A broadening of the syllabus and deepening of the assessment for AMTRA registered animal medicines advisors has seen plans well advanced to move to Level 5 qualifications from Spring 2020.
AMTRA said the move, in conjunction with key training partner Harper Adams University, further reinforces the professional status of this essential channel for the prescription and supply of certain animal medicines, including many wormers, vaccines, and tick and flea treatments.
AMTRA secretary general Stephen Dawson said: “We have been developing the modules, syllabus and qualification alongside Harper Adams University, as we have always done to better reflect the changing nature of the industry in which we operate.
“While in recent times it has been still formally a level 4 qualification, a fresh look at the nature of the assessment found it already to be close to the equivalent of level 5 for Farm and Equine, and this move to a formal level 5 qualification recognises the hard work prospective candidates have already been putting in for some time.”
Mr Dawson said that this is very much a reflection of the ever-evolving syllabus and assessment strategy.
“We feel this re-classification will better reflect capabilities, and encourage animal owners, farmers and livery yards to have even greater confidence in the advice and service they receive, as well as reassure veterinary surgeons and other partners in delivering animal health of our commitment to high standards,” he added.
Dr John Donaldson, associate head of department and principal lecturer in Animal Production at Harper Adams University, has worked closely on the move to Level 5.
He said: “As Stephen explained, a review of the evolving assessment made it clear that recent developments meant that much of the content within the syllabus was already essentially at the equivalent of Level 5 for farm and equine qualifications.
“We will now be moving on to implementing the option of a University Diploma for those who wish to build on the existing qualifications to broaden their knowledge and gain further recognition for that.”
