Veterinary Nursing student Rachel named AMTRA prizewinner

Posted 26 January 2023

A Harper Adams student has been named one of the Best Performing Companion Animal students of the past two years at the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority Awards.

Rachel Hallam, who is a final year BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing student from the City of Durham, was named as the second placed student for the UK in the Best Performing Companion Animal category at the 2023 awards in Birmingham.

She explained: “The award was due to my qualification as a RAMA – a Registered Animal Medicines Advisor.

“Being a RAMA allows me to prescribe and supply certain animal medicines. The main part of this role involves educating clients on parasites and providing them with the right parasite treatment for their pet.”

Rachel took her examinations before completing her industry placement year – undertaken by all Harper Adams undergraduates – where she worked at a veterinary surgery in Newcastle upon Tyne.

She added: “It was a privilege to be shortlisted and to win second prize. This was based on my marks in the base and companion animal exams. I took the exams in my second year as it was offered as an additional part of the course.

“These exams were challenging, and so it is nice to receive recognition for the hard work!”

Best performing companion animal student of the past 24 months! ??????

?? Tammy Hales @PetsatHome
?? Rachel Hallam @HarperAdamsUni #AHDAConference23 #AMTRAAwards23 pic.twitter.com/qYgogXSdXG

— AMTRA (@AMTRA_RAMA) January 23, 2023

The awards were held as part of a gala dinner at the Animal Health Distributors’ Association conference, which was the first of its kind since 202 after delays due to both the impact of the covid pandemic and to the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Rachel added: “Harper Adams has connected me with several different parts of the industry, including AMTRA with whom I got this qualification.

“There are several qualifications at AMTRA allowing you to prescribe for a range of species. There is a real emphasis on responsibility, environmental sustainability, and animal safety.”

Having visited Harper Adams as a prospective student, Rachel found herself drawn to the University due to its learning spaces and opportunities – both indoor and outdoor.

She added: “Harper stood out on open days with its practical facilities and onsite farm.  It is a great place to study to be a veterinary nurse.

“The course really combines the theoretical and the practical, as well as providing students with opportunities - such as this - to explore their specific interests.”