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In the past, only the minimum standards of training gave an indication as to how training had to be conducted. Developments have now led to the drafting of a list of Day One skills in addition to the minimum standards of training as described in the regulations.

Day One skills are used as the basis for setting a standard against which new graduates have to pass a degree / diploma programme and against which standard new graduates have to be able to perform when they commence practice for the first time. It includes the basic tasks that a new graduate should be able to perform to an acceptable standard.

Council resolved that the Day One skills documents had a 3-year life cycle (to coincide with the term of Council). The Education Committee, however, took cognisance of the fact that it may take 5-6 years to implement new skills into a curriculum.

The Day One skills documents for the veterinary and para-veterinary professions (veterinary nurses, animal health technicians, veterinary technologists, laboratory animal technologists and veterinary physiotherapists) are seen as dynamic documents and revision is therefore ongoing.