How useful is your CPD?

Image © Michail Petrov / Fotolia

What did you do today to improve your professional practice? It’s a pertinent question; CPD is not only an obligation, but a key part of polishing your capability, competence and CV.

It’s very clear in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons veterinary surgeons should take on research and activity to make sure they maintain their knowledge.

You will probably know the recommended minimum CPD is 105 hours over three years. The average for many practitioners is 35 hours per year, but some will do much more.

The required minimum CPD for RVNs is 45 hours over the same three-year period, with an average of 15 hours per year – although most veterinary nurses will do considerably more.

Technological advances

With changing technologies, the options for how that’s done and the impact it can have on your career are ever-increasing. Any activities that further your professional competence can count towards your CPD. Traditionally, these would include seminars or workshops, giving or receiving training, secondment, studying for an external qualification or working on a new project.

Today it’s easier than ever to stretch the possibilities of what you can cover. It’s perfectly acceptable to take part in online learning, such as working with online tutors and professional learning groups. This type of online option is not limited as a portion of your overall hours, but, as with all activities, it is important for you to keep notes so you can account for your learning.

Whatever, whenever...

The great thing about the explosion in online resources is, with content like recorded webinars readily available, you can dip in and out at your own speed and there’s no scheduling, travel or capacity barriers in what you choose.

These can come with or without additional tutoring and can be certificated by providers for your CPD log. This can be a valuable opportunity if you are thinking about expanding your knowledge base into new or unusual areas.

Ultimately, what you choose to study is a personal decision and should reflect the nature of the work you do. However, the landscape is not what it used to be, with opportunities to embrace experiences far beyond your own area, country or continent. Why not grab these and take your career to the next step?

For the latest Veterinary CPD Courses, visit vet times CPD