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- About extra-mural studies (EMS)
- EMS requirements
- Information for vet students
- Information for EMS providers
- Information for vet schools
- Temporary EMS requirements
- 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
- Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses
- Contact the Advice Team
- XL Bully dog ban
- 'Under care' - new guidance
- Advice on Schedule 3
- Controlled Drugs Guidance – A to Z
- Dealing with Difficult Situations webinar recordings
- FAQs – Common medicines pitfalls
- FAQs – Routine veterinary practice and clinical veterinary research
- FAQs – Advertising of practice names
- GDPR – RCVS information and Q&As
VetGDP information for overseas vets
If you choose to work overseas after graduating in the UK, we won’t expect you to complete the VetGDP while you are abroad. If you return to the UK with less than one year’s experience in a role similar to the one you’re taking here you will need to complete the VetGDP. If you have less than three years’ experience we would recommend that you enrol but it won’t be mandatory.
This short animation covers the need to know information about the VetGDP. Underneath this, you will find a checklist providing straightforward ‘how-to’ guidance to help you get started with VetGDP.
Video Transcript
The Veterinary Graduate Development Programme – VetGDP - is designed to help you develop your professional and clinical capabilities.
There will be a VetGDP Adviser in your workplace supporting you to become a fully competent, confident and independent veterinary surgeon, setting you up for a long and fulfilling career.
If you choose to work overseas after graduating in the UK, we won’t expect you to complete the VetGDP abroad.
If you return to the UK with less than one year’s experience in a role similar to the one you’re taking here, you’ll need to complete the VetGDP.
If you have less than three years’ experience, we would recommend you enrol, but it won’t be mandatory.
If you qualified as a vet overseas and register with the RCVS, you must enrol onto the VetGDP if you have less than one year’s experience in a role similar to the one you’ll be undertaking in the UK.
If you have more than one year of experience, you are welcome to complete the VetGDP as it will provide you with excellent support.
You can enrol (or apply for exemption) onto the VetGDP on the RCVS website.
The step by step guide takes you through this essential first stage in the process.
Your employer must be a VetGDP Approved Graduate Development Practice or Workplace.
They can choose to become one before you start work with them – but you won’t be able to join until they have completed this process.
Look for the logo - and if you don’t see it, ask!
Your VetGDP Adviser is committed to supporting your professional development, and you’ll meet regularly.
You will take the lead and request the support you need.
This might include asking for advice on clinical consultations or feedback on a case, and scheduling monthly meetings to obtain feedback and discuss your development.
The progress you record in your e-portfolio will include your journey from your first few weeks through to becoming a more experienced professional working independently.
Your VetGDP Adviser can also add their feedback on cases or the discussions you have together.
At the start of the programme you and your VetGDP Adviser will meet to review which activities, known as Entrustable Professional Activities, or EPAs) are relevant to your role – you’ll find more information on our website.
You’ll then upload them into your e-portfolio where you will record your progress with each activity.
You must demonstrate that you can perform all activities within your role without support – that you have become a competent, confident vet.
You’ll agree with your VetGDP Adviser when the time is right to submit your e-portfolio to the RCVS for peer review and sign off.
We expect it to take around 1 year, but may take more or less time than this.
Need further help? Feel free to get in touch.
VetGDP checklist for vets who have been working overseas
- If you choose to work overseas after graduating in the UK, we won’t expect you to complete the VetGDP while you are abroad. If you return to the UK with less than one year’s experience in a role similar to the one you’re taking here you will need to complete the VetGDP.
- If you have less than three years’ experience we would recommend that you enrol but it won’t be mandatory.
- You can find helpful guidance and information in our Working in the UK course on the RCVS Academy.
- Before you start your first veterinary role in the UK, confirm that the practice or workplace you will be working at is a VetGDP Approved Graduate Development Practice. This means they have at least one vet who has completed the VetGDP Adviser online training and has completed their declaration.
- If you secure a graduate job with them, they can become VetGDP Approved before you start work with them, but you won’t be able to join before they complete this process. You may see the VetGDP logo displayed on their website or other digital channels- if you don’t see it, ask!
- When you start your UK veterinary role, you will complete your VetGDP declaration.
- Your employer and your VetGDP Adviser must complete their VetGDP declarations too.
- Once you have started your new role, you will discuss your role with your VetGDP Adviser and agree the Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) that are relevant to your role.
- Once you have agreed your EPAs with your VetGDP Adviser, you should add them to your e-portfolio. You can find guidance on how to use the e-portfolio.
- You will meet regularly with your VetGDP Adviser regularly as you progress through the programme. You will take the lead and request the support you need. This might include asking for advice on clinical consultations or feedback on a case, and scheduling monthly meetings to obtain feedback and discuss your development.
- The progress you record in your e-portfolio will include your journey from your first few weeks through to becoming a more experienced professional working independently. Your VetGDP Adviser can also add their feedback on cases or the discussions you have together.
- You must demonstrate that you can perform all activities within your role without support – that you have become a competent, confident vet. You’ll agree with your VetGDP Adviser when the time is right to submit your e-portfolio to the RCVS for peer review and sign off. You have up to 18 months to complete the VetGDP, depending on your developmental needs and support required.
- If you have any queries along the way please contact a member of the VetGDP team by emailing [email protected].