Nurses Course
Feline Nursing
ISVPS Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (NCert/VPPCert)
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Mar 2026 - May 2027
Expand your skills in Feline Nursing 100% online!
The Feline Nursing Nurse Certificate (NCert), and Veterinary Paraprofessional (VPPCert) programme is designed to expand your feline nursing knowledge and skills and improve your confidence. The programme is appropriate for both general practice and referral nurses wanting to advance their nursing care of feline patients within their practice.
What you’ll learn...
- The emphasis throughout will be on understanding the fundamental principles of nursing feline patients and how to adapt the practice and its procedures to optimise feline care and welfare.
- Feline-specific diseases and their surgical and medical considerations.
- Confidently apply the knowledge you have learnt, to promote best feline-friendly practices and to positively advocate for feline patients ensuring they receive the highest quality care.
Why choose this programme?
- In an entirely online course, you will study eight modules over eight months (one module released every month), with additional Study Skills modules to help develop your reflective skills and enable time for consolidation and revision of your learning.
- During the eight modules, you will benefit from online support and guidance from Module Tutors who are all highly qualified advanced veterinary nurses specialising in the topic they are tutoring. As well as pastoral support from your dedicated programme coordinator
- A unique addition to this programme is a live evening webinar for four of the taught modules, this not only provides opportunity to interact with the Module Tutor but also your peers studying the course.
Try a taster lesson on our Explore site
ExploreSee our pricing tab for Early Bird discounts and payment plan options
Key features of this programme
Support from the Module Tutor
A tutor who specialises in the module subject will provide online support during each module and will be available to answer all your questions
8 varied modules
Covering key topics in feline nursing delivered over 15 months
Leading online learning experience
Presentations, written notes, diagrams, interactive quizzes, and exercises which test your knowledge as you work
Discussion forum
A discussion forum for conversation, debate and sharing cases with your peers and Module Tutors
Recognised Course Director
Stephanie Sorrell BVetMed (Hons) MANZCVS DipECVIM-CA MRCVS oversees the course content
Four sessions per month
Each module consists of four sessions spread over one month. Sessions comprise separate lessons and case-based studies to work through at your own pace
100% online
Giving you access 24/7 via our world-leading Learning Management Platform
Regular assessments
Pre-module and post-module assessments encourage you to reflect on your learning and evaluate your progress
Dedicated Programme Coordinator
A dedicated Programme Coordinator who will support you every step of the way
Interactive and engaging modules
Which allow you to absorb the learning materials in an online environment
Know-How
Join the global veterinary online learning CPD specialists and benefit from our know-how and high-quality resources
Accredited CPD
The NCert and VPPCert is awarded by our global qualifications provider ISVPS
12-month subscription to the RCVS Knowledge Library
Programme Details
Module Summary
- Feline Friendly Practice
- Principles of Feline Nursing
- Feline Anaethesia and Analgesia
- Principles of Emergency and Critical Care in Feline Patients
- Feline Body Systems 1
- Feline Body Systems 2
- Feline Oncology
- Feline Surgical Principles
Please note the module order may be subject to change
Qualifications
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. Please see eligibility criteria tab.
The Course Includes
This modular programme is 100% online. The modules should ideally be followed in number order and for those wishing to complete the whole programme and sit the final examination, you must complete all modules within three years. This is an interactive programme where topics and practice cases are presented and explained by an instructor including a live evening webinar for four of the taught modules.
Comprehensive course notes are provided for each module.
Speakers
Venue: Online
Date: Mar 2026 - May 2027
NCert/VPPCert in Feline Nursing
Get in touch
Accredited by
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out more01 - Feline Friendly Practice
Key Learning Objectives
- Describe the normal behaviour of cats, to include their ancestry, development and non-domestication
- Recognise signs of fear, anxiety and defensive “aggression” in cats
- Describe feline communication techniques and normal social behaviour, to include anatomy and physiology of the feline species specifically involved in this; outline the effects this can have in a clinical environment.
