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A female vet nurse carrying out a procedure on a cat

The veterinary nurse training accreditation panel

The RCVS undertakes formal visitations to UK veterinary nurse training providers to monitor compliance with the Standards Framework for Veterinary Nurse Education and Training.

Visitations normally take place every five years, although the interval is at the discretion of the VN Education Committee. Panels are made up of five or six members and are led by an external Chair.

Join the accreditation panel and become a VN Visitor


We're keen to expand our pool of panel members, and welcome veterinary nurses who have not previously participated to apply.

Each visiting panel usually includes one RCVS representative and three members from different areas of the veterinary nursing profession, alongside the external Chair. These areas typically include student, employer, and educator representatives.

Panel members provide a unique perspective and are expected to contribute fully to all aspects of the accreditation process, including:

  • A thorough review of the accreditation application and supporting documentation
  • Attendance and participation in pre-accreditation meetings
  • Engagement and contribution during the accreditation event
  • Writing relevant sections of the report within the required timescale
  • Reviewing the proposed action plan

Time commitment and remuneration

Licence to practise accreditations take place over three days, with total preparation and report-writing time typically amounting to around seven working days.

Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing accreditations run over two days, with an overall commitment of approximately three working days.

A loss of earnings allowance is provided.

All panel members must complete an online training session to develop a thorough understanding of the Standards Framework. Panel members require strong problem-solving skills, the ability to interpret complex information, and effective communication skills.

Further information and apply

For more information about becoming a VN Visitor, please contact the Veterinary Nurse Qualifications and Accreditation Team by email at [email protected], specifying the area you would represent. We will send the role specification and an application form to complete and return.

Applications should demonstrate your suitability. To assess the appropriate programme level for each expert, the Committee requires examples of experience against the essential criteria. Applications from students and employers are reviewed by the VN Qualifications Lead, while educator applications are considered by the VN Education Committee.

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