Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The VSBSA, in common with other professional bodies, considers it is important for members of the veterinary profession to be involved in a regular programme of CPD. S.36 of the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 requires that all practising veterinary surgeons must undertake continuing professional development every year, and provide a return indicating the number of CPD points undertaken that year with their renewal. The Board has set the requirement at 60 units of CPD over a 3 year period as the minimum standard.

A copy of your CPD record card should be returned with your renewal notice each year. If renewing 'on-line' you must include the number of CPD points you accrued through the year. AVA members can log in to the AVA website (www.ava.com.au) to access their CPD points.

Copies of CPD Record Cards can be obtained from the office of the Registrar, or you can download a copy from the Forms page of this site. Record cards should be kept up to date by the veterinary surgeon and you should be aware that a copy may be required in the event a complaint is received. It is recommended you keep copies of your CPD Records Cards for 5 years, along with evidence of the courses undertaken.

Exemptions

Those exempt from CPD are:

New graduates in their first year of practice
Registrants undergoing formal post graduate training
Those on the non-practising/retired register

CPD Units - How Much?

60 units of CPD per triennium must be undertaken. At least 15 of these units should be structured continuing education (eg lectures; courses; workshops; seminars etc).

The VSBSA accepts that some members, for example those in geographically remote areas, may have difficulties in achieving the minimum away from their home or work base and therefore a degree of flexibility in meeting the above will be accepted.

The 3-year rule is to allow for attendance or presentation at courses in areas that may not be commonplace in mainstream veterinary medicine.

Structured (minimum 15 units each triennium)
Activity		Unit Value
University CVE courses	1 hour	1 unit
Postgraduate courses etc.	1 hour	1 unit
Conferences, Seminars, etc	1 hour	1 unit
Presentation &/or publication of papers	1 hour lecture	5 units
Other professional presentations	1 hour	1 unit
Correspondence courses	2 hours	1 unit
Written assessment tests	1 test	1 unit
Assessed audio/video tapes/information Technology	2 hours	1 unit
Unstructured
Activity		Unit Value
Reading	2 hours	1 unit
Non-assessed audio/video tapes/information Technology	2 hours	1 unit

What is appropriate CPD?

CPD is much broader than veterinary medicine and surgery. CPD that is relevant and of benefit to any aspect of a veterinary surgeon's professional life may be considered to be appropriate and recordable CPD. For example, practice management, stress management and communication skills are as important as other forms of CPD that relate more directly to veterinary medicine and surgery.

The source of continuing education is wide ranging. Broadly, any educational material emanating from organisations affiliated with the WVA, recognized universities or TAFEs could be considered, but some may need to prove relevance.

The AVA Bulletin provides information about courses, seminars etc that will accrue CPD points. Attendance at information meetings sponsored by the VSB will also accrue points.

Registrants can contact or email the Registrar ( registrar@vsbsa.org.au) with queries about CPD.