Plans are well advanced to see AMTRA registered SQPs move to Level 5 qualifications from this spring.
Level 5 is equivalent to a foundation degree or higher national diploma (HND) on the government’s scale of higher education.
The move up from the current Level 4 has been achieved by broadening the syllabus and deepening the assessment for AMTRA registered SQPs in conjunction with the body’s training partner Harper Adams University.
AMTRA secretary general Stephen Dawson (pictured) said the development “recognises the hard work prospective candidates have already been putting in for some time.
“We feel this re-classification will better reflect capabilities, and encourage animal owners, farmers and livery yards to have even greater confidence in the advice and service they receive, as well as reassure veterinary surgeons and other partners in delivering animal health of our commitment to high standards.”
AMTRA is a training and regulatory body for SQPs (suitably qualified persons) who are qualified as legally competent to prescribe and supply certain categories of animal medicines including equine wormers. SQPs also work to inform owners about animal health and the correct use of medicines.
To maintain their qualification, SQPs must accumulate CPD points. ETN publishes regular AMTRA accredited features and quizzes to help enable them to do so.
ETN March issue includes an SQP CPD feature Worming; where are we now by Claire Shand of Westgate Labs. It will also be available online.
Our online CPD modules can be found by following this link
