Following discussions with the BVNA, City & Guilds has developed a new qualification for senior Veterinary Nurses: the Licentiateship in Veterinary Nursing.

The qualification provides recognition of professional development for individuals who progress into more senior roles, but often have little in the way of formal recognition of the work that they undertake.

The Licentiateship offers a form of recognition based around Continuing Professional Development.

To qualify for the award applicants will need to meet the following criteria:

A veterinary nursing qualification at NVQ level 3 or equivalent.

Either: evidence of further professional development in a management or supervisory role.

Or: evidence of at least five years CPD in which applicants have progressed into a supervisory or management role.

The Licentiateship is used in over 70 different vocational sectors to recognise professional excellence. City & Guilds Senior awards are offered by a variety of organisations to recognise the mix of high levels of academic and professional skills, but which do not necessarily carry formal recognition.

One of the sectors within which the Licentiateship is popular is Health and Social Care. This is an area with many people qualified with an NVQ level at level 3 but where further qualifications are often not available, or fail to reflect individuals' career aspirations.

The Licentiateship has proved popular as it takes account of previous qualifications whilst allowing recognition of ongoing professional development.

As well as gaining a certificate and post nominal letters, Senior Award recipients are invited to attend the annual City & Guilds graduation ceremony in the Merchant Taylors Hall in the City of London.

In May 2008 over 180 candidates received their awards and were able to share the experience with their friends and family.

City & Guilds Senior awards are offered under Royal Charter in recognition of academic ability and professional skills at the three levels of Licentiateship (LCGI), Graduateship (GCGI) and Membership MCGI).

For more information please contact

Patrick Sherlock,
City and Guilds,
1 Giltspur Street,
London EC1A 9DD,
E. patrick.sherlock@cityandguilds.com,
T. 020 7294 8220

Or visit: www.cityandguilds.com/seniorawards

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