Vets Now, the out-of-hours emergency care provider, reports that it has seen the number of veterinary nurses undertaking the Certificate of Veterinary Nursing in Emergency Critical Care nearly triple.

Since it was launched in September 2009, the number of students has increased from 12 for the first six month session to 35 students in the most recent intake.

The course was founded by Vets Now and the City & Guilds NPTC as the first certificated emergency and critical care veterinary nursing qualification designed for veterinary nurses who want to further their knowledge of small animal emergency and critical care. The distance learning qualification which takes approximately 18 months to complete is open to all RCVS listed or registered veterinary nurses under employment.

Organisers are currently accepting applicants for the next intake in September and invite interested parties to find out more about the course at www.vets-now.com/vets/cpd-training

Wendy Busby, Head of Training and Development at Vets Now said: "I've seen how much ECC has evolved in the UK over the years and the increased recognition that nurses have for the vital role they play within an emergency clinical team.

"Vets Now developed this certificate with the awarding body City & Guilds to give veterinary nurses the opportunity to increase their knowledge once they are qualified vet nurses. The qualification will enable candidates to develop their emergency and critical care understanding and skills, and become an invaluable member of any practice team, whether it's a daytime or emergency practice."

Course graduate Valerie Cooke, a veterinary nurse at Moray Coastal Vet Group for three years, was sponsored by Merial Animal Health to take the qualification. She said "I was keen to enrol on a course which would provide me with a more in-depth knowledge of the emergency and critical care field, as this is an area I am regularly faced with in my job. I felt the course covered many of the elements my career development required and now having completed it I feel much more confident when faced with an emergency situation.

"What's more, it was handy that the course was theory based allowing me to continue my full-time employment whilst studying. My employers have also benefitted from me taking the qualification, and have even considered elements of the course for their emergency protocols."

Robin Livingstone from Merial Animal Health said, "We took the decision to sponsor some students on this course because we believe it provides a valuable enhancement to their clinical skills. We have received very positive feedback on the content and delivery of the material and are considering supporting further candidates in the future."

For further information on the course, visit www.vets-now.com/vets/cpd-training or alternatively contact one of the Student Liaison Officers via email on vncertecc@vets-now.com or by phone 01383 628721.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.