Understanding your CPD requirements
From 1 July 2026, registered veterinary nurses in Western Australia are required to complete and record Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each registration year.
The Veterinary Practice Board (WA) has introduced a reflective CPD model designed to support professional competence, confidence and safe, contemporary veterinary practice.
10 hours
CPD required each registration year for registered veterinary nurses.
Annual: 1 July - 30 June
CPD follows the annual registration period, not the calendar year.
TopClass
The Board’s approved platform for recording CPD activities and reflection.
What is CPD?
CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It is ongoing learning that helps veterinary nurses maintain, improve and expand the knowledge and skills they use in practice.
The CPD cycle: Plan, Do, Record, Review
The Veterinary Practice Board (WA) has introduced an outcomes-based and reflective CPD model. This encourages veterinary nurses to think about their current role, future goals, areas for development and how learning can be applied in practice.
What can count as CPD?
CPD can include a broad range of learning activities, as long as they are relevant to your professional role and supported by reflection.
- Online learning, short courses and micro-credentials
- Conferences, seminars, webinars and workshops
- Wet labs, skills labs and practical training
- Workplace training, case discussions and clinical rounds
- Mentoring, supervision or observation with feedback
- Reading articles, journals or professional resources
- Professional wellbeing learning, including communication, teamwork, leadership and burnout prevention
What evidence should you keep?
Veterinary nurses should keep enough evidence to show that they participated in the activity and reflected on their learning.
- Certificates of completion or attendance
- Assessment results or transcripts
- Attendance records or registration confirmations
- Meeting notes, agendas or learning summaries
- Links to relevant resources
- Reflective notes about how the learning applies to your role
- CPD plans and reviews
- Other equivalent evidence demonstrating participation and learning
What does this mean for veterinary nurses?
For WA veterinary nurses, compulsory CPD is an opportunity to take a more structured approach to professional development.
It can help you stay current, build confidence, strengthen your clinical and professional skills, and support safe, effective patient care.
Rather than leaving CPD until the end of the registration year, it may be helpful to plan early, choose learning that genuinely supports your role, and record activities as you go.
AVT Owner and Director, Dr Anne Beugelaar says the introduction of compulsory CPD for veterinary nurses is an important step for the profession in Western Australia.
“Western Australia is leading the way in recognising veterinary nurses as skilled professionals who make a real difference in practice every day,” Anne says.
“When we support veterinary nurses to keep learning, growing and being recognised for the work they do, we raise the standard of care across the whole team. And that is what matters most – better care for the animals and patients who rely on us.”
Looking for practical CPD options?
AVT’s short programs and micro-credentials are designed for veterinary nurses and veterinary teams wanting practical, role-relevant professional development.
For eligible micro-credentials, your learning may also contribute evidence towards the Veterinary Practice Board (WA)’s Advanced Veterinary Nurse Recognition program, helping you make your CPD more purposeful and connected to your professional goals.
Where can I find more information?
The Veterinary Practice Board (WA) provides detailed information about the new CPD requirements, including guidance for registered veterinary nurses.
- Information page: Overview of the CPD requirements for veterinarians and veterinary nurses registered in WA.
- Frequently asked questions: Helpful answers about CPD hours, recording, evidence, audits and registration renewal.
- CPD guide: A detailed guide on the Plan, Do, Record, Review model and examples of activities that may count as CPD.
About AVT
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) has been training students in animal care, animal behaviour and training, equine care, and veterinary nursing for over 25 years in Australia.
Students who undertake AVT courses range from high school-aged students just starting their pre-vocational journey to mature-aged students seeking an alternative career path.
Graduates are highly respected and sought after by industry professionals, businesses and organisations. If you want the background knowledge and skills to help you secure your career in the animal care industry, check out our qualifications here or gain new skills by studying one of our short courses.
