The RCVS says it will no longer publish post-nominals in the register, except the primary degree, MRCVS and FRCVS.

College reveals post-grad qualifications will be removed from the register

A Derbyshire vet is petitioning the RCVS to keep post-graduate qualifications on the register.

The college has announced it will no longer publish post-nominals on the register, except registerable degrees and MRCVS/FRCVS.

Explaining the change, the college said the post-nominals are "not readily understood by the public". The move follows a consultation in 2011.

A new list of advanced practitioners will be introduced for veterinary surgeons in the "middle tier", between a veterinary degree and RCVS recognised specialist status.

Qualifications such as PhDs, RCVS certificates and diplomas will no longer be published online.

Victoria Lilley has launched a petition on Change.org as she feels this "devalues the hard work and commitment of vets who have undertaken extra study."

Vets with an "old style" certificate, designated RCVS CertAVP or other post-graduate clinical qualifications at level seven may be able to apply for advanced practitioner status.

Applicants must gain 100 hours of CPD, with at least five years' experience in practice and a minimum of 250 hours of CPD in the last five years. There is an application fee of £50 and an annual fee of £110.

Ms Lilley says she feels it is "unfair" to remove the qualifications from the register. She argues confusion among the general public is not "sufficient reason to remove qualifications which have been hard-earned." Her petition has so far received nearly 1,000 signatures. 

Click here to view the petition, or visit the RCVS website for further information.