The University of Nottingham has launched the country's first masters-level veterinary degree apprenticeship programme to support the transition from graduate veterinary surgeons to well-rounded, experienced general practice clinicians.
Developed with employers to provide the skills the industry demands, the new degree apprenticeship, delivered by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, will produce highly-skilled Advanced Clinical Practitioners. Successful apprentices will demonstrate expertise within the scope of general practice, combining expert clinical skills with research, education and clinical leadership.
This groundbreaking programme is the first of its kind in the veterinary sector and is another innovative step for Nottingham. The degree apprenticeship is open to both new graduates and more experienced vets and will provide a mechanism for supporting newly qualified vets through their Professional Development Phase as well as developing those who wish to advance their clinical practice skills
Upon completion of the programme, apprentices will be awarded an MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Veterinary), which also includes an introductory phase that will support PDP, and a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Cert AVP).
The University welcomed its first cohort of students in September 2020. Apprentices from both corporate-owned and independent practices, will study a high-quality curriculum to support the development to Advanced Clinical Practitioner, using a combination of work-based learning, underpinned with masters level education.
The impact of Covid-19 has highlighted the need for flexibility in learning. This course presents a unique and sustainable programme delivered within current guidelines, University resources and online platforms.
We are committed to learning and education and want to develop pathways for colleagues across our business that helps them achieve their career goals and ambitions. This pioneering apprenticeship provides seamless progression from our successful New Graduate Programme for vets who want to forge careers and become leaders in general practice. We are therefore excited to be partnering with such a respected and forward thinking institution as the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
Eligible businesses will be able to fund the apprenticeship from their Apprenticeship Levy. Smaller practices that do not pay the levy will be also able to access the apprenticeship, with 95% of the funding being paid by the government. More details on this and the apprenticeship can be found here: nottingham.ac.uk/vet/degree-apprenticeships.
