RCVS Academy launches new course to support veterinary surgeons returning to clinical practice

The RCVS Academy, our free digital learning platform for the veterinary professions, has launched ‘Vet return,’ a new course which offers support and guidance to veterinary surgeons returning to clinical practice after a break.

The course is suitable for veterinary surgeons who:

• Are returning to the UK Practising Register after a period of more than five years, and are therefore required to complete the Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP)
• Have not left the UK Practising Register but have been out of practice for a period of time and would like support in returning to work
• Left the UK Practising Register for less than five years, are not required to complete the VetGDP, but would like structured support to refresh their skills
• Have not yet completed the registration process after obtaining their licence-to-practise qualification

The RCVS recognises that veterinary surgeons returning to clinical practice after a significant break may not have been in a position to maintain their knowledge and skills. Whilst some vets may be very experienced, returning to a busy clinical environment after a break can be daunting.

Designed with Tash Goodwin Roberts, the RCVS Projects Implementation Manager in the Advancement of the Professions Team, ‘Vet return’ is a flexible course that can be adapted to veterinary surgeons’ roles and accessed at any time, allowing learners to complete modules at their convenience. While this course does not offer clinical training, it will assist vets in identifying areas for improvement and support them in building confidence and competence. Additionally, it provides guidance on wellbeing and mentorship to help vets grow professionally.

Tash Goodwin Roberts said, "I’m delighted that we are able to offer this course to vets returning to practice. As part of our commitment to supporting the workforce ambitions, this is a course that can support not just the returning vets but also offers insight to those who will be supporting them. Vets who have taken career breaks have often gained a huge wealth of skills which, combined with their veterinary training, makes them assets to their new teams and the professions.

"As part of our commitment to supporting the workforce ambitions, this is a course that can support not just the returning vets but also offers insight to those who will be supporting them."

"The course covers key topics to bring vets up to date with many of the professional aspects of working as a vet and also includes a range of additional content to support their journey, such as practical tips for returning, important recent updates on prescribing, as well as reflective practice and lifelong learning. The course also contains video interviews with vets who have already returned, offering valuable insights into how they approached their journey.

"It’s wonderful to see how many veterinary surgeons do return to clinical work, and we look forward to welcoming more back into the profession.”

The course takes around three hours to complete and, as with all RCVS Academy courses, is free to access via the RCVS Academy using your My Account login details. The Academy also has a ‘Nurse return’ course for veterinary nurses returning to clinical practice after a break. 

If you have any questions or difficulty accessing the Academy, please contact [email protected].