Review of the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (CertAVN) framework
Please note: We have now closed this consultation. Thank you to all those who have been able to send us their views.
As a responsible regulator with quality assurance at the heart of everything we do, we have a commitment to regularly review our standards for the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (CertAVN) to ensure they remain up-to-date, fit for purpose and reflect the latest developments in the educational landscape.
The CertAVN was first launched in May 2019 as an advanced professional qualification allowing veterinary nurses at all stages of their careers to develop their professional skills and knowledge in a designated area of the veterinary nursing profession. The modular style framework for the Certificate leads to awards in a variety of subject areas.
As with other standards frameworks, we will continue to review the CertAVN framework on a five-yearly basis to ensure that course providers are supported to best provide contemporary and innovative approaches to education for CertAVN students, while being accountable for the delivery and management of accredited programmes.
We welcome constructive and specific feedback on our proposals from veterinary nurses at all stages of their careers, the wider veterinary team, educators who will be delivering the programme, as well as employers of current and potential CertAVN holders. Your insights will help us ensure that the standards continue to enable veterinary nurse educators to deliver the best training and support possible for CertAVN students.
Chapters
Standard 1 - Curricula and assessment
Curricula and assessments are designed, developed, delivered and evaluated to ensure candidates achieve the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing.
Standard 2 - Educators and assessors
Theory and practice learning and assessment are facilitated effectively and objectively by appropriately qualified and experienced professionals with necessary expertise for their educational and assessor roles.
Standard 3 - Learning culture
Education and training is valued and promoted in a safe and inclusive way, across all learning environments, with diversity, inclusion and civility at the forefront.
Introducing a new standard
A key change we are proposing is the introduction of a new standard covering learning culture which encompasses the previous sustainability standard. We would particularly welcome feedback in this area.
We are grateful to the members of the task and finish working group set up to develop the changes and all other stakeholders and contributors for the development of this new proposed framework.
Please do take the time to read through the CertAVN framework in full before undertaking the survey. If you have questions about the document or how to respond to the survey, please contact the RCVS Nursing Team on [email protected].
Susan Howarth RVN
Chair, VN Education Committee
The consultation
Please note that this consultation closed on Monday 3 March 2025 at 5pm.
Any questions?
If you have any questions on any aspect of the consultation please contact the Veterinary Nursing team, on [email protected].