Operate with greater precision and confidence
The NEW Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery Certificate Programme goes beyond mastering techniques. It develops confident clinicians who think critically, plan methodically, and perform decisively in real-life orthopaedic practice.
Orthopaedic cases are rarely straightforward. Fractures, joint disease, and mobility challenges require structured decision-making, sound clinical reasoning, and clear communication. This redesigned programme equips you with the practical skills and judgement needed to manage complexity and deliver consistently high standards of care.
Built for Foundation to Intermediate Development
Designed for surgeons building confidence at foundation to intermediate level, the course emphasises safe case selection, reproducible techniques, and decision-making aligned with general practice realities. You will strengthen core foundations through thorough orthopaedic examinations, differential diagnosis, joint arthrocentesis, and fundamental surgical techniques.
A Practical, Immersive Approach
Blending expert-led online learning with case-based activities, realistic surgical scenarios, and structured wet labs supported by OSATS-style assessment, the programme focuses on performance as well as knowledge.
Practical training includes uncomplicated diaphyseal long-bone fracture repair, routine cruciate surgery, and selected joint procedures. You’ll receive real-time feedback on planning, implant selection, execution, and complication management—refining both technical precision and clinical judgement.
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
Blended Programme - A Balance of Interactive Online and Practical Modules
Structured and engaging online learning, with 10 hands-on practical modules in our state-of-the-art wet-lab facilities
Personalised Expert Mentorship
One-to-one feedback from your mentor, continuous guidance from your coordinator, and a safe space to ask anything, anytime and anonymously.
Decision-making, Communication & Resilience Training
Build essential non-technical skills including risk communication, emotional regulation, error management, and operating room leadership.
Structured Learning That Builds Real Confidence
Each module contains online content and resources that provide the theory and foundations to the practical block training that follows - helping you retain and apply your knowledge.
Expert-Led Training
Gain insights from leading veterinary specialists and connect with them directly during hands-on sessions at our state-of-the-art training centre.
Engaging, Multi-Format Learning
Enjoy interactive presentations, detailed notes, quizzes, surgical videos, and real case-based discussions.
Collaborative Community
Join a professional network of veterinary surgeons sharing cases, challenges, and experiences via our dedicated virtual learning environment and in-person modules.
Unrivalled Support
You’ll be supported throughout by a dedicated Programme Coordinator and access experts and specialists in person as they support your learning journey.
Blended Programme - A Balance of Interactive Online and Practical Modules
Structured and engaging online learning, with 10 hands-on practical modules in our state-of-the-art wet-lab facilities
Personalised Expert Mentorship
One-to-one feedback from your mentor, continuous guidance from your coordinator, and a safe space to ask anything, anytime and anonymously.
Decision-making, Communication & Resilience Training
Build essential non-technical skills including risk communication, emotional regulation, error management, and operating room leadership.
Structured Learning That Builds Real Confidence
Each module contains online content and resources that provide the theory and foundations to the practical block training that follows - helping you retain and apply your knowledge.
Expert-Led Training
Gain insights from leading veterinary specialists and connect with them directly during hands-on sessions at our state-of-the-art training centre.
Engaging, Multi-Format Learning
Enjoy interactive presentations, detailed notes, quizzes, surgical videos, and real case-based discussions.
Collaborative Community
Join a professional network of veterinary surgeons sharing cases, challenges, and experiences via our dedicated virtual learning environment and in-person modules.
Unrivalled Support
You’ll be supported throughout by a dedicated Programme Coordinator and access experts and specialists in person as they support your learning journey.
Programme details
Module Summary
01 - Foundations of Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery
Conduct systematic client interviews by formulating focused clinical questions to obtain a comprehensive orthopaedic history, including onset, progression, trauma, and behavioural indicators.
Perform and interpret a systematic musculoskeletal examination in dogs and cats, including static postural assessment, dynamic gait analysis, joint range of motion, and palpation of joints and long bones, to localise pathology and assess severity.
Differentiate orthopaedic from neurological causes of lameness by analysing neurological examination findings and evaluating cases where neurological deficits may mimic or underlie orthopaedic disease.
Formulate differential diagnoses and select appropriate diagnostic tests for orthopaedic cases, justifying choices such as laboratory tests, arthrocentesis, and imaging modalities based on clinical findings and financial considerations.
Select, apply, and evaluate imaging modalities by choosing appropriate techniques (radiography, ultrasound, CT, MRI), acquiring diagnostic-quality orthopaedic radiographs, identifying positioning errors, and comparing the diagnostic accuracy and limitations of imaging options.
