Veterinary Education

The Veterinary Council of Ireland (“VCI”) ensures excellence in veterinary medicine and nursing education, equipping practitioners and nurses with the skills, knowledge, and ethical standards needed to provide top-quality care for animal health, welfare, and public health.

Continuing Veterinary Education

Since January 2012, Continuing Veterinary Education (“CVE”) has been mandatory for maintaining registration with the VCI.

Accreditation

The VCI is responsible for accrediting higher education programmes in veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing within Ireland. The VCI not only establishes the standards for these education and training programmes but also accredits and regularly reviews them to ensure that they consistently meet the highest levels of quality.

Becoming a Veterinary Professional in Ireland

To qualify as a veterinary professional in Ireland, you must complete a veterinary programme which has been accredited by the VCI.

Specialist
Qualifications

The VCI recognises veterinary practitioners with advanced expertise in specialised fields through the Veterinary Specialist Register.

CVE Bursary and Research Grant

Two bursaries are offered annually, one for a veterinary practitioner and one for a veterinary nurse. For research grants, preference will be given to applications from veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses in practice and to projects that are likely to generate results that will be of practical benefit to the work of veterinary professionals.

Qualification Assessment & Registration Exam

Persons who hold qualifications in veterinary medicine that are not recognised by the Veterinary Council are not entitled to be registered or to practise veterinary medicine in Ireland. Upon the assessment of a qualification the Council may determine that a qualification shall be recognised or not recognised for the purpose of registration.

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Latest News

Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

May 15, 2024

Veterinary Council of Ireland Public Consultation – Canine Surgical Artificial Insemination Outcome

We write to update you on the outcome of the Veterinary Council public consultation on canine surgical artificial insemination.

VCI News

Dec 21, 2023

Department of Rural and Community Development Responsible Dog Ownership Guide

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have created a guide on responsible dog ownership in Ireland.

VCI News

Nov 1, 2023

VCI 2023 Veterinary Practitioner Election Results

VCI News

Oct 13, 2023

Upcoming safeTALK Training Sessions on Mental Health and Suicide Awareness

Further to the Report on the Mental Health of Veterinary Professions in Ireland published in April 2022, the Veterinary Council has partnered with the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention (“NOSP”) to organise the delivery of training nationwide to promote awareness of mental health and the available supports.

VCI News

Sep 18, 2023

Veterinary Council of Ireland Veterinary Practitioner Election 2023

The Veterinary Council are pleased to announce the names of the 11 registered Veterinary Practitioners nominated to run in the VCI Veterinary Practitioner Election 2023.

VCI News

Sep 4, 2023

IEVA Recruitment and Retention Survey

To assist in sustaining the equine veterinary profession for all, the Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA) have launched a short survey for equine practitioners to complete on recruitment and retention Link to Survey. The survey will close on Tuesday 31st October 2023. 

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