There is an appetite amongst many veterinary nurses for more focussed and structured CPD to become available. In answer to this demand BSAVA are please to announce the launch of the BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Awards in 2012. These awards will be for the motivated nurse in primary care practice who would like to expand their knowledge in a specific field.

Not all individuals are in a position to be able to commit to diploma level training – but the passion which led them into nursing in the first place continues. The opportunity to study a subject and develop the corresponding skills, and then to apply those in the practice, is an exciting prospect.

The BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Awards provide short structured CPD programmes. Each programme consists of a two day course (including a substantial practical component), a follow-up one day course a couple of months later, two webinars, and an online assessment.

All those who complete the programme and assessment satisfactorily will receive a certificate and badge. The programmes are not a formally accredited qualification, but the awards provide recognition of interest and expertise in a particular field. It is expected that nurses would renew their award with a short refresher course every 5 years.

In 2012 there will be two Veterinary Nurse Merit Award programmes running

• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
• Anaesthesia and Analgesia

The BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Award programmes are very competitively priced, at just £400 plus VAT for BSAVA Veterinary Nurse e-Members. This includes registration for both the initial two day course and the follow up one day course a couple of months later, access to both webinars (live and recorded) and the online assessment. Non members may enrol for the programme, but are not eligible for the discounted price.

Further information on the courses or to book a place on a course please visit www.bsava.com/cpd. If you would like to find out more about the BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Awards please email courses@bsava.com