Acovene accreditation Viseu: ‘assurance of up-to-date, quality education’

Acovene accreditation in Viseu: a guarantee of leading-edge, high-quality education

The Acovene accreditation Viseu marks an important milestone for veterinary education in Portugal. The veterinary nursing course of the Agrarian School of Viseu – Polytechnic University of Viseu (ESAV-IPV) has been re-accredited by Acovene, confirming its position among Europe’s top veterinary nursing programs.

Cristina Mega DVM PhD, teacher at the school and Acovene coordinator, shares what this accreditation means for ESAV-IPV and for students pursuing veterinary nursing education in Portugal.

Assurance of Up-to-Date, Quality Veterinary Nursing Education

‘Acovene reaccreditation means that we’ve achieved a high standard of teaching ability, something we’ve always aimed for. We’re proud that our efforts have been recognized and accredited, showing our school is up to European standards. For our students, it means assurance of receiving up-to-date, quality education. As a bonus, their degree will be valid in several countries, which opens the door to an international career.’

The Acovene accreditation Viseu process was detailed and challenging, requiring updates and investment to meet European veterinary education standards. ‘Some of the changes needed were costly and not always easy as we were already very committed to the study cycle. However, the final result is worth it, for all the recognition it brings to the graduates, students, teaching team, study cycle and our school!’

Master’s Degree in Veterinary Nursing: A European First

The ESAV-IPV veterinary nursing program offers both undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.
‘What we’re most proud of? Our graduates! They have excelled in their professional duties, in general nursing and many nursing specialities, from anaesthesia to physiotherapy, to hospital management and many others, in Portugal and abroad. Their reputation is the reason that our school fills up with new students every year.

We’re also proud of having created learning opportunities, like congresses and professional meetings, and for having created a Scientific Poster Competition, only for Veterinary Nurses. We have also created the first Master’s degree in Europe for Veterinary Nursing, “Master in Companion Animal Nursing”, giving our graduates the possibility to further their education and follow a career in higher education.’

This highlights how Acovene accreditation in Viseu supports career development for veterinary nurses and ensures the program meets international veterinary education standards.

‘A Process of Continuous Improvement’

The veterinary nursing study cycle at ESAV-IPV was founded in 2004 – the school recently celebrated its 20th anniversary – with 40 to 50 students graduating every year.

‘We’ve been accredited since 2014, and it is a process of continuous improvement to meet Acovene standards. Acovene met our needs as a guiding and regulation partner, showing us what we must improve and checking it was done right. Since the first accreditation, we have improved standardization in procedures, kept more formal records of events, increased our equipment, improved our facilities and implemented OSCES as a teaching and evaluation resource.’

The Acovene accreditation Viseu continues to ensure quality veterinary nursing education, international recognition, and professional growth for students and graduates alike.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that what veterinary nurses can and cannot do legally may differ per country.

(©Photo Viseu)