"The clock is ticking on the current CPD (Continuing Professional Development) training period for qualified animal health advisors, known as SQPs (Suitably Qualified Persons)," says Stephen Dawson, Secretary General of AMTRA, the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority. "The current training period ends on 30th June 2011 - that’s only about eleven months from now," Mr Dawson points out.
AMTRA is required by the Veterinary Medicines Regulations to ensure its SQPs undertake CPD and all SQPs must earn a certain number of CPD points in a given period of time in order to retain their qualification.
"Although the large majority of SQPs are on track to achieve their points target by the end of June 2011, with many having significantly exceeded the minimum targets, not all have. Any SQPs who haven’t got enough CPD points yet will need to make sure they do enough between now and June next year."
Stephen Dawson underlines how important it is for employers to understand the role of CPD. "While many employers have plans in place to ensure that their SQPs comply with the minimum CPD requirements, I would encourage everyone who employs SQPs, particularly smaller businesses, to ensure that their SQPs are on track to fulfilling their CPD requirements. Employers can help by planning in the time for their SQPs to attend seminars, complete modules and distance learning provided by some of the pharmaceutical companies. The business’s investment in SQPs will be wasted unless they are able to support SQPs in retaining their SQP status," explains Mr Dawson.
Accessing CPD has never been easier. Species-, disease-specific and general CPD modules are provided in animal health publications, as well as on their websites, and seminars are available throughout the year, with SQPs alerted to events via email. AMTRA also keeps SQPs up to date with their CPD points to make it easier to keep a tally on how well they are doing
For Stephen Dawson believes it is right that CPD is a legal requirement for AMTRA and SQPs. "I’d like to congratulate all SQPs for their commitment to CPD.
This kind of training keeps SQPs informed and able to give the latest accurate advice to their customers. It also shows the animal health industry and bodies such as the VMD how seriously SQPs take their commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards," concludes Mr Dawson.