- Outline common behavioural issues that may be seen in domestic cats and be able to provide appropriate advice for owners
- Explain the relevance of pica in cats and how this may indicate a behavioural or medical issue
- Summarize key behavioural issues in multi cat households and how to minimise these
- Explain the criteria for developing a cat-friendly practice and the specific protocols and procedures that should be in place
- Outline the importance of feline nurse clinics and be able to explain how to implement these throughout different life stages of the cat from kitten to geriatric
- Be able to implement appropriate handling principles to reduce fear and stress within the practice environment
02 - Principles of Feline Nursing
Key Learning Objectives
- Be able to perform a full clinical examination of a cat, utilising cat friendly handling principles, and recognise normal and abnormal findings.
- Formulate a plan detailing the different care requirements for cats throughout their life stages.
- Devise a feeding care plan for an anorexic cat and demonstrate how to implement and monitor this.
- Outline the different types of feeding techniques available, be able to critically evaluate them and choose the most suitable technique for each patient.
- Formulate a nursing care plan for a sick cat and use this to illustrate how a bespoke plan can enhance care for the patient.
- Describe methods for collecting blood samples for haematological and biochemical analysis and be able to recognise normal and abnormal results.
- Summarise common infectious diseases including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), “Cat flu” (feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus) and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) seen in domestic cats and the specific practice and nursing considerations associated with these.
- Describe how infectious diseases are spread and develop appropriate infection control protocols to prevent spread.
- Outline both the WSAVA Feline Vaccination Guidelines and AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines.
- Discuss the vaccination recommendations and appropriate guidance that should be provided to owners, specific to the geographic location you are situated in.(NOT EXAMINED)
03 - Feline Anaethesia and Analgesia
Key Learning Objectives
- Evaluate a variety of different premedication and induction/maintenance options for feline patients and describe the advantages and disadvantages for each.
- Identify different types of endotracheal tubes and their use explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each.
- Discuss basic through to advanced patient monitoring and the advantages and disadvantages of multi-parameter monitoring for specific cases.
- Describe and explain abnormal capnography and pulse oximetry waveforms and suggest options to improve them.
- Identify common complications in anaesthesia and how to address these.
- Explain the use of anaesthetic checklists, consent forms and monitoring records
- Evaluate the different categories of analgesics available in feline medicine and discuss the pros and cons for each.
- Explain the use of pain scoring in cats and be able to implement it in clinical practice
- Review the practical application of blood products including selection and management of suitable donors, blood typing and crossmatching, feline blood collection and monitoring of transfusions.
- Explain different fluid replacement options available in cats. Perform all types of fluid administration calculations.
04 - Principles of Emergency and Critical Care in Feline Patients
Key Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate how to effectively triage an emergency and know when to seek immediate help.
- Explain the basic principles of CCPR.
- Summarize the RECOVER guidelines for the current recommendations for CCPR for feline patients.
- Discuss basic through to advanced monitoring of a critical patient including key parameters such as SPO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, pulse quality and urine output.
- Recognise signs of shock in a feline patient and identify immediate resuscitation techniques that may be required.
- Be able to perform key point of care tests such as venous blood gas, lactate, glucose and describe the use of point of care ultrasound. Be able to recognise normal and abnormal results.
- Recognise the clinical signs associated with ethylene glycol toxicity, lily toxicity, paracetamol toxicity, rodenticide toxicity and permethrin toxicity and how to effectively treat feline patients with these conditions.
- Discuss the main complications associated with road traffic accidents in cats and how to investigate and treat these.
Please note: A live evening webinar will be included in this module.
05 - Feline Body Systems 1
- Explain the typical presentation, treatment and nursing care required for cats with respiratory disease including feline asthma, pneumonia, pneumothorax and pyothorax.
- Describe different cardiomyopathies in cats including hypertrophic, restrictive, and dilated, and the role of the nurse in the diagnosis and care of these patients.
