Veterinary medicine has advanced significantly in recent years making this a key area of study
This programme has been designed to provide Veterinary Nurses, and Veterinary Paraprofessionals with the opportunity to access relevant and up-to-date knowledge of small animal nursing of medical cases and to use this knowledge to improve the treatment given to canine and feline patients in practice.
What you’ll learn...
-
Anaesthesia and Analgesia - An in-depth exploration of the principles and practices essential in the administration of anaesthesia within veterinary settings alongside learning the intricate principles of pain management including analgesic agents, pain assessment techniques, and strategic approaches to alleviate pain.
-
Principles of the clinic and the patient - Understanding principles in managing a practice is crucial. The Clinic module covers organizational structures, client communication strategies, and compliance with regulatory standards while the Patient module emphasises the importance of tailoring care plans to individual patient needs.
-
Imaging and Oncology - The Imaging module explores diagnostic imaging techniques, including radiography and ultrasonography, enhancing participants' diagnostic capabilities in veterinary practice. The Oncology module delves into veterinary oncology principles, covering the diagnosis, treatment, and holistic management of cancer in animals.
-
Body systems and Pharmacology- The body system module will provide delegates with up-to-date knowledge on the common medical diseases seen in practice and their nursing considerations, allowing delegates to explain and discuss their typical presentations and their management. While the pharmacology module will discuss common approach to poisoning cases, diagnostic testing, importance of antibody testing vaccination and the rational use of drugs in medical management.
Why choose this programme?
-
The course comprises 8 modules in total with a module being delivered every month. The module content is divided into four weeks of teaching.
-
Learning objectives are covered in the first three weeks and delivered via nine online lessons. The module is concluded with two interactive reflective sessions (where appropriate) or case studies within week four.
-
At the end of this programme you can book three optional attendance hands-on modules to help further your understanding.
Hear what our delegates have to say
Don’t just take our word for it - our delegate feedback speaks for itself.
Garrick Ponte
BVSc GPCert(SAM) MRCVS
The teaching at Improve is excellent and I have been able to take what I have learnt back to use in practice. It’s not just the lectures themselves but the practical work we did straight afterwards which drives home everything, which is why Impro … Read more
Colin Dickson
BVMS CertAVP MRCVS
Having previously completed a postgraduate surgery certificate with another provider, I was confident in my knowledge and understanding of the theory but felt underprepared from a practical perspective. I was initially hesitant to register for another … Read more
Key features of this programme
12-month subscription to the RCVS Knowledge Library
Support and guidance from a specialist Module Tutor in internal medicine
Multiple learning processes
100% online, Interactive and engaging modules
Dedicated Programme Coordinator
Accredited CPD
12-month subscription to the RCVS Knowledge Library
Optional practical module
Complementary online study skills lessons
12-month subscription to the RCVS Knowledge Library
Support and guidance from a specialist Module Tutor in internal medicine
Multiple learning processes
100% online, Interactive and engaging modules
Dedicated Programme Coordinator
Accredited CPD
12-month subscription to the RCVS Knowledge Library
Optional practical module
Complementary online study skills lessons
Programme details
Module Summary
01 - Anaesthesia
Key learning objectives
At the end of the module delegate should be able to:
- Review acid/base balance, the practical application of blood products and explain when different fluid replacement options should be used. Demonstrate the ability to perform all types of fluid administration calculations.
- Explain the importance of client consent forms, patient anaesthesia records and be able to complete both correctly.
- Obtain knowledge of basic through to advanced patient monitoring and the pros and cons of multi-parameter monitoring for specific cases. Describe and explain abnormal capnography and pulse oximetry waveforms and suggest options to improve them.
- Understand the use of different pre-anaesthetic medication, induction and maintenance agents, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each in specific cases.
- Identify different types of endotracheal tubes and their use explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each. Demonstrate the skill of intubating easy & more difficult patients
02 - Analgesia
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the modules delegates should be able to :
- Appreciate the pathophysiology of pain and be able to identify pain in different species using pain scoring methods.
- Explain the different classes of analgesia, including opioids, NSAIDs, local anaesthetics and other agents and their pharmacology and appreciate their different delivery methods for specific patients using the multi-modal approach.
- Pre-emptive analgesia theory and practical approaches to achieving it
- Outline the use of analgesia in medical patients for chronic and palliative use.
