The Veterinary Council of Ireland (“the VCI”) wishes to address Irish graduates, students, and prospective students of the Abivet Rome Online Veterinary Technician Programme regarding the VCI’s position on this programme and the eligibility status of this programme, for the purpose of registration as a veterinary nurse in Ireland. The VCI does not recognise the Abivet Rome Online Veterinary Technician Programme for the purpose of registration as a veterinary nurse in Ireland, and graduates from this programme are not eligible to have their qualifications assessed against the Irish veterinary nursing training standards or to sit any pre-registration examination.

In accordance with its affiliation agreement with the European Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nursing Education (ACOVENE), the VCI does not recognise veterinary nursing programmes accredited by ACOVENE that are primarily delivered online. This is due to concerns over the ability of such programmes, including the Abivet Rome Online Veterinary Technician Programme, to meet VCI quality standards for clinical placements and to provide adequate student support. Consequently, graduates from ACOVENE programmes that are delivered primarily online are not recognised by the VCI for the purpose of eligibility for registration.

At the VCI’s meeting on 7 November 2024, the Council considered whether graduates of the Abivet Rome Online Veterinary Technician Programme should be eligible to have their veterinary technician qualification assessed against the Irish veterinary nursing training standards, and potentially to sit a pre-registration examination to determine eligibility for registration. While the VCI recognises the challenging circumstances faced by students and graduates of such programmes, the primary role of the Veterinary Council is to uphold and support standards in veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in Ireland, and accordingly, VCI reservations regarding the Abivet Rome Online Veterinary Technician Programme are significant, in the context of our public interest role in Ireland. Concerns include the inadequate or inconsistent quality assured levels of hands-on training provided to students on the online programme, and the concerns for the readiness of students to practise as veterinary nurses in Ireland.

Clinical Placement Concerns

The VCI’s standards mandate rigorous clinical placement experiences to ensure that graduates of veterinary nursing programmes are prepared for the practical demands of the profession. However, VCI reservations in relation to the Abivet Rome Online Veterinary Technician Programme are founded on significant deficiencies when compared against Irish training standards in the clinical placement aspect of this programme. Consistent and comprehensive practical training in recognised programmes is essential in the interest of animal health and welfare and upholding public trust in the veterinary nursing profession. The VCI determine that the online nature of the programme does not ensure adequate consistency in the delivery of quality assured clinical experiences for students, failing to meet the high standards required for VCI recognition.

VCI Standards for Veterinary Nursing in Ireland

In accordance with the Veterinary Practice Act 2005 (as amended), only individuals registered on the Register of Veterinary Nurses or enrolled at students in an approved programme of veterinary nursing in Ireland may practice veterinary nursing in the State. As the independent regulator for the veterinary professions in the State, the VCI holds a responsibility to maintain high standards in veterinary nurse training and to protect animal health, welfare, and public health. Ensuring that only those with recognised qualifications can register in Ireland is a critical legal function and responsibility of the VCI.

Notification to Graduates, Students and Prospective Students

The Council highlights that the onus of research and responsibility rests with any prospective student seeking to enrol in any programme to investigate the eligibility status of any award. The Veterinary Council is keen to ensure that no misperceptions arise as a result of any communications, by any potential virtual programme offering, to any potential students on the status of the programme’s status or eligibility in Ireland.

After careful consideration, the Council has determined that:

1. The current position of the VCI remains unchanged, that the Abivet Rome Online Veterinary Technician Programme is not recognised for eligibility for the purpose of registration as a veterinary nurse in Ireland.
2. That qualifications as a veterinary technician obtained from the Abivet Rome Online Veterinary Technician Programme are not eligible for consideration or assessment against the Irish veterinary nursing training standards, or for consideration or participation in any VCI pre-registration examination.

The Council appreciates and is sympathetic to the unique circumstances faced by the graduates and students enrolled in the Abivet Rome Online Veterinary Technician Programme. However, in the interest of animal health, welfare, and public health, the VCI remains committed to upholding the highest standards in veterinary nursing education in Ireland.