Vetpol has unveiled a new, streamlined SQP Integration course designed exclusively for Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs), marking a significant development in career progression opportunities within the veterinary medicines sector.
The course recognises the extensive training RVNs already undertake and offers a fast-track route to becoming an SQP, a role central to the safe and responsible supply of certain categories of veterinary medicines.
From start to finish, RVNs will be able to complete the course and exam to achieve SQP status in four weeks.
The new course aligns directly with the one‑day competencies set by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and maps against the current SQP syllabus.
Vetpol said that by identifying the areas where RVNs already meet or exceed existing SQP requirements, it has been able to reduce the online, self-learning component to just nine hours.
This is followed by a one‑hour exam administered by Lantra, an Ofqual-regulated awarding body/ Lantra accredits the assessment (only) and learners will receive Lantra certificates upon passing. The training is accredited by Vetpol and counts as 9 hours CPD.
Vetpol said the reduced training time reflects both the depth of RVN education and the organisation’s commitment to removing unnecessary barriers for qualified professionals seeking to expand their scope of practice.
“RVNs bring a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience,” said Caroline Johnson, a director of Vetpol. “This integration course acknowledges that expertise and provides a robust, efficient pathway to SQP status. Streamlining the process to deliver exam results quickly has been a key focus.”
Similar to Vetpol’s existing SQP course, RVN students enrolling in the Integration programme will be offered a one‑week window in which to sit their exam.
The course is available now at a price of £485 (+VAT), should RVNs want to start studying immediately. Vetpol confirms that exams will be available in around a months’ time.
Successful candidates will earn the right to join Vetpol’s SQP register and adopt the post-nominals SQP, a designation that signals they are qualified to prescribe and supply certain veterinary medicines under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.