Provide contextualised, team-based orthopaedic care by developing diagnostic and treatment plans that balance clinical effectiveness, patient factors, and owner constraints, and by collaborating effectively with veterinary nurses and allied professionals to deliver patient-centred care.
02 - Musculoskeletal Trauma — Principles & Complications
1. Assess, prioritise, and stabilise fracture patients by applying appropriate analgesia, initial stabilisation techniques, and management strategies for complex injuries such as pelvic trauma, including decisions between conservative and surgical intervention.
2. Explain fracture biology and biomechanics by describing direct and indirect bone healing, the influence of mechanical forces, stress and strain, and patient age, and by evaluating how biological and mechanical factors interact to influence fracture healing outcomes.
3. Classify fractures and plan definitive treatment by applying appropriate fracture terminology, the Fracture Patient Assessment System (FPAS), and AO principles to guide fixation strategies, stability selection, and imaging choices for surgical planning.
4. Manage challenging fracture cases and complications by applying principles of bone grafting, diagnosing and treating open fractures, delayed unions, non-unions, osteomyelitis, malunions, and fracture disease, and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies.
5. Evaluate fracture repair and progression of healing by interpreting post-operative radiographs using the 4 A’s framework, assessing radiographic signs of bone healing, determining implant stability and readiness for weight-bearing, and making informed decisions regarding implant removal.
6. Apply supportive therapies and contextualised care in fracture management by selecting and applying appropriate bandaging, splinting, casting, and orthotic devices, developing post-operative care and rehabilitation plans, and collaborating effectively with the veterinary team and allied professionals while balancing patient and owner factors.
03 - Internal & External Fixation
Differentiate between direct and indirect fracture reduction techniques by explaining their indications and contraindications, particularly the balance between anatomical reduction and preservation of fracture biology.
Identify and select appropriate equipment for internal fracture fixation, including instrumentation required to facilitate fracture reduction and stabilisation.
Apply principles of intramedullary pin fixation by describing indications, limitations, and biomechanical function, selecting appropriate pin size based on medullary canal diameter, and explaining specific techniques such as the dowel pin method for metacarpal and metatarsal fractures.
Evaluate and apply combined fixation techniques using intramedullary pins with adjunct methods by explaining the advantages and limitations of combining pins with cerclage wires and plates, and developing guidelines for safe application including pin selection, wire spacing, and tensioning.
Select and apply bone screws appropriately by differentiating between screw types (cortical, cancellous, self-tapping and non-self-tapping), explaining the functions of positional, lag, and plate screws, and selecting correct screw sizes and instrumentation for insertion.
Plan and apply plate fixation strategies by explaining the biomechanical principles of dynamic compression plates (DCP), limited contact DCP (LC-DCP), and locking compression plates (LCP), selecting appropriate plate size and mode (compression, neutralisation, bridging), and outlining application steps.
Design and evaluate external skeletal fixation (ESF) systems by selecting appropriate components, planning linear ESF application to the radius and tibia, identifying safe pin placement corridors, and evaluating indications, contraindications, advantages, and limitations.
Develop aftercare plans and deliver contextualised, team-based fracture management by designing ESF aftercare protocols, balancing clinical recommendations with patient and owner factors, and collaborating effectively with the veterinary team and allied professionals to ensure patient-centred care.
04 - Practical Block 1 – Foundation Skills/ Fracture Patient Assessment Score and Introduction to Internal Fixation (Day 1)
Practical Learning Outcomes
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Perform a complete orthopaedic and neurological examination to differentiate orthopaedic and neurological lameness
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Perform arthrocentesis and interpret synovial fluid findings (shoulder, elbow, carpus)
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Classify fractures and apply fracture patient assessment score (FPAS) to guide fracture planning
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Apply lag screws, positional screws, and cerclage wires correctly using bone models
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Demonstrate correct orthopaedic instrumentation handling and theatre workflow
05 - Practical Block 1 – Fracture Patient Assessment Score/ Fracture Planning/ Internal Fixation (Day 2)
Practical Learning Outcomes
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Use templating software to plan fracture fixation
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Apply dynamic compression plates (DCP) to a radial fracture
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Place an intramedullary pin appropriately in the femur, tibia and humerus
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Perform plate–rod fixation for comminuted femoral fractures
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Evaluate post-operative radiographs of radius and ulna fracture repairs, plate rod fracture repair
06 - Practical Block 1 – Internal Fixation/Assessment of Fracture Healing/Pelvic Fractures (Day 3)
Practical Learning Outcomes
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Apply lag screws with neutralisation plating to oblique tibial fractures
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Perform pin and tension band fixation of the tibial tuberosity
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Perform a lateral approach to the humerus
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Harvest cancellous bone graft (humerus and ileum)
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Apply appropriate post-operative coaptation and recognise complications including cast, bivalve splint and modified robert jones
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Approach the pelvic fracture case
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Apply FPAS and review post operative radiographs after internal fixation
07 - Perioperative Management
Develop safe and effective anaesthetic plans for orthopaedic patients by considering physiological factors specific to orthopaedic injury and applying appropriate ASA grading and perioperative pain scoring systems.
