RCVS postgraduate postnominals decision overturned
At its 5 June 2014 meeting, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Council agreed to overturn a decision made in June 2012, when it opted to remove all postgraduate postnominals from the RCVS Register of Veterinary Surgeons, and look again at which qualifications should be included.
The original decision was made as part of a package of proposals to help clarify postgraduate skills and knowledge, in particular to help explain the difference between an accredited status and a qualification achieved at a particular point in time, and also to address the proliferation of qualifications that are included (and requested to be included) in the Register.
The proposals also included the introduction of Advanced Practitioner status, as a level of skills and knowledge sitting between general practitioner and RCVS Specialist – the introduction of which is unaffected by this change.
A paper will come to a future meeting of Council with proposals about which qualifications will be included in the Register, and also the List/Register of Veterinary Nurses. Plans will also be developed to ensure greater clarity around postgraduate qualifications and status for both the public and the profession.
“Although the requirements for clarity remain, Council listened to the unhappiness amongst members of the profession and has agreed to put the brakes on the original decision,” says CEO Nick Stace.
“I think this was the right choice. It is important that we recognise the tremendous efforts that the profession goes to in order to further their skills and knowledge.”
The papers considered by Council on 5 June can be downloaded from the RCVS website at www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/rcvs-council/council-meetings/5-june-2014/ and the minutes from the meeting will be available in due course.