- Outline how the neurological examination can assist with neurolocalisation. Explain clinical signs associated with forebrain, vestibular and spinal disease in cats.
- Summarise the appropriate nursing care for cats with a variety of neurological conditions including vestibular disease, seizures, and cognitive dysfunction.
- Explain the clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques used and nursing care requirements for common endocrinopathies including diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism. Describe how to effectively monitor and treat patients with these conditions.
- Recognise the clinical signs associated with feline diabetic ketoacidosis, the treatment required and how to provide appropriate nursing care to these patients.
- Explain the pathophysiology of acute thyrotoxicosis and discuss the treatment for these cases.
06 - Feline Body Systems 2
Key Learning Objectives
- Discuss the importance of being able to classify feline renal disease according to IRIS staging, and how to manage and monitor cats with IRIS CKD Stages 1 to 4.
- Describe the signs associated with common upper and lower urinary diseases diagnosed in cats, and how to investigate and manage these.
- Explain the pathophysiology of feline idiopathic cystitis and how to counsel owners with cats that are affected with this condition.
- Explain the pathophysiology of urethral obstruction and be able to recognise signs and complications associated with this condition, and the treatment required in both the acute and chronic stages including environmental modification when discharged.
- Describe the most common acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases in cats including presenting signs and how to investigate the underlying cause in a logical manner.
- Discuss management and nursing care of gastrointestinal upset and common gastrointestinal disorders including food responsive enteropathy, inflammatory bowel disease, megacolon, giardia, tritrichomonas and campylobacter.
- Explain the pathophysiology of the most common hepatobiliary diseases in cats including lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis, neutrophilic cholangiohepatitis, triaditis and hepatic lipidosis. Describe how to investigate, manage, and monitor these conditions.
- Describe common haematological disorders seen in cats to include clinical signs, diagnostic techniques, and nursing considerations.
Please note: A live evening webinar will be included in this module.
07 - Feline Oncology
Key Learning Objectives
- Discuss the biology of cancer and paraneoplastic disease in cats.
- Describe the principles, challenges, and ethics of cancer treatment in cats.
- Outline surgical and radiation therapy options available for local control of tumours.
- Explain how systemic management of tumours can be achieved through chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
- Describe the most common feline cancers seen in practice including lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma and fibrosarcoma.
- Recognise appropriate diagnostic methods for the investigation and management of the most common feline cancers.
- Identify the clinical signs associated with oncological emergencies and how to address these.
- Explain how to safely administer chemotherapeutic agents to cats including the health and safety considerations for staff and owners.
- Discuss the side effects associated with commonly used chemotherapeutic agents.
08 - Feline Surgical Principles
Key Learning Objectives
- Describe the principles of surgical asepsis and how appropriate theatre protocol relates to this
- Describe different suture materials and patterns, and explain how to select the most appropriate material and method
- Identify a range of surgical instrumentation for a variety of soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures; explain appropriate care and maintenance of these instruments
- Explain appropriate tissue handling techniques and their importance
- Discuss the principles of surgical planning for feline patients and outline the importance of appropriate planning
- Revise the main pathways of haemostasis in feline patients and discuss options for haemorrhage control during surgery
- Outline the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations for feline patients
- Compare and contrast the differences between the ‘AAFP Position Statement on Early Spay and Castration’ to ‘The Cat Group Policy on the Timing of Neutering’ and discuss the impact of neutering on population control and feline welfare
- Outline common soft tissue surgical procedures performed in feline patients to treat conditions including dystocia, ureteral and urethral obstruction, gastrointestinal foreign body, pyothorax and aural polyps
- Outline common orthopaedic procedures performed in feline patients to treat conditions including fractures, hip luxation, and cranial cruciate ligament rupture
Please note: A live evening webinar will be included in this module.
Venue: Online
Date: Mar 2026 - May 2027
NCert/VPPCert in Feline Nursing
Get in touch
Accredited by
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out moreAvailable Plans
Early
Regular
If course start date is < 15 days then no cancellation is allowed.
