The VPMA and UMD Professional have launched a joint initiative to provide a new way of achieving the Certificate in Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM).

Managers wishing to achieve the CVPM can now take UMD Professional's distance learning course for veterinary practice managers, which also leads to the Institute of Leadership and Management's (ILM) Level 5 Diploma in Management. The course provides the theoretical grounding required for the CVPM, but also focuses on practical management skills in the areas of planning, communications, marketing, client care, finance and people management.

To achieve the CVPM by this route candidates need to complete the ILM Level 5 Diploma course followed by a presentation to the CVPM examination board and undertake an oral examination set by the VPMA. "This new arrangement means that practice managers can access management training relevant to their careers in a flexible way, and have the benefit of achieving two qualifications at the same time." said Brian Wright of the VPMA.

More information on the course is available from Penny Parry of UMD Professional on 020 8255 2070 and on the new arrangements for the CVPM from the VPMA Secretariat on 07000 782324.