New SQP regulator Vetpol has announced it will soon open for SQP training – most likely before the end February.

It follows full approval by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for Vetpol to become a regulator. 

The all-new course is delivered online, using a bespoke learning management platform and an integrated CPD system.

It means that busy professionals and those in rural communities can easily access the course and study at a time and place that suits them. Future students or employers can register their interest or request further information now at www.vetpol.uk or by emailing caroline@vetpol.co.uk.

The Vetpol course has been designed to deliver a positive experience for its users, as SQP training is acknowledged to be challenging, with a lot of information to assimilate across a broad subject area. It uses the principles of reflective learning, with simple exercises to complete to help embed what is learned and highlighting of key facts to aid recall. 

Caroline Johnson, Vetpol Founder and Director, says the team has thought long and hard about matching need and application while covering the day-one-competencies required for SQP registration.

“There is an increasing number of NFA-VPS medicines available alongside POM-VPS medicines and a growing need to broaden knowledge of companion animals, which we have reflected in the course content. In agriculture too, it has never been more challenging to deliver the kind of service that farmers and stock-keepers need in the 21st century – we have looked at this both from the farmer and outlet’s point of view and we have really addressed health and disease with this in mind.”

Vetpol will provide companion animal, farm, equine and avian training leading to a Level 4 SQP qualification. Level 4 qualifications are rated above A level (which is a level 3 qualification) and include NVQ Level 4, Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Certificates of Higher Education (CertHE).

The course writers have aimed to make sure the course contains information that is relevant, practical and necessary, building on a solid base of animal welfare and husbandry. Up to date knowledge about parasite distribution in the UK is included. Regular updates are also built into the schedule to ensure the course reflects current thinking and keeps pace with changes in medicines legislation.

As her background is in sales and sales training, especially in the veterinary medicines sector, Caroline has a keen focus on ensuring that SQPs have the knowledge they need to add value to customer and client transactions.

“We were especially keen when writing the online course to give SQPs the scope to apply their knowledge in practical day to day situations and to make excellent recommendations.”

The new regulator has gained support for its plans from several large businesses across the pet, agricultural and veterinary sector and looks forward to adding its first SQPs to the regulator’s register in 2020.