Pricing Billing
Feline Nursing Early price
Payment Option | First Payment | Second Payment(s) | Total Payment |
---|---|---|---|
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Payment in Full) | £2,929.00 | - | £2,929.00 |
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Deposit and Payment in Full) | £399.00 | £2,530.00 | £2,929.00 |
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme 8 monthly payments - Total cost | £399.00 | £353.00 x 8 (monthly) | £3,223.00 |
The fees include ALL registration and exam fees to achieve a NCert/VPPCert from ISVPS.
Payment Terms & Conditions
1. Payments can be made by BACS, credit card or Direct Debit.
2. Direct Debit plans are administered and collected on our behalf by GoCardless Limited.
3. In certain circumstances, multiple booking and corporate discounts are available, please contact us on 01793 759159 for further information.
4. In order to confirm your place, we must receive payment in full or the relevant initial payment.
5. In addition, if paying by Direct Debit, we must receive the completed mandate prior to course commencement.
6. Please also see our full terms and conditions on our website – Terms and Conditions.
Registration Information
1. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis, subject to eligibility.
2. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
3. Improve International reserves the right to close the intake early if the number of applications received exceeds the number of available places.
4. Confirmation and enrolment details will then be sent to applicants once we have received a completed application form.
Venue: Online
Date: Mar 2026 - May 2027
NCert/VPPCert in Feline Nursing
Get in touch
Accredited by
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out moreExtend your knowledge, skills and work towards an achievable qualification
Our online learning NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programmes offer you structured learning and enable you to access training whilst working around your busy practice life. You can choose to gain new knowledge and skills to take back to practice or you can work towards an achievable qualification. You will be required to indicate at the time of booking which certificate you think you are eligible for.
NCert/ VTCert: Requirements for Certificate registration
The following may be eligible to enrol on to the programme:
- Qualified RVNs/VNs who have attended formal training and have a qualification in veterinary nursing which can be supported with a certificate or their RCVS or Veterinary Council of Ireland number. RVCS/VOI number or qualification certificate to be uploaded at registration
- Veterinary technicians who have attended formal training and have a Veterinary Technicians qualification which can be supported with a certificate. Certificate to be uploaded at registration
- All applicants must be working in a veterinary practice or be able to have access to a veterinary practice in order to be able to complete the written assessment (for example, you may need to ensure that this applies if you are a qualified veterinary nurse or technician working in the veterinary industry)
- Delegates can start the programme as soon as they have graduated/qualified and will be eligible for examination and assessment on completion of the programme
- In order to register for the certificate assessments, all delegates must have completed all modules of the programme
- Examination candidates must complete and pass the below:
- Written assessment
- 25 MCQ exam
- An Online applied knowledge examination (this is an applied theory interactive examination, which is taken online and is not a demonstration of skill competency)
- Successful candidates will receive a printed certificate, be included on ISVPS register of NCert/VTCert holders and be permitted to use the post-nominals associated with the certificate.
VPPCert: registration requirements
The following may be eligible to enrol on to the programme:
- Veterinary Nurses who have not attended formal training and therefore do not have a supporting certificate but have been working in practice in a Veterinary Nurse/Technician role for at least 2 years prior to the programme start date
- All delegates must be working in veterinary practice/clinical setting for the duration of the programme and certificate completion (in order to be able to complete the written assessment)
- All 3 of the eligibility documents below to be uploaded:
- A recent CV*(this should demonstrate that you have been working within a veterinary practice for at least 2 years prior to the programme start date)
- a signed letter from your employer stating that you are working in a veterinary practice in a nursing/technician role*
- a self-statement letter explaining your nursing experience and the relevance of taking the programme to your career*
Applicants who are not formally trained Veterinary Nurses/Technicians, such as laboratory research assistants, may apply but must provide all three of the supporting documents listed above.*
- In order to register for the certificate assessments, all delegates must have completed all modules of the training programme
- Examination candidates must complete and pass the following:
- Written assessment
- 25 MCQ exam
- An Online applied knowledge examination (this is an applied theory interactive examination, which is taken online and is not a demonstration of skill competency)
- Successful candidates will receive a printed certificate, be included on ISVPS register of VPP certificate holders and be permitted to use the post-nominals associated with the certificate
*Please note that all eligibility is reviewed and cannot be guaranteed.
