RCVS Council approves career pathways project
“These are the early pages of a very exciting new chapter for veterinary clinical careers” – Dr Kate Richards.
RCVS Council has approved a set of proposals that aim to expand and diversify the career options available in the veterinary profession.
Three workstreams were agreed at the council’s meeting on Thursday, 9 November.
Firstly, the council approved the development of a new training programme over the next two years that will lead to the creation of a new Specialist in Primary Care status. In line with the specialist training in other clinical areas, the training for this new status will take five years to complete.
Secondly, the RCVS will develop guidance for both the profession and the public on the different clinical career statuses of veterinary surgeons, outlining the different focuses and responsibilities of each role.
Thirdly, the RCVS will identify the different ways veterinary surgeons can access the training needed to obtain RCVS Specialist status. As part of this, the RCVS will look at how to widen access to include training models which are more accessible from primary care practice and for people at different stages of their career and life.
A similar process to develop the career pathways for veterinary nurses is now being considered.
Dr Kate Richards MRCVS, chair of the RCVS Education Committee, said: “These exciting and progressive proposals are visionary as far as the career and development structure of the veterinary clinical profession is concerned.
“It means there will be new prospects for those in general practice and those who want to achieve Specialist status by different means, as well as a more defined career structure for the profession that will be clearer to the profession and general public alike. With around 75-80% of veterinary professionals working in clinical practice this project will deliver a substantial positive impact.
“These are the early pages of a very exciting new chapter for veterinary clinical careers, and we will be asking for your help to write it, as we will be holding a number of consultations in the coming years, including on the programme for Specialist in Primary Care and the definition of clinical roles.”
Image © RCVS
The latest 
