Updated 25 September
Vet Nursing – Covid-19
OSCEs
For information about the upcoming OSCE examination series during the Covid-19 pandemic please view our dedicated page.
Patient Based Assessment (VN-PBA)
The VN-PBA is an alternative approach (mitigation) to the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
The VN-PBA has been designed specifically by the RCVS as an alternative examination to the OSCE to be used during the Covid-19 pandemic by an Awarding Organisation (AO).
These support resources and guidance documents are applicable to City & Guilds Veterinary Nursing PBA candidates only.
PBA Phase 1 Timetable
Candidates eligible for Phase 1 are those who were booked onto the March 2020 OSCE series which was subsequently cancelled.
The timetable below sets out the process for candidate entry, submission of evidence and when to expect assessment to take place. Sadly due to operational issues we have had to extend the assessment window and reschedule the provisional results date.
Please ensure you read our latest update regarding Phase 1 dates.
Phase 1 updated 21.09.20
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Key activity
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Date
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Booking forms sent to centres
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Friday 03 July 2020
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Deadline for centres to return booking confirmations
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Midday, Friday 17 July 2020
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Acknowledgement of candidate applications
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W/C Monday 20 July 2020
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Confirmation of candidate VN-PBA date and time
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W/C Monday 10 August 2020
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Window opens for submission of case reports
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Friday 21 August 2020
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Deadline for submission of case reports
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Friday 28 August 2020
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VN-PBA window opens
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Tuesday 01 September 2020
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VN-PBA window closes
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Sunday 25 October
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| Results Day (Provisional) |
Monday 23 November |
PBA Phase 2 Timetable
Candidates eligible for Phase 2 are those who intended to complete their assessment by 31 July 2020, and who would have entered the June OSCE series. Candidates who were withdrawn from Phase 1 due to GDPR may also enter Phase 2.
The timetable below sets out the process for candidate entry, submission of evidence and when to expect assessment to take place. Sadly due to operational issues we have had to delay and extend the assessment window and reschedule the provisional results date.
Please ensure you read our latest update regarding Phase 2 dates.
The timetable below sets out the process for candidate entry, submission of evidence and when to expect assessment to take place.
Phase 2 updated 21.09.20
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Key activity
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Date
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Booking forms sent to centres
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Monday 27 July 2020
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Deadline for centres to return booking confirmations
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Midday, Monday 10 August 2020
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Acknowledgement of candidate applications
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W/C Monday 17 August 2020
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Confirmation of candidate VN-PBA date and time
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TBA
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Window opens for submission of case reports
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Monday 12 October 2020
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Deadline for submission of case reports
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Friday 23 October 2020
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VN-PBA window opens
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Monday 02 November 2020
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VN-PBA window closes
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Sunday 20 December 2020
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| Results Day (Provisional) |
Monday 18 January 2021 |
Other than the case reports and supplementary evidence, is there anything else that must be uploaded into the QD Portal?
In addition to the case reports and supplementary evidence, please also upload a completed submission form for each candidate.
There is one each for the different pathways (small animal and equine) and these can be found in the "RCVS documents" tab.
Who will the email containing the Learning Assistant Portal login details come from?
This email will come from Learning Assistant (notifications@learningassistant.com) and will be titled Welcome to Quality Delivery Portal on Learning Assistant.
Is the September OSCE series still running?
Due to several factors and significant uncertainty, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the September OSCE series. Instead, we are planning a series of reduced OSCEs with new dates for later in the year. The OSCE Admin team will advise on the dates in the coming weeks.
Are City & Guilds running OSCEs in 2020?
The planned September 2020 OCSE has been cancelled. City & Guilds are exploring options for running reduced capacity OSCEs towards the end of the year and further information will be communicated to centres when available.
- If candidates were entered on both the March OSCE and the September OSCE on walled garden then please contact Centre Support for a credit note
- We will contact centres with candidates entered on the September OSCE on walled garden who have subsequently chosen to take the VN-PBA in due course
We will contact centres who have candidates entered on either the March or September OSCE but are ineligible to take the VN-PBA in due course
What is the VN-PBA and how can I find out more information?
The Patient-based Assessment (PBA) is where a candidate presents a showcase of case reports (into a portfolio) along with supporting evidence, in order to demonstrate how they have met the Day One Competences (DOS) and Skills.
Eligible candidates will undertake a detailed and structured discussion about their involvement with the cases, as showcased in their portfolio. The outcome of the discussion will determine whether they can be awarded their OSCE assessment unit, which then enables them to claim the full qualification certificate and subsequently apply to join the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS) ‘Register of Veterinary Nurses.
RCVS has produced a detailed handbook containing information about the criteria and process for the PBA, which is available from the RCVS website. Before putting forward any candidates, you must ensure that this key document is read and understood. Please contact the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Department for advice and guidance on any queries you may have on this adapted assessment at VNPBA@rcvs.org.uk.
Who is eligible to apply to enter to VN-PBA?
To be eligible to apply to enter the VN-PBA, the candidate must:
- Be registered for an RCVS accredited veterinary nursing licence to practise qualification and be actively enrolled with the RCVS.
- Have completed all work-based assessments of the DOS and have had the evidence quality assured.
- Have passed all other examinations required by the AO/HEI.
- Have completed or made significant progress towards the completion of the minimum period of education and practical training outlined in schedule 1 of the RCVS VN Registration Rules.
- Have their examination application supported by their centre.
- Suitable computer with audio, webcam and good internet connectivity.
- Access to a quiet place, free from disruptions and distractions.
- Be able to provide a valid form of ID e.g. current/in date passport or photo driving licence, on the day of the examination.
Up to how many days before the actual assessment can we withdraw a candidate?
Centres can withdraw a provisional entry for a candidate prior to the submission of case reports free of charge.
Other VN-PBA FAQs