VN summer exam results show marked improvement

The pass rates for the RCVS Certificates in Small Animal Nursing and Equine Nursing Theory (the RCVS veterinary nursing external examinations) have shown an all-round improvement this summer.

Amongst the results that were posted to candidates yesterday and published online today, the level 3 results in particular are markedly better than in previous years.

Small animal and equine level 2 pass rates have increased to 82% and 83% (respectively), from 74% and 70% in 2004, whereas small animal level 3 pass rates have risen to 67% from 56% two years ago.

This increase in the pass rate is primarily linked to improved performance in the practical examinations - a very encouraging sign that indicates a significant improvement in the teaching and assessing of practical nursing skills.

Head of Veterinary Nursing, Libby Earle, said: "The pass rates of written papers are excellent at both level 2 and level 3. It is important to note that the papers are of a similar standard to previous years - the marking criteria have not been changed.

"The increased success rate is therefore wholly down to the hard work of students and the standards of teaching and support in approved colleges rather than 'grade inflation'."

View the VN exam results