Justify anaesthetic drug choices and protocols for orthopaedic procedures, explaining pharmacological rationale and risk management strategies.
Apply local and regional anaesthetic techniques used in orthopaedic surgery, including thoracic and pelvic limb nerve blocks and epidural anaesthesia, and recognise and manage potential complications.
Design and implement multimodal pain management strategies for acute and chronic orthopaedic pain across the pre-, peri-, and post-operative period, selecting and justifying appropriate analgesic protocols.
Use antibiotics appropriately in orthopaedic surgery by determining indications for use and applying evidence-based principles to minimise infection and antimicrobial resistance.
Prepare for orthopaedic surgery effectively by selecting and handling instruments correctly, optimising patient positioning and aseptic preparation, managing the theatre trolley aseptically, and justifying suture materials and wound closure techniques.
Manage perioperative complications and assess post-operative outcomes by developing protocols for surgical and anaesthetic emergencies and applying validated outcome measures to evaluate treatment efficacy and patient progress.
08 - Forelimb Conditions
1. Analyse shoulder anatomy and diagnose shoulder disorders by explaining surgically relevant feline and canine shoulder anatomy and differentiating congenital and traumatic shoulder luxations using history, physical examination, and imaging findings.
2. Select and justify treatment options for shoulder disease by comparing conservative and surgical management for shoulder luxation, osteochondrosis of the humeral head, and biceps tenosynovitis, incorporating imaging findings, risks of instability, post-operative rehabilitation needs, and contextualised care factors.
3. Diagnose and manage elbow disorders by evaluating traumatic and congenital elbow luxations (including the Campbell test), elbow dysplasia (including imaging selection and treatment controversies), humeral intercondylar fissure, and selecting appropriate medical or surgical management strategies.
4. Apply and justify surgical approaches for elbow pathology by outlining the medial intermuscular approach to the elbow and explaining its role in the management of medial coronoid process disease.
5. Diagnose and manage carpal and foot conditions by selecting appropriate imaging modalities for traumatic carpal injuries and evaluating treatment options for digital corns and digit disease, including excision, superficial digital flexor tenotomy, digit amputation, and alternative surgical procedures.
6. Diagnose and manage septic and inflammatory joint disease by interpreting synovial fluid analysis and imaging findings, selecting appropriate lavage techniques, culture-guided antibiotic protocols, and managing feline medial epicondylitis using conservative or surgical approaches.
7. Integrate contextualised, team-based forelimb care by balancing patient and owner factors in treatment planning, developing post-operative rehabilitation strategies, collaborating with the veterinary team and allied professionals, and determining when referral for physiotherapy or rehabilitation is appropriate.
09 - Practical Block 2– Perioperative Management/ Fracture Repair with External Skeletal Fixation (Day 1)
Practical Learning Outcomes
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Apply perioperative analgesia and antibiotic strategies
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Perform locoregional anaesthesia and epidural
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Design ESF frames based on fracture and patient needs
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Apply linear ESF frames safely:
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ESF application plastic pipes
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Type I, Ib, II and III frames
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ESF application Type II on Tibia
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Interpret post-operative ESF radiographs and create management plans
10 - Practical Block 2– External Skeletal Fixation/ Internal Fixation (Day 2)
Practical Learning Outcomes
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Perform ESF Type Ib on radius
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Perform ESF type I with tied in IM pin Femur
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Pin and tension band repair a lateral malleolus of tibia and place a transarticular ESF
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Stabilise metacarpal fractures using the dowel pin technique
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Appraise locking vs non-locking plates and consider common pitfalls
11 - Practical Block 2–Forelimb Surgical Focus: Key Procedures (Day 3)
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Perform a caudolateral approach to the shoulder
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Perform modified Cheli surgical approach to the shoulder
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Perform a biceps tenotomy
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Perform a medial intermuscular approach to the elbow and fragment removal
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Perform distal ulna ostectomy and bi-oblique dynamic proximal ulna osteotomy
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Perform superficial digital flexor (SDF) tenotomy for corns
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Perform digit amputation techniques
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Discuss decision making and approach to physeal injury, premature closure of the distal ulna and elbow incongruity
12 - Hindlimb Conditions
1. Analyse hip joint anatomy and diagnose hip disease by evaluating clinically relevant canine and feline hip anatomy and diagnosing conditions including hip dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and hip luxation using signalment, physical examination, and imaging findings.
