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VetSkill VTEC Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) – Level 4

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Courses Code
QD4VNSQP
Study method
Part Time
Cost
£1000
Location(s)
Rodbaston
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  • Is this course for you?

    Are you passionate about animal health and want to take on a professional role in prescribing and supplying veterinary medicines? This qualification is ideal for individuals working in veterinary practices, retail pharmacies, or Suitably Qualified Persons (SQP) retailers who wish to expand their knowledge of veterinary medicines. If you are looking to gain the authority to prescribe and supply POM-VPS and NFA-VPS medicines for companion animals, this course is designed for you.

    The programme is suitable for both experienced veterinary professionals and those new to the field. Whether you are a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) looking to broaden your responsibilities or someone without prior veterinary qualifications, this course provides the essential training needed to achieve SQP status.

    By completing this qualification, you will gain the competencies required to register as an SQP and play a crucial role in ensuring responsible medicine use in animal care settings.

  • Required qualifications

    To enrol, you must be at least 16 years old. While no specific prior qualifications are required, experience working in a veterinary practice, a registered pharmacy, or another Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) registered premises can be beneficial.

    Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which can exempt them from certain units. Your eligibility will be assessed during enrolment to ensure you can meet the qualification requirements​.

  • What skills will I develop?

    • A deep understanding of veterinary medicines legislation and the role of an SQP.
    • The ability to prescribe and dispense POM-VPS and NFA-VPS medications.
    • Knowledge of companion animal health, disease management, and parasite control.
    • Skills in advising pet owners on medication safety, handling, and disposal.
    • Practical experience in maintaining a dispensary and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

  • Careers

    This qualification opens doors to a variety of roles in the veterinary and pharmaceutical sectors, including:

    1. SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) in a veterinary practice or retail setting.
    2. Animal health advisor in pet retail, agriculture, or pharmaceuticals.
    3. Further progression into additional veterinary qualifications, such as higher-level animal health or pharmacology studies.

  • Work experience

    Although not mandatory, working in a veterinary setting during your studies will enhance your understanding and application of course content. Many learners choose to gain experience in veterinary practices, SQP retail outlets, or registered pharmacies to develop their practical skills​.

  • Other important information

    The qualification is accredited by VetSkill and recognised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

    Successful learners will be automatically entered onto the VetSkill Register of SQPs.

    Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is required to maintain SQP status​.

  • Is this course for you?

    Are you passionate about animal health and want to take on a professional role in prescribing and supplying veterinary medicines? This qualification is ideal for individuals working in veterinary practices, retail pharmacies, or Suitably Qualified Persons (SQP) retailers who wish to expand their knowledge of veterinary medicines. If you are looking to gain the authority to prescribe and supply POM-VPS and NFA-VPS medicines for companion animals, this course is designed for you.

    The programme is suitable for both experienced veterinary professionals and those new to the field. Whether you are a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) looking to broaden your responsibilities or someone without prior veterinary qualifications, this course provides the essential training needed to achieve SQP status.

    By completing this qualification, you will gain the competencies required to register as an SQP and play a crucial role in ensuring responsible medicine use in animal care settings.

  • Required qualifications

    To enrol, you must be at least 16 years old. While no specific prior qualifications are required, experience working in a veterinary practice, a registered pharmacy, or another Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) registered premises can be beneficial.

    Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which can exempt them from certain units. Your eligibility will be assessed during enrolment to ensure you can meet the qualification requirements​.

  • What skills will I develop?

    • A deep understanding of veterinary medicines legislation and the role of an SQP.
    • The ability to prescribe and dispense POM-VPS and NFA-VPS medications.
    • Knowledge of companion animal health, disease management, and parasite control.
    • Skills in advising pet owners on medication safety, handling, and disposal.
    • Practical experience in maintaining a dispensary and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

  • Careers

    This qualification opens doors to a variety of roles in the veterinary and pharmaceutical sectors, including:

    1. SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) in a veterinary practice or retail setting.
    2. Animal health advisor in pet retail, agriculture, or pharmaceuticals.
    3. Further progression into additional veterinary qualifications, such as higher-level animal health or pharmacology studies.

  • Work experience

    Although not mandatory, working in a veterinary setting during your studies will enhance your understanding and application of course content. Many learners choose to gain experience in veterinary practices, SQP retail outlets, or registered pharmacies to develop their practical skills​.

  • Other important information

    The qualification is accredited by VetSkill and recognised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

    Successful learners will be automatically entered onto the VetSkill Register of SQPs.

    Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is required to maintain SQP status​.

Testimonials

“Our tutors are industry professionals with extensive experience in veterinary medicine and animal care. We are committed to supporting learners in developing the skills needed to become trusted SQPs.”

Will Sibley

Curriculum Manager for Animal Management

Apply for a course

  • VetSkill VTEC Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) (FC)

    Rodbaston College

    Start Date: 26th January 2026

    Code: QRD4VNSQP

    Cost: £1000

    Start Time: 17:00 PM

    End Time:21:00 PM

    Part Time: 18 Weeks

    Day(s): Monday

    Apply
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