OCN

OCN is a National Awarding Organisation licensed to recognise achievement of Qualifications within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). This has replaced the QCF which has been withdrawn. The RQF will help people to understand better how qualifications relate to each other by setting consisent measures of size (how long, typically, a qualification takes to study and be assessed for) and level of difficulty. This has had no effect on ICAT's qualifications currently on offer.

OCN is regulated by Ofqual, ensuring students have the best possible learning experience.
They have over 30 years' expertise in developing flexible credit-based qualifications that offer progression opportunities for learners.

How does OCN Accreditation work?

ICAT Diploma courses are accredited by OCN who endorse selected ICAT training programmes. This means that OCN quality assure our training and ensure that key procedures and policies are in place, including learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Having an OCN endorsed training programme demonstrates that the content has been recognised by a leading Awarding Organisation to be of a high quality. The courses are regulated by a completely independent body, which ensures standardisation of teaching, course delivery and support, on an ongoing basis. Strict policies and procedures are in place to ensure best practice, including equal opportunities and complaint procedures.

All courses are both internally and externally verified ensuring consistency of delivery and on-going training and support.

Industry Legislation
RMPR Project

Defra are currently reviewing the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (Exemptions) Order 1962 as part of the Review of Minor Procedures Regime (RMPR) project. The purpose of the RMPR project is to undertake a review of how a range of activities ("minor procedures" or "minor acts of veterinary surgery") undertaken by non-veterinarians should be controlled in the future. It is highly likely that changes in legislation will necessitate that all animal Musculoskeletal Therapists will be required to hold a 'General Conditions of Recognition' approved qualification. It is also highly likely that related human therapists for example, physiotherapists, wishing to work upon animals, will also be required to hold an animal related qualification.