2. Select and justify management strategies for hip dysplasia and juvenile pelvic procedures by developing treatment plans incorporating conservative management, femoral head and neck excision, total hip replacement, pelvic osteotomies, and juvenile pubic symphysiodesis, based on patient age, size, lifestyle, and expected outcomes.
3. Perform femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) by applying the craniolateral approach to the coxofemoral joint to safely and effectively excise the femoral head and neck.
4. Select and justify treatment options for hip luxation and advanced hip surgery by choosing closed reduction or surgical stabilisation based on case-specific factors, and comparing total hip replacement with femoral head and neck excision using functional outcomes and patient- and owner-specific considerations.
5. Diagnose and manage stifle disorders by analysing stifle anatomy, diagnosing cranial cruciate ligament disease, patellar luxation, meniscal injury, and other stifle conditions, and selecting appropriate conservative or surgical management strategies based on patient factors and published outcomes.
6. Apply and justify stifle surgical techniques by evaluating extracapsular and osteotomy-based stabilisation procedures, assessing meniscal injury and performing partial meniscectomy when indicated, and selecting corrective techniques for patellar luxation including sulcoplasty, tibial tuberosity transposition, and soft tissue procedures.
7. Diagnose and manage tarsal and hindlimb foot conditions by selecting appropriate imaging modalities, evaluating injury severity, and recommending conservative or surgical management for tarsal injuries, metatarsal fractures, and hindlimb corns, including superficial digital flexor tenotomy where indicated.
8. Deliver post-operative, contextualised, and team-based hindlimb care by diagnosing and managing septic arthritis using lavage and culture-guided antibiotic protocols, formulating post-operative care plans and complication monitoring, integrating patient and owner factors into decision-making, and collaborating with the veterinary team and allied professionals, including referral for rehabilitation where appropriate.
13 - Neurology for the Orthopaedic Surgeon
Differentiate orthopaedic from neurological causes of lameness by performing a structured neurological examination, assessing proprioceptive ataxia, spinal hyperaesthesia, reflex abnormalities, and applying neurolocalisation to formulate differential diagnoses.
Select, justify, and interpret neurological diagnostic tests by choosing appropriate imaging modalities and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, explaining the principles and contraindications of CSF collection, and interpreting CSF findings to support evidence-based diagnosis.
Diagnose and manage common neurological conditions by distinguishing intervertebral disc disease, cervical spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler syndrome), and head trauma, and evaluating conservative versus surgical treatment options and comparative outcomes.
Plan and evaluate surgical and perioperative management for neurological disease by summarising surgical options for cervical, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral spine conditions, and applying appropriate anaesthetic, analgesic, fluid, and pre- and post-operative care considerations.
Apply principles of professional conduct and contextualised care in neurological case management by recognising cases requiring referral, evaluating referral options, communicating recommendations ethically, and integrating patient factors and owner constraints into transparent treatment planning that prioritises patient welfare.
14 - Soft-Tissue Injuries, Osteoarthritis & Polyarthritis
1. Analyse soft tissue traumatic injuries by interpreting clinical presentations of muscle and tendon injuries including iliopsoas injury, quadriceps contracture, flexor carpi ulnaris contracture, and fibrotic myopathies, and evaluating appropriate surgical, rehabilitative, and functional management strategies.
2. Explain and evaluate tendon healing and repair principles by outlining the phases of tendon healing and analysing the effects of immobilisation, growth factors, and rehabilitation strategies on tendon repair and regeneration.
3. Compare and justify surgical tendon repair techniques by evaluating suture patterns (including locking loop/Kessler and three-loop pulley), comparing their tensile strength and resistance to gap formation, and selecting appropriate techniques for different clinical scenarios.
4. Evaluate management strategies for specific tendon and musculotendinous conditions by comparing surgical approaches for Achilles tendinopathy, infraspinatus tendon contracture, quadriceps contracture, and gastrocnemius avulsion, and justifying technique selection based on lesion chronicity and clinical presentation.
