The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) have confirmed that the following equine skills are mandatory for all students on the small animal pathway:
Demonstrate the correct technique for handling, holding and restraining animals for examination- Demonstrate techniques for approaching and catching animals
- Move animals around the establishment with due regard to health and safety and animal welfare
- Demonstrate methodical and effective cleaning techniques-stable
- Demonstrate basic grooming practices
- Examine hooves and carry out basic equine foot care
For The College of Animal Welfare (CAW) students who don’t have access to horses, CAW will be arranging equine sessions at a local equine establishment. These sessions usually take place outside of term time so students will need time out of practice to attend.
The equine Nursing Progress Log (NPL) units that are mandatory and must be completed are:
VN3 – equine anatomy
VN4 – Skills 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
VN5 – Skill 2.
The equine NPL units that students on the small animal pathway are exempt from are:
VN9 – Skills 12 and 13.
VN10 – Skills 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Joint Fluid & Peritoneal Fluid) and 7 (Total Protein).
Clinical coaches can mark these skills with ‘Student chooses not to undertake this skill’, and the skill will appear as competency confirmed.
If you have any queries relating to the NPL please contact your course tutor or Quality Assurance Supervisor (QAS).