- Describe appropriate analgesic agents for the use of CRI, when and how these should be used/monitored and be able to perform a CRI calculation.
- Demonstrate different intravenous catheterisation techniques including central venous catheterisation.
- Be able to place a central venous line
03 - Principles- The Clinic
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the module delegates should be able to;
- Discuss how hospital layout affects the running of a clinic in relation to infection control and the importance of specific patient areas on patient recovery.
- Understand how hospital acquired infections are obtained and spread, as well as the different types of infection.
- Distinguish between the terms of disinfection and sterilization and how these techniques are implemented within the hospital setting.
- Gain knowledge of the importance of the appropriate selection and use of medical equipment for specific diagnostic procedures and patient monitoring.
- Explain how to store, maintain and prepare the above equipment.
- Appreciate the importance of hospital Health & Safety.
- Be able to identify potential risks and hazards within the medical setting and have the knowledge of how to reduce these risks.
04 - Principles - The Patient
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the module delegates should be able to;
- Discuss the importance of daily patient assessment and record keeping of the medical patient via charting systems. Be able to outline physical examination techniques and explain their relevance.
- Outline the importance of the specific nursing requirements of inpatients with specific pathophysiology and life stage. Be able to explain the importance of nursing care plans and their use.
- Obtain knowledge of the role of nutrition in the medical patient, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of both enteral and parenteral administration and how to manage these cases within the clinic.
- Select the appropriate patient preparation technique and positioning required for specific medical procedures.
- Identify medical diseases and procedures that result in an outpatient assessment and the significance of outpatient monitoring.
- Become familiar with identifying medical complications and consolidate your knowledge of how to minimise them.
- Explain the set up and maintenance of endoscopes and when they are most useful as part of a diagnostic work-up
- Appreciate the importance of clinical governance & client communication within the veterinary clinic.
05 - Imaging
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the module delegates should be able to;
- Explain the different radiographic techniques available, their pros and cons and uses in specific situations
- Evaluate radiographic image quality to ensure diagnostic radiographs are available for interpretation and improve your basic film reading, identifying radiographic artefacts and faults.
- Revise contrast studies, becoming familiar with their use and the specific equipment required to perform them
- Understand the principles of ultrasound imaging and be familiar with how to set up and maintain the ultrasound machine and probes
- Identify specific equipment and materials required for ultrasound-guided procedures
- Employ the principles of FAST scanning to triage emergency cases
- Review advanced imaging (CT/MRI and scintigraphy) and their uses in diagnosis and monitoring medical cases
06 - Oncology
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the modules delegates should be able to;
- Discuss the biology of cancer and paraneoplastic disease
- Describe the principles, challenges and ethics of cancer treatment in dogs and cats
- Outline the options for local management of tumours including surgery and radiation therapy
- Explain how systemic management of tumours can be achieved through chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy
- Select appropriate diagnostic methods for the investigation and management of: Lymphoma; mast cell tumours; bone tumours; splenic tumours; oral tumours and selected other common tumours
- Familiarise yourself with specific feline tumours
- Identify and understand oncological emergencies
- Evaluate the unique challenges of starting an oncology clinic - practicalities of administering chemotherapy and management of clients
- Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of drug safety, staff and owner protection
07 - Body Systems
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the module delegates should be able to;
- Appreciate clinical assessment and how it that can be used to narrow down location of a respiratory problem
- Explain the typical presentations, treatment and follow up required for a variety of respiratory diseases in small animal practice including feline asthma/bronchitis, chronic canine bronchitis, lungworm, pneumonia and nasal disease.
- Discuss the common signs of acute and chronic gastrointestinal disease and logical approaches to investigating the underlying causes
- Describe the most common gastrointestinal diseases and how to treat and/or manage them successfully.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of liver disease in the cat and dog
- Compare pancreatitis in cats and dogs in relation to presentation and treatment options
- Recognise the importance of the classification of chronic kidney disease in relation to management and monitoring
- Become familiar with the diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring challenges of a variety of endocrine diseases including those associated with the pancreas, adrenal and thyroid glands.
