RCVS launches free support course for returning veterinary surgeons
While not offering clinical training, the programme is designed to help returning vets identify areas for development, rebuild confidence and access guidance on wellbeing and mentorship
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched a free online course to support veterinary surgeons returning to clinical practice after a career break.
The course, titled Vet return, is available through the RCVS Academy digital platform. It is aimed at those rejoining the UK Practising Register after more than five years away, and vets who have taken shorter breaks or remained registered but have not been in practice.
Veterinary surgeons who have not yet registered after gaining their licence-to-practise qualification can also take the course.
While not offering clinical training, the programme is designed to help returning vets identify areas for development, rebuild confidence and access guidance on wellbeing and mentorship.
Tash Goodwin Roberts, projects implementation manager in the RCVS Advancement of the Professions team, who led the course’s development, 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.
Roberts added: “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.”
