How to Become a TP (Training Practice)
Introduction
In order to train veterinary nurses, veterinary practices have to be approved as either a Training and Assessment Practice (TP) or an Auxiliary Training Practice (aTP) by an Approved Centre (Primary Centre).
In March 2001 The College of Animal Welfare became the first Veterinary Nursing Approved Centre (VNAC) to be appointed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and, since this time, has become the largest Primary Centre in the UK supporting over 300 practices to train veterinary nurses. We have invested considerable sums in designing a package which not only meets the RCVS requirements but considers the operational needs of the veterinary practice.
Each practice approved by the College will be allocated a Quality Assurance Supervisor (QAS) who will carry out an annual approval and monitoring visit to the practice. The QAS will be a point of contact for the practice and will liaise regularly to ensure that all the practices business needs are met, either through accessing services offered by the College or through its partner organisations.
Our Aim
Our aim is to provide a service that meets the quality assurance arrangements required by the RCVS yet commercially makes sense for your business. Our service has been designed to have the following benefits:
- Cost effective
- Effective use of practice time
- Minimal practice disruption
- Easy to understand
- RCVS approved
- Access to support
- Regular communication
What We Offer
The College of Animal Welfare offers a tried and tested service with highly trained and enthusiastic members of staff who are committed to supporting both practices and students.
We will work with your practice to provide a holistic and tailored service designed around the needs of your individual business and staff team. As one of the UK’s leading veterinary nursing training providers and approved centres you can be assured of a service that is second to none.
All practices utilising the approval and training service of The College of Animal Welfare will be provided with a Memorandum of Agreement which details both the practice’s and the College’s obligations.
What is Involved in Becoming a TP or an aTP?
Once a completed application form has been received, the practice will be allocated a Quality Assurance Supervisor (QAS) who will conduct a formal approval visit to the practice. Approval will be recommended to the RCVS following the visit for either TP or aTP status.
What is the Difference Between a TP and an aTP?
A TP meets all the RCVS requirements for training veterinary nurses. An aTP does not meet the full requirements but agrees to make arrangements for students to cover the part of training they cannot offer, such as secondment to a second training practice.
What is a Clinical Coach?
A Clinical Coach is either a veterinary surgeon or registered veterinary nurse working within the practice who agrees to ‘mentor’ the student through their training. They will be responsible for supporting the student and supervising the completion of the Nursing Progress Log.
Clinical Coaches are required to be an RVN or MRCVS and must provide evidence of CC training and a copy of their CV and job description, as evidence of their clinical experience.
Is There a Specific Qualification Which I Need to Undertake to Become a Clinical Coach?
If you are a qualified assessor you will be required to attend a half day training course. If you do not have an assessor qualification you will need to attend a one day training course.
How Many Times will a TP or an aTP be Visited Each Year?
Each practice will be visited once per year by their Quality Assurance Supervisor (QAS) for a re-approval/monitoring visit. Further visits may need to be arranged where necessary.
I'm Interested in Our Practice becoming a TP or an aTP, What Should I do?
All practices have direct access to information and advice from out TP Administration team via our TP Helpdesk on 01480 422062 or they can call our main administration team on 0844 372 9410 who will be delighted to discuss the approval process further.