Transitional Diploma moan!

Re: Transitional Diploma moan!

Alex Brotherston — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:59:35 GMT

I was in the same boat regarding the transition, but luckily it didn't take me much longer to qualify. We got our NPL logins 3 months later than we were supposed to which meant I couldn't do the practicals last summer which I had hoped to, and had to wait to do the winter ones, which thankfully I passed in January and am now qualified.

After all the hype from the RCVS about the transition, we were expecting a far better course structure and for the NPL to revolutionise the whole thing. However, we were left wishing that the portfolio was back (which we all despised at the time!) and feeling like complete guinea pigs as both our college and the RCVS seemed to have no idea what was going on. Many questions were left unanswered and we were left guessing with everything. I'm amazed I got my NPL done as most of it was pure guess work and my IV had no real idea as to how it was supposed to be completed! The majority of my class group are still to complete their NPL, when we finished college in July last year and have been at the NPL since last January!

The RCVS seem to have made a complete ***-up of this 'amazing' transition that they promised to us, and we have all been left feeling thoroughly let down. Is that just me?

Re: Transitional Diploma moan!

Eira Davies — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:07:29 GMT

I've done this course and although its much more work and takes that bit longer, im glad i did it! I feel much more knowledgeable having learnt some units in alot more depth compared to the NVQ, such as diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia. However, exotic and equine nursing were taught at our college but in handout form, and WERE in my final exam! The only word of advice i can give is 'hang in there, it's most definately worth it'

p.s

I hated the NPL with a passion, and wasnt a massive fan of the essays either lol but the feeling when they're all done is amazing!

Re: Transitional Diploma moan!

Jenny Cook RVN — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:14:33 GMT

Hi, I'm in same boat. I should have finished last September also. Should be qualified by now. Course content I assume has changed because it is now classed as a level 3 diploma, higher than an NVQ as before. I've had to do three pointless assignments, basically taken from the NPL. I don't understand why I should have to write essays, I thought that's why they hot rid of portfolio. I've also had to do 3 college exams, a seen exam on professional registration and two unseen on ECC and general nursing. Again a pointless waste of time exercise... Although I thought it was my college who made up these exams to fluff the course out abit. Also, I have not done any equine at all. As transitional students, we were told we don't need to do it. Anyoe who started it normally will have to do equine handling, husbandry, etc etc... I'm also very pissed off with college and lantra awarding bodies, cos I'm being made to redo my English key skills, which I completed along with maths n IT on my national diploma in animal management!! At the beginning of my nvq I was told all is ok with my key skills. Started transitional course, again told all ok... Last week get told by my apprentice liason officer that I have to redo it cos they changed their minds about wether it was in date or not... Grrrr, I now have to do an English exam after my long college day and do a English portfolio in my own time... Sorry gone off on tangent, lol... Sorry if this doesn't separate into paragraphs, its cos I'm on my phone.