The ongoing impact of COVID-19 through 2021 has been difficult for the entire veterinary profession, not least for our newest members, the 2020 and 2021 cohorts of veterinary students.
As we did last year, the AVBC has been working closely with the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and Veterinary Schools of Australia and New Zealand (VSANZ) to monitor the impacts of the COVID pandemic on veterinary education. Again, the veterinary organisations are confident that the 2021 cohort of veterinary students is ready for practice.
Different Delivery, Same Standards
Due to the ongoing restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, veterinary schools have continued to adapt and develop the delivery of their programs. They have embraced new modes of teaching, learning and assessment, but the competences and standards expected of veterinary programs have remained the same. As in 2020, the Veterinary Schools Accreditation Advisory Committee (VSAAC) of the AVBC has reviewed each modified curriculum and continues to communicate regularly with VSANZ and with Schools on all matters related to the accreditation of veterinary degrees. In 2021, AVBC has been able to assure the veterinary boards of Australia and New Zealand that Australasian veterinary curricula continue to meet accreditation standards and that final year students are on track to achieving all of the Day One Competences necessary to register and practise.
Resilience and Adaptability
The 2021 graduating class have been described as the “most wanted” cohort of veterinary graduates ever. This class has demonstrated vital attributes of successful veterinarians – adaptability, resilience & resourcefulness over the past 2 years. The future for veterinary medicine is bright, and we look forward to seeing the contribution they will make to the profession in Australia and New Zealand.
For New Graduates – Read the joint letter from the AVBC, AVA and VSANZ to the 2021 cohort of Veterinary Students
For Employers – Read the joint letter from the AVBC, AVA and VSANZ to prospective employers