need to complete two units, while equine nurses can also benefit from a reduced-unit pathway. As well as flexible online learning and assessment, learners have access to tutor support and drop-in sessions throughout the programme.
Jacqueline Evans added: "Our aim is to support the development of a highly skilled workforce equipped to provide informed advice on equine medicines and promote responsible prescribing. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort when the course launches in September."
Applications are now open, with monthly intakes available throughout the year.
For further information about the Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP-Equine), visit www.chestervtc.co.uk/sqp-equine or contact Chester Veterinary Training Centre on 01244 835 966 or [email protected].
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