RCVS forges partnerships in lifelong learning

Over 60 representatives from veterinary schools, other universities and continuing professional development (CPD) providers gathered at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon's 'Partnerships in Lifelong Learning' seminar on 25 January 2007, at Belgravia House, London.

The objective of the day was to explore ways in which course providers could join forces to deliver modules for the RCVS's new postgraduate modular certificate, and to provide opportunities for networking.

Profession Stephen May, chairman of the RCVS Education Policy and Specialisation Committee, opened the event by introducing the concept of the modular certificate and setting the qualification in context.

The new certificate is being rolled out during 2007. It aims to offer a more flexible approach to attaining a first postgraduate qualification and make it easier to study while in practice.

The new format also seeks to address the high drop-out rate of the previous 'all or nothing' system, by allowing candidates a longer period over which to study, and a greater range of options. This should better meet the typical career path of today's veterinary surgeon, which may well include changes in direction as well as time away from practice.

In the new model, according to Professor May, candidates will have three routes open to them. They can simply take a module as stand-alone CPD or they can opt to take a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP), the points for which can be accrued by completing a broad range of modules. The third option would be to take a prescribed set of modules that would result in a CertAVP in a designated subject, for example, CertAVP (Small Animal Practice).

It will be possible for candidates to switch between these three options during the ten-year enrolment period.

Professor May also commented on the level of the certificate: "There has been, over recent years, a creeping change in how the certificate is regarded, with it being seen as almost a quasi-specialist qualification," he said. "This is not appropriate for a first postgraduate qualification." Instead, the new certificate is aimed at the "competent professional" (the equivalent of Masters level).

Dr Bradley Viner, chairman of the RCVS Modular Certificate Committee, went on to outline how the certificate works within the CPD framework and that achieving a certificate is an important step towards other more specialist qualifications, such as an RCVS diploma or fellowship.

He quoted from the Education Strategy Steering Group's report A Framework for 2010 and Beyond (2002) which hoped that: "Achievement of a certificate, or working towards certificate modules, should become the norm for new practitioners."

He also stressed that the new certificate had been developed to "encourage a true improvement in performance", which would be of benefit to the individual, the practice and the animal-owning public.

The presentations were followed by a lively question and answer session chaired by RCVS President Professor Sheila Crispin, who had led the Modular Certificates Working Party when the certificate was developed.

Topics covered included the assessment process, what would happen to those interested in minority-interest subjects under the new scheme and whether the new approach would be more expensive than the old.

Under the new system, the RCVS will develop outlines of the module content but not assess the individual modules. Instead, the RCVS will accredit universities to assess modules leading from courses that they may provide themselves or which may be provided by a third party. The university must also offer an 'assessment-only' option for self-directed learners.

It is hoped that the event stimulated potential course providers to come forward for accreditation, and new developments will be announced on RCVSonline in due course.