5. Analyse osteoarthritis and evaluate management options by explaining its aetiology and pathophysiology, interpreting physical examination and imaging findings, and formulating comprehensive medical and surgical management plans while considering owner-imposed limitations.
6. Analyse polyarthritis and justify treatment strategies by interpreting clinical signs and diagnostic test results, differentiating immune-mediated and infectious causes, and formulating treatment plans that consider potential side effects and long-term management needs.
7. Apply principles of post-operative, contextualised, and interprofessional care by formulating post-operative protocols for ligament and tendon injuries, evaluating indications for physiotherapy or rehabilitation referral, and integrating patient and owner factors through effective collaboration with the veterinary team.
15 - Miscellaneous & Juvenile Orthopaedics
1. Differentiate appendicular osteosarcoma from other bone pathologies by interpreting radiography, advanced imaging (CT/MRI), and histopathology to distinguish neoplasia from osteomyelitis and panosteitis.
2. Formulate and justify treatment plans for appendicular osteosarcoma by balancing surgical options (limb amputation and limb-sparing procedures) with adjunctive therapies (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), while considering owner needs and limitations.
3. Analyse metaphyseal osteopathy in young dogs by interpreting clinical and radiographic findings, formulating supportive treatment plans including analgesia and anti-inflammatory therapy, and evaluating strategies for managing relapse.
4. Analyse panosteitis in growing dogs by interpreting characteristic clinical and radiographic features, selecting evidence-based pain management strategies, and communicating prognosis.
5. Evaluate craniomandibular osteopathy by recognising key clinical signs and breed predispositions and justifying conservative management strategies based on clinical and radiographic findings.
6. Analyse swimmer syndrome in neonatal puppies and kittens by interpreting typical clinical signs and explaining how a diagnosis can be reached.
7. Analyse metabolic bone diseases by differentiating nutritional osteodystrophy from congenital disorders using dietary history, diagnostic imaging, and serum calcium and phosphorus levels, and formulating corrective strategies.
8. Analyse acute caudal myopathy and juvenile muscle–tendon disorders by correlating clinical signs with history, recommending conservative treatment and prevention strategies, assessing canine hyperlaxity syndrome, and developing rehabilitation protocols.
9. Apply principles of fracture management in skeletally immature animals by considering growth plate biology, bone strength, and early diagnosis, and selecting and justifying appropriate fixation methods for juvenile fractures.
10. Analyse angular limb deformities in juvenile patients and plan surgical management by interpreting clinical and radiographic findings, explaining the consequences of premature physeal closure, and describing the indications for and technique of distal ulna ostectomy and bioblique dynamic proximal ulna osteotomy for the management of short ulna syndrome.
16 - Practical Block 3– Hindlimb Surgical Focus: Key Procedures (Day 1)
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Case based evaluation of hip conditions
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Perform the craniolateral approach to the hip
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Perform a femoral head and neck excision (FHNE)
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Case based evaluation of stifle conditions including patella luxation and cruciate disease
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Perform a lateral and medial stifle arthrotomy
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Inspect the cruciate ligament and meniscus
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Perform extracapsular stifle stabilisation via a fabello-tibial suture
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Review post operative FHNE radiographs
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Consider rehabilitation protocols and expected outcomes for stifle conditions
17 - Practical Block 3– Hindlimb and Soft Tissue Injuries (Day 2)
Practical Learning Outcomes
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Case based decision making in patella luxation cases
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Perform corrective surgery for patellar luxation including:
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Block recession sulcoplasty
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Wedge recession sulcoplasty
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Tibial tuberosity transposition
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Lateral imbrication
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Medial release
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Case based discussion of tibiotarsal joint conditions
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Perform Kessler and three-loop pulley tendon repairs on achilles and digital flexors
18 - Practical Block 3 – Hindlimb/ Miscellaneous Disease/ CSF Tap and Complications of Healing Consolidation (Day 3)
Practical Learning Outcomes
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Perform CSF collection safely at the cisterna magna and lumbar puncture
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Perform placement of pigtail catheters for use in pelvic trauma cases
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Perform a partial tarsal arthrodesis
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Interpret complications of fracture healing
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Consolidate previously taught surgical techniques
19 - Practical Block 3 – Selection of Imaging Techniques, Neoplasia, Osteoarthritis, Fractures of Growing Animals Consolidation (Day 4)
Practical Learning Outcomes
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Select appropriate imaging modalities
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Stabilise a Salter Harris type 1/distal femoral physeal fracture with cross pins
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Formulate management plans for osteosarcoma and osteoarthritis cases
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Consolidate previously taught techniques
20 - The Art of the Surgical Consultation - Bonus Module
Communicate surgical plans and prognoses effectively to clients, adjusting language and tone based on urgency, emotional load, and caregiver expectations.