08 - Medical Pharmacology
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the module delegates should be able to;
- Appreciate the challenges involved in getting the best out of laboratory tests including sampling methods and test selection
- Describe a general approach to all poisoning cases including what resources are available, what diagnostic tests may help and how to treat common toxicities
- Discuss rational drug use– consider how we protect antibiotic use, other considerations in therapeutic trials in medicine cases and monitoring for side effects
- Consider traditional UK infectious diseases - how they are diagnosed, managed and treatment options
- Become familiar with infectious diseases new to the UK and discuss the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of these conditions
- Describe how antibody testing can be useful in vaccination protocols
- Be familiar with WSAVA vaccination guidelines
Optional Module Summary
01 - Medical Nursing Ultrasound Triage
Course Description/Objectives:
- Learn how to rapidly triage the medical emergency patient using ultrasound – and save lives!
- Emergency assessment of the acute abdomen – with confidence
- Quick and safe evaluation of the dyspnoeic dog and cat
- Is this cardiac or respiratory? – In seconds!
- Rapidly identify abdominal fluid/ internal bleeding/ pleural effusion/ pneumothorax/ pulmonary oedema
- Interactive, case-based approach to real emergencies and critical patients
.
Qualifications
Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (NCert/VPPCert)
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate
To attain the NCert qualification, you must be able to prove your eligibility by either uploading your veterinary nursing qualification certificate or RCVS/VCI number to Improve once you have booked onto your programme of study. To attain the VPPCert candidates must be pass the eligibility criteria as set by ISVPS.
Speakers
Pricing
Up to 31 days before course starts
Less than 60 days before course starts
Pricing Billing
Medical Nursing Early price
NCert/VPPCert in Medical Nursing (online) Optional Practical Modules Regular price
NCert/VPPCert in Medical Nursing (online) Optional Practical Modules Regular price
Payment Terms & Conditions
Registration Information
100% Satisfaction
We're completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. So much so that if you're not 100% satisfied with your certificate course, we'll give you a 100% refund. Just get in touch with us within 30 days of your start date and we'll sort the rest. T's and C's apply.
Find out more
FAQs
Veterinary Nurse Certificates
What’s not included in the programme fee? Do I need to budget for any other costs?
What does the programme fee for the vet nurse certificate include?
How long does it take to study a veterinary nurse certificate programme?
How will studying a veterinary nurse certificate programme benefit me and my practice?
What are the assessments for the NCert/VPPCert?
Does the Nurse Certificate/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate award postnominals?
What is a Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (VPPCert)?
What is a Nurse Certificate (NCert)?
How long do I have to complete a veterinary nurse certificate?
Who is eligible for the veterinary nurse certificate programmes?
What qualifications are needed for the nurse certificate programme if coming from other countries?
Practical Sessions
Where are practical CPD courses or face-to-face modules held?
What will the timings be for face-to-face certificate modules and practical CPD sessions? How will my day be structured?
Where do the cadavers come from for the practical CPD and surgical modules/courses?
What should I wear to a practical CPD course/module?
I will be travelling from overseas, do I need a Visa?
Will the dogs used for practical CPD courses be sedated?
Will the dogs used for scanning have any abnormalities?
Are the dogs used for ultrasound CPD clipped?
Are cats used for any of the ultrasound courses?
Payments & Finance
What payment methods do you accept?
Do you offer any flexible payment plans?
What payment methods can I use for setting up a direct debit?
Do you issue separate invoices for each instalment?
Why was my Direct Debit payment not charged on the day that is established in my payment plan?
Why couldn’t I make payment during check-out?
Where can I find the bank details for the bank/wire transfer?
What happens if my circumstances change and I need to cancel my order?
When is payment for my veterinary CPD course due?
How much do the veterinary CPD courses and certificate programmes cost?
My course includes assessments with HAU, how do I make payment for these?
My CPD course includes assessments with ISVPS, how do I make payment for these?
Can I pay by Direct Debit?
Online Learning & Platform
Is there a discussion forum or way to interact with other delegates?
What happens if I lose internet connection or need to pause my session?
How do I track my progress in each online module?
Can I access course materials on mobile devices or offline?
What are the technical requirements to access online courses?
If coming from a non-European country – how would face-to-face module attendance work for the PgC?
How do I register for the GPCert and/or the PgC?
Is the PgC programme recognised by other countries?
No ordinary online learning experience
Learn with the leading global provider of online veterinary CPD!
Find out more