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- About extra-mural studies (EMS)
- EMS requirements
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- Information for EMS providers
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- Practice by students - regulations
- Health and safety on EMS placements
- EMS contacts and further guidance
- Extra-mural studies fit for the future
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- Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons
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Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing
The Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing is an advanced professional qualification awarded by the RCVS and is available only to qualified and registered veterinary nurses.
Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (CertAVN) framework
The modular style framework for the Certificate leads to awards in a variety of subject areas. The Certificate is available to all registered veterinary nurses who qualified through either the further education or higher education route.
The framework for the CertAVN was approved in May 2019. There are currently five accredited course providers offering CertAVN provision:
- Harper Adams University
- University of Glasgow
- Royal Veterinary College
- Hartpury University and Hartpury College
- University of Central Lancashire
Prospective candidates should contact the universities directly for further information on the range of certificates offered and the course fees.
The following accreditation visit reports are available to download:
- Harper Adams University CertAVN accreditation visit 2024
- Royal Veterinary College CertAVN accreditation visit 2022
- University of Central Lancashire CertAVN accreditation visit 2022
- Hartpury University CertAVN accreditation visit 2022
- University of Central Lancashire CertAVN accreditation visit 2021
- Royal Veterinary College CertAVN accreditation visit 2020
- University of Glasgow CertAVN accreditation visit 2020
- Harper Adams University CertAVN accreditation visit 2019
Access the Post Registration Framework for Veterinary Nursing handbook
Visit the RCVS Knowledge Library and Information Service (page will open in a new window) to see how to access the catalogue and electronic journals and for details of their other services and charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (CertAVN)
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The CertAVN will allow RVNs to gain an accredited qualification at graduate level, whereas the DipAVN was at undergraduate level.
The CertAVN also comprises fewer credits allowing for a potentially shorter programme and more specific modular content.
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This will depend on your programme provider, but the certificate is most likely to be at Level 6 or Level 7, i.e. graduate or post-graduate level.
The CertAVN is a graduate post-registration qualification, therefore the lowest achievement level will be at a level 6, but it also allows for incorporation into further extended study such as Masters degrees.
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Each programme provider will have specific criteria for their entry requirements – and you can see the current list of providers.
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This will depend upon the entry requirements for each programme, however, the CertAVN should be available to all RVNs and your previous experience will also be taken into account.
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Yes – this is a post-registration qualification, therefore, only available once you have registered as a veterinary nurse with the RCVS. Stipulation on how long you must have been registered will be at the discretion of the programme provider.
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Costs and fees will be available on the providers’ websites. Please be aware there are also fees payable to the RCVS, which you can view on the Fees page.
Funding support may be available to you, depending on how much funding you have already accessed during your training. You can access further information on government funding.
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The CertAVN has allowed the providers to develop niche areas for further training and development, so you now have the option to train in the specific area of your choosing. The programme subjects will be available on the providers’ websites.
Module content will be released to you upon enrolment to the programme.
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The majority of these programmes are based on a blended learning approach, with the majority of your work completed remotely. However, there is likely to be an expectation of some attended sessions.
You should check this when you contact the provider and ensure you can feasibly travel to the relevant campus if required.
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- Harper Adams University - You can find out more about Harper Adams University’s postgraduate courses on their website.
- Glasgow University - You can find out more about Glasgow University’s postgraduate courses on their website.
- Royal Veterinary College - You can find out more about the Royal Veterinary College's postgraduate courses on their website.
- University of Central Lancashire in conjunction with Myerscough College - You can find out more about the University of Central Lancashire in conjunction with Myerscough College's postgraduate courses on their website.
- Hartpury University - You can find out more about Hartpury University's postgraduate courses on their website.
It is expected that further providers and subject areas will become available over the coming months.
You can access further information on the CertAVN, and VN Futures, on the VN Futures website.