Apply techniques of active listening and emotional intelligence to navigate challenging discussions such as consent, complications, and unexpected outcomes.
Recognise early indicators of compassion fatigue and stress specific to surgical practice, and implement strategies to support personal wellbeing and decision-making clarity.
Use the Conversational AI simulator to practise and refine communication in high-stakes surgical scenarios, including preoperative consent and postoperative complication management.
Reflect on the psychological and ethical complexities of surgical care, including client pressure, time-sensitive decisions, and the emotional impact of surgical loss or success.
Qualifications
General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a General Practitioner Certificate
Our Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery Programme offers you a comprehensive range of structured learning with the ultimate flexibility to access the training you want whilst working around your busy practice life.
You can let the programme give you new knowledge and skills to take back to practice, or you can work towards a recognised qualification.
General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
By attending the full online structured programme and following successful assessments, including an exam, you can gain the GPCert awarded by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
Only registered veterinary surgeons who have been qualified for one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)
The PgC is a recognised higher education qualification demonstrating that you have achieved the required standard within a designated subject. The qualification represents Master's Level 7 within the Quality Assurance Agency’s framework for higher and further education. Please contact us for further information.
RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status
In September 2025, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) announced an updated process for reviewing and accrediting postgraduate certificates that lead to eligibility for Advanced Practitioner (AP) Status.
This is an important development for the profession, ensuring that the AP designation remains a robust and meaningful recognition of advanced veterinary knowledge and skills, providing greater confidence for veterinary professionals, clients, and the wider public.
Improve Veterinary Education and ISVPS fully support this enhanced level of scrutiny and have updated its GP Certificate (GPCert) programmes and assessments to meet the new RCVS criteria. These programmes are in the process of being submitted for review, and accreditation is currently pending as the RCVS AP Subcommittee works through applications.
General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert)
By continuing your learning journey with us, you can also progress to the ISVPS GPAdvCert. This qualification will enable you to expand your knowledge and further demonstrate your skills while obtaining academic recognition.
Pricing
£12,599.00
£2,499.00
Payment & VAT Information
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3. For corporate-paid registrations, the associated corporate discount will apply to the regular course price and cannot be combined with Early Price or other promotions.
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.
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FAQs
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?
Postgraduate Certificates (PgCs)
What’s changing with Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Advanced Practitioner status?
What is a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)?
Am I eligible for the PgC programme?
How do I enrol on the PgC programme?
I have previously achieved a GPCert. Can I still upgrade to a PgC?
Is the PgC equivalent to the RCVS CertAVP, BSAVA PGCert, and other university-awarded veterinary postgraduate certificates?
How are Improve’s PgCs different from other providers?
How will I be assessed for the PgC?
What does the PgC fee include?
What’s not included in the PgC fee? Do I need to budget for further costs?
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?
General Practitioner Certificates (GPCerts)
What is the criteria for enrolling in a General Practitioner Certificate programme?
What is the difference between a GPCert and a PgC?
Can I use this veterinary certificate programme towards my veterinary CPD hours?
How long does a General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) take to achieve?
I want to register for a veterinary certificate course but I may be away for some of the modules. Does this mean I will miss out?
How long do I have to finish the modules for my GPCert?
What resources will be available to support me through the certificate programme?
How long do I have access to the course material for?
How will I be assessed for the GPCert?
What happens if I am not eligible to sit the assessments and/or exam with my cohort?
What does the General Practitioner Certificate programme fee include?
What’s not included in the certificate programme fee? Do I need to budget for further costs?
Will my veterinary postgraduate qualification be recognised in other countries?
Can I take a postgraduate certificate if coming from a non-European country? How do face-to-face modules work?
What resources will be available to support me through the PgC?
Where are the taught programmes held?
Are Improve’s Postgraduate Certificates academically equivalent to the RCVS CertAVP and other postgraduate certificates?
Over what time period can I take the taught modules?
Our Clinical Excellence Centre
Discover the new Improve Veterinary Education Clinical Excellence Centre featuring two surgical wet-lab training theatres and a radiology suite.
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