25/10/2010 by Stephen Dawson.

The AMTRA website has been refreshed over the last week, with both the structure and the content undergoing a modest change in response to feedback from users. We’ve tried to make the information more accessible and easy to understand - for those who don’t know about SQPs, for students, and for current SQPs. The revised structure will also allow us to add new information more easily.

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22/10/2010 by Stephen Dawson.

The minutes of the September meeting of the AMTRA Council are now available on the AMTRA website. Items discussed, among others, include:

• fees for 2011
• CPD progress, review, and provision of information to employers
• transfer between SQP types
• diploma in veterinary nursing
• responsible use of medicines
• VMD update

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20/10/2010 by Stephen Dawson.

The organisers of the London 2012 Olympic Games are seeking volunteers to work in the dispensary at the Equine Clinic at Greenwich Park.  Applicants must hold the AMTRA SQP qualification and have experience working in a dispensary in an equine veterinary practice.

For further information on how to apply, email Celia Marr, celia.marr@rossdales.com with a brief summary of your experience.

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19/10/2010 by Stephen Dawson.

All 4195 SQP renewal notices have been issued. These need to be returned by 30 November - either via your employer if they are coordinating responses, or directly to the AMTRA office.

If you’ve not received your renewal by 25 October, please contact the AMTRA office.

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15/10/2010 by Stephen Dawson.

AMTRA is supporting AHDA in delivering a regional series of CPD events in February and March 2011 aimed at both farm animal and companion animal SQPs.

The first ten events are as follows:

Monday 14 February: Lifton, Devon
Tuesday 15 February: Ilminster, Somerset
Wednesday 16 February: Chippenham, Wiltshire
Thursday 17 February: Bransford, Worcestershire

Wednesday 23 February: Stirling
Thursday 24 February: Aberdeen

Monday 7 March: St Clears, Carmarthenshire
Tuesday 8 March: Marchwiel, Wrexham
Wednesday 9 March: Hexham, Northumberland
Thursday 10 March: Penrith, Cumbria

The companion animal content which as well as covering dogs and cats will include a regulatory update, will be in the afternoon from 2.15pm until 4.45pm.

The farm animal event will feature information on COWS (Control Of Worms Sustainably in cattle) and fluke control, and will take place from 5.30pm to 7.45pm followed by a hot buffet.

Additional venues for in eastern and south-eastern England for companion animal content only will follow afterwards and will be confirmed soon.

All SQPs will be sent details on how to register to attend these events, and that information will appear here shortly. In the meantime, please note the dates in your diary.

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11/10/2010 by Stephen Dawson.

As the number of SQPs (Suitably Qualified Persons) reaches a new record high, AMTRA has announced there will be no increase in fees for SQPs this year.

“With the number of SQPs in the UK now almost 4200, AMTRA has been able to hold renewal fees unchanged this year,” explains Stephen Dawson, Secretary General of AMTRA. “We are pleased that during the current economic climate, we have been able to pass real-terms savings on to hard-working SQPs and their employers.”
More SQPs, combined with a reduction in administrative costs, has meant that despite exam and other external costs increasing, AMTRA have also been able to keep enrolment fees unchanged.

“These price freezes are not only good news for SQPs individually, but the growing number of SQPs underlines the increasing value placed on SQPs within the animal health industry as a whole,” Mr Dawson continues. “The feedback we get from the industry and customers is that SQPs are providing a much-needed service, and their advice is valued and trusted. But we don’t want to rest on our laurels. AMTRA has already started work on increasing the amount of CPD we offer next year, and making that CPD available as widely as possible. We will be announcing CPD events on our website and by alerting individual SQPs.”

Stephen Dawson says that ensuring value for money for SQP renewal fees continues to be a priority for AMTRA. “We are looking at providing new and improved services for SQPs which we will be announcing next year. As AMTRA SQP numbers continue to grow, they become an increasingly important source of information and medicines for pets and livestock, working alongside vets to make a vital contribution to animal health and welfare,” Mr Dawson concludes.

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