5 Techniques You’ll Master in the Surgical Nursing Certificate
Whether you’re a veterinary nurse looking to deepen your surgical knowledge or a paraprofessional aiming to expand your clinical capabilities, our Surgical Nursing Certificate programme has been specifically designed to transform your day-to-day confidence in the operating room.
Delivered entirely online, this flexible yet robust programme combines practical insight with expert-led learning to equip you with a highly relevant and in-demand skillset. But what does this actually mean? Well, to give you some ideas, here are five key techniques you’ll master during the certificate course (and why they matter):
Why take a vet nurse certificate?
As a veterinary nurse, you’re an essential cog in the veterinary practice machine – but often an overlooked one. Taking a vet nurse certificate can be a way to prove your skills in a particular area of veterinary practice. You can move to spend more time in areas that interest you, or ask for higher pay, or just feel more confident helping the pets in your care. Whether you’re scared of scrubbing in or want to be trusted with minor surgical procedures, the surgical nursing certificate is a great way to step up your career.
What you’ll learn on the surgical nursing certificate programme:
1. Suturing and Minor Surgical Procedures
From closing complex wounds to performing small procedures, you’ll develop hands-on confidence in suturing techniques and Schedule 3 veterinary nursing. The certificate course covers essential skills such as ear tip amputations, skin biopsies, and effective wound closure, empowering you to work more independently and support surgeons more efficiently. And, if you’d like to practice your techniques in the wet lab, we offer an optional practical module too!
2. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
You’ll be introduced to the increasingly vital skill of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS), with training in AFAST™ and TFAST™ techniques. These allow rapid identification of critical issues like internal bleeding or pleural effusion, giving you the tools to make a tangible difference in life-saving moments.
3. Anaesthesia & Analgesia Management
An in-depth understanding of anaesthetic protocols and pain management is fundamental to high-quality surgical nursing. We will help you refine your approach to monitoring anaesthesia, selecting appropriate agents, and ensuring patients remain stable and comfortable throughout their procedures.
4. Optimising Surgical Imaging
Imaging is an essential part of modern veterinary surgery. You’ll gain a better understanding of how to assist with diagnostic imaging and use it effectively to support surgical planning and review. This includes practical insight into radiographic positioning, interpreting results, and troubleshooting imaging challenges.
5. Wound Care & Complication Management
Successful surgical outcomes rely on excellent post-operative care. Learn how to identify and manage complications early, apply advanced wound care techniques, and support the healing process through appropriate nursing interventions. All key to improving recovery times and patient wellbeing.
Take your career further with a surgical nursing certificate
Running from June 2025, this 100% online course allows you to study alongside your clinical commitments while gaining a recognised qualification awarded by ISVPS. You’ll be supported by a team of experienced veterinary professionals and have access to our comprehensive e-learning platform that brings the learning to life.
Whether you’re in general practice or a referral setting, our surgical nursing certificate programme will give you the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to take your role to the next level and become the go-to theatre nurse in your practice!
👉 Explore the full course details and register your interest today
