UK amends OET grade requirements for overseas-qualified Veterinarians
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has amended the English language requirements for overseas-trained veterinary surgeons looking to practice, work and live in the United Kingdom (UK).
The College now accepts OET scores where registrants have achieved a C+ in one sub-test, provided the overall average grade remains a B score.
Another opportunity for Vets
The amendment presents as an opportunity for overseas trained veterinarians who previously missed the mark to register with the RCVS.
Prior to the change, registrants were required to achieve B grades in all four sub-tests as proof of their English skills.
The Council agreed that the new requirement could help to boost the number of practicing veterinary workers in the UK, while maintaining the quality of communication and language skills necessary for safe and quality care.
Veterinarians in demand
The RCVS Council introduce more flexibility into the English proficiency requirements for veterinarians to help improve the current workforce shortage. Alongside the UK’s decision to leave the EU (European Union) and the pandemic, growing pet ownership has furthered the shortage of qualified veterinarians practicing in the UK.
The Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association (PFMA) in the United Kingdom has released annual pet population data showing that 3.2 million households have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic. Currently, there are 34 million pets in the UK, 24 million of which are cats and dogs.
A pet survey from PFMA revealed that 3.9 million young adults from ages 24 to 35 have either already added or are planning to add a new pet to their household.
“With millions working from home or furloughed from their jobs, many have clearly considered the numerous benefits of pet ownership,” said PFMA Deputy Chief Executive Nicole Paley.
Opportunities for Veterinarians
The amendment can help encourage overseas-trained veterinarians to begin their journeys to register and work in the United Kingdom to satisfy demands.
But it’s not all bad news. In a survey from the RCVS Council taken by veterinarians in early 2021, 58% of respondents said they had the same number of full-time equivalent staff as compared to 2020 while 23% of practices had more staff than before.
The same survey also shows that most practices were still able to earn money, and some practices even experienced improvements in their earnings. These findings suggest that veterinarians looking to earn a living in the UK still have job opportunities amid a global pandemic.
If you’re looking to register and work in the United Kingdom, you will need to take an English test. For more information about OET’s unique Veterinary Sciences English test, head to our website.
About OET
OET is the global leader in international English language test specifically for healthcare professionals. The test assesses the communication skills of healthcare professionals who seek to register and practice in an English-speaking environment.
OET results are accepted by healthcare regulators world-wide, including in the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and Singapore. The test is also recognised in Australia and New Zealand for visa and immigration purposes, while doctors, nurses and midwives in the UK are not required to take a separate English language test when applying for a Tier 2 (General) visa if they have provided OET results as proof of English proficiency to their healthcare regulator.
For more information visit http://www.oet.com contact media@oet.com.au.