Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a vital part of every veterinary professional’s career. Whether you’re a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse, staying up to date with the latest knowledge, skills, and best practices is essential. Not only is CPD a professional obligation set by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), but it also enhances the quality of care you provide.
But what actually qualifies as veterinary CPD? In this blog, we’ll explore the wide range of activities that count towards your CPD hours and how you can make the most of them.
Understanding CPD Requirements
The RCVS mandates that veterinary surgeons must complete 35 hours of CPD per calendar year, while veterinary nurses are required to complete 15 hours annually. This ensures that all registered professionals maintain high standards and continue to develop their expertise.
While this may sound like a lot, the good news is that CPD doesn’t just mean sitting in a classroom. There are many flexible and varied pathways to meet your veterinary CPD or veterinary nurse CPD requirements.
What Activities Count as Veterinary CPD?
CPD is defined as any learning activity that contributes to developing your veterinary knowledge, skills, and behaviours. Here are some of the most common and widely accepted forms:
1. Online Courses and Webinars
Digital learning has transformed CPD. Interactive webinars, video tutorials, and accredited e-learning platforms make it easier than ever to access high-quality content from the comfort of your home or clinic. Many providers offer CPD certificates upon completion, which can be logged directly in your RCVS CPD record.
2. Workshops and Practical Training
Hands-on learning is particularly valuable for clinical skills. Practical sessions in areas such as surgical techniques, anaesthesia, or emergency care are not only engaging but also immediately applicable in practice.
3. Conferences and Seminars
Attending veterinary conferences can offer a wealth of learning opportunities in a short space of time. These events often include a mix of lectures, discussions, and networking, all of which contribute to your CPD hours.
4. In-house Training and Case Discussions
Learning doesn’t always have to take place outside your practice. Many veterinary teams benefit from structured in-house training, journal clubs, or case reviews. As long as the content is educational and relevant, it can count towards your veterinary CPD.
5. Reading and Research
Keeping up with veterinary journals, articles, or textbooks also qualifies. Make sure to log what you’ve read and reflect on how it applies to your role.
6. Mentoring and Being Mentored
If you’re mentoring a colleague or being mentored yourself, this too can be considered a valid CPD activity. It promotes mutual learning and professional development.
7. Self-directed Learning with Reflection
RCVS encourages reflective learning. This means taking time to think about what you’ve learned, how it’s influenced your practice, and what your next steps might be. This reflective element is key to effective CPD and should be documented accordingly.
Logging Your CPD Hours
All veterinary professionals must keep an accurate record of their CPD. The RCVS provides a free online tool called 1CPD, which makes it easy to plan, log, and reflect on your activities. It’s important to include a brief description, the number of hours completed, and what you gained from the activity.
Remember, it’s not just about ticking a box – it’s about meaningful development. Aim for a balanced mix of learning methods and topics that are relevant to your role and career goals.
Final Thoughts
Veterinary CPD is not a one-size-fits-all requirement. With so many different activities qualifying, from formal courses to everyday learning experiences, you can tailor your CPD to suit your needs and interests. Plus, many practices will offer a CPD allowance, helping to cover the cost of essential training and ensuring their staff meet the minimum requirements set by the RCVS. By investing in CPD, employers support veterinary professionals in staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field whilst encouraging employees to pursue further development in areas that genuinely interest them. It’s a win-win situation!
Whether you’re a veterinary nurse looking to improve patient care or a vet surgeon aiming to specialise in a new field, CPD is your gateway to growth, confidence, and better outcomes for the animals you treat.
With almost 30 years’ collective experience supporting the Veterinary profession with locum and permanent personnel, we have a range of options designed to make employment as simple as possible. Get in touch today.
FAQs
Q: How many CPD hours do veterinary nurses need to complete each year?
A: Veterinary nurses are required by the RCVS to complete 15 hours of CPD annually.
Q: Can online courses count towards veterinary CPD?
A: Yes, accredited online courses and webinars can count towards your veterinary CPD, as long as they are relevant to your professional development.
Q: What is reflective learning, and why is it important?
A: Reflective learning involves thinking critically about what you’ve learned, how it impacts your work, and how you can apply it. It’s a key part of effective CPD and is encouraged by the RCVS.
Q: Does informal learning, like reading journals, count as CPD?
A: Absolutely. Reading veterinary literature or research articles counts as CPD, particularly when accompanied by reflective notes.
Q: How do I record my CPD activities?
A: You can log your CPD hours using the 1CPD platform provided by the RCVS. Be sure to include the date, description, number of hours, and any reflections on your learning.