We were one of only five national venues chosen for the Royal Veterinary College’s (RVC) 2014 tour thanks to our impressive Animal Management and Veterinary Nursing Centres. The RVC was at College today for the event aimed at prospective students, parents, teachers and careers advisors. The event was over-subscribed and attracted the most interest from all the locations visited countrywide.
Sparsholt students and Years 9-13 students from schools across the region attended the sessions which provided an insight into courses on offer and the career pathways available within the veterinary professions (Bioveterinary/ Biological Scientist, Veterinary Surgeon and Veterinary Nurse).
Practical activities from the RVC’s Clinical Skills Centre gave students some hands-on practice including bandaging, using haptic technology, attempting a one-handed tie, suturing and heart rate activity. There were also a number of RVC students and recent graduates on hand to answer all manner of questions regarding life as a veterinary student.
The College offers a number of additional specialist science units which have been identified by the RVC as providing learners with the necessary knowledge to successfully progress to their Veterinary Medicine degrees. A Progression Accord between the RVC and Sparsholt College enables Animal Management Extended Diploma students who have taken these additional units as part of their programme of study, to be offered an interview at RVC. Learners are also required to meet the entry requirements (it is recognised that success in the BioMedical Admissions Test examination is required for any applicant for the Veterinary Medicine programmes).
Bjorn Holm, Head of Faculty, Animal Studies explains further: “Our Accord with the Royal Veterinary College, University of London means that Sparsholt Animal Management students who have taken the additional specialist science units have access to Veterinary Medicine degrees. This agreement puts our Animal Management Extended Diploma on a level pegging with A Levels which have always been the standard entry requirements for such courses.”