Help Train the Next Generation of Veterinary Nurses

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, currently supporting over 750 practices to train veterinary nurses. We have made a considerable investment in designing a package which not only meets the RCVS and awarding body requirements but considers the operational needs of the veterinary practice.

Each practice approved by us will be allocated a Quality Assurance Supervisor (QAS) who will carry out an annual approval visit and monitoring visits 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 and awarding body, yet commercially makes sense for your business. Our service has been designed to:

  • Be cost effective
  • Make effective use of practice time
  • Minimise practice disruption
  • Be easy to understand
  • Have RCVS approval
  • Have access to quality support
  • Provide regular communication

What We Offer

We offer a tried and tested service with highly trained and enthusiastic members of staff who are committed to supporting both your practice and your 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 we strive to offer 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 we have received a completed Training Practice application form, your practice will be allocated a Quality Assurance Supervisor (QAS) who will conduct a formal approval visit to the practice. Approval will then be recommended to the RCVS following the visit, once any actions have been completed, 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 elsewhere, such as secondment to an alternative 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 (NPL).

Clinical coaches must provide evidence of clinical coach training and a copy of their CV and job description, to show their clinical experience. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) will also be requested at regular intervals by the practice’s Quality Assurance Supervisor.

Is there a Specific Qualification which I Need to Undertake to Become a Clinical Coach?

You will need to attend a one day training course which will cover the use of the NPL as well as lots of best practice information and tips on coaching/mentoring your student. You will then be required to attend a standardisation event every 12 months to maintain your currency. Both of these courses are free to our TPs or to clinical coaches who support our students.

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?

If you would like to discuss the approval process further, please call our TP Helpdesk on 01480 422062. Alternatively please contact our administration team.

“It is incredibly rewarding seeing new students return from college with a renewed interest in their work and I guarantee your staff will be more enthusiastic and committed once they have a goal in sight.”

Clinical Coach, Wendy Taylor, shares the benefits of training Veterinary Nurses. Read more