Helping to combat the Veterinary Shortage
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The Register of AVE candidates, and the Return to Work program are 2 useful services provided by the AVA.
AVA Register of AVE candidates
As there’s such a shortage of vets at the moment, some clinics may consider hosting an overseas qualified vet while they gain experience prior to sitting the AVE – and potentially be in a position to subsequently offer employment.
To assist AVE candidates to gain work experience and enable veterinary clinics to gain access to available AVE candidates, the AVA maintains a database that can link the two groups. In order to practice in Australia, veterinarians who gained their qualifications overseas are required to first pass the Australasian Veterinary Exam (AVE). Candidates who have passed the Preliminary (MCQ) Examination are encouraged by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc (AVBC) to gain practical experience at private veterinary practices to assist with their preparations for the Final (Clinical) Examination. They are also encouraged to take the appropriate steps to gain some form of limited, specific or conditional registration with the Veterinary Surgeons Board in the State or Territory in which they wish to gain work experience.
For more information and to request access to available AVE candidates, please visit the AVA website https://www.ava.com.au/member-services/vetsuccess/ave-candidate-hub/host-an-ave-candidate/ or contact them at 1300 137 309
AVA Return to Work Program
Now is a great time to return to working in clinical practice if you’ve been taking a break or pursuing other interests. Because of the intense competition between practices to secure vets, many practices will be very willing to listen to what you need in terms of hours, rosters and flexibility – and some are offering great packages, perks, relocation, and support. If pay rates contributed to you leaving the profession, then you could be pleasantly surprised at what some clinics are now offering.
On the other hand, if you are an employer seeking to support an employee returning to work – or encouraging a previous employee to return to work after a break – this can be part of your support toolkit.
About the AVA Return to Work Program
The Return to Work program is the AVA’s online self-paced learning program consisting of 5 clinical modules, 4 non-clinical modules and a practical skills guide. The program is recommended for veterinarians who wish to return to clinical practice after a career break or period of leave, or veterinarians in practice and industry who are seeking a refresher. It is also recommended for veterinary students.
Getting back to work and keeping up to date is important for building self-confidence, increasing social connections, recovering from an illness or injury, and for financial reasons. Work is beneficial to mental health and overall well-being. It’s a place to develop skills and enjoy a sense of purpose and identity.
For more information, visit the AVA website here https://www.ava.com.au/education-events/ava-return-to-work-program/
Author:
Wendy Nathan
Kookaburra Veterinary Employment
This information includes the views and opinions of Kookaburra Veterinary Employment and is of a general nature only. Factual information is believed to be correct at the time of writing, however, should not be relied upon and any person should confirm details with the relevant authorities and through their own research prior to acting on any of the suggestions in this article.