Please note that all written assessments and examinations are to be completed in English
Venue: Online
Date: Mar 2026 - May 2027
NCert/VPPCert in Feline Nursing
Get in touch
Accredited by
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out moreFrequently Asked Questions
Veterinary Nurse Certificates
What’s not included in the programme fee? Do I need to budget for any other costs?
The veterinary nurse certificate programme fee does not include:
- Travel and accommodation costs (if needed for your course)
- Assessment fees or exam fees after the first attempt
- Missed module fees if you haven’t notified us in writing more than 14 days before the module date
- Access to further textbooks, libraries, and journals of your choice.
What does the programme fee for the vet nurse certificate include?
The vet nurse certificate programme fee includes:
- Learning materials
- Access to the online learning platform
- Registration with ISVPS and exam fee (first attempt only)
- Access to a programme coordinator
- Refreshments and lunch during face-to-face and practical sessions
How long does it take to study a veterinary nurse certificate programme?
The length of the training programme for the veterinary nurse certificates varies depending on the subject. Start and end dates can be found in the course information for each subject. Planned module dates (subject to change) are visible in the ‘modules’ tab. The assessments are then held after the training programme is complete. Most delegates complete their veterinary nurse certificate programme within a 12–18-month time period (depending on course start and assessment dates).
How will studying a veterinary nurse certificate programme benefit me and my practice?
Taking a veterinary nurse certificate can have significant benefits for the nurse and their practice as a whole. While these can vary depending on a nurse’s position, the practice environment, and the subject area they study, nurses with certificates generally:
- Acquire new skills, enabling them to manage cases with confidence
- Gain respect from colleagues and the public, contributing to higher job satisfaction and easier salary conversations with current and future employers
- Develop valuable study skills that support further post-qualification studies and enhance professional development
Further qualifications like veterinary nurse certificates don’t just benefit the individual – the practice usually sees a benefit too, which is why many practices provide funding and time off to allow nurses to complete certificates. Practices may see:
- Improved patient outcomes due to the candidate’s enhanced nursing skills, and the spreading of those skills through the team
- Increased client satisfaction from improved in-house nursing capabilities, which may be the difference between referral and in-house care
- Better staff retention and easier recruitment resulting from higher job satisfaction and clearly demonstrated support for professional development
- In some cases, a veterinary nurse certificate will equip a delegate with the knowledge and skills to run clinics or offer services that were previously unavailable, such as nutrition consultations or physiotherapy services. This can provide a new revenue stream for practices.
What are the assessments for the NCert/VPPCert?
Veterinary nurses will need to successfully complete the following assessments in order to be awarded the veterinary nurse certificate (or paraprofessional certificate, if this applies):
- A written assignment (usually a case report, pass mark 50%) linked to their chosen field of study
- An online 60-minute Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) exam, for which the pass mark is standardised.
- A 90-minute Online Applied Knowledge Examination (OAKE), which uses a variety of questions to assess the application of clinical knowledge, for which the pass mark is 60%
The assessments are organised and run by ISVPS and may vary slightly depending on the exact certificate you are taking. More information will be given in your MyImprove area once you have started the programme, but you can also contact us if you have questions.
Does the Nurse Certificate/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate award postnominals?
Delegates who successfully complete the Nurse Certificate (NCert) or Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (VPPCert) assessments are awarded the certificate and are allowed to use the postnominals NCert or VPPCert followed by their abbreviated discipline in brackets. For example, nurses taking the Certificate in Anaesthesia will be allowed to use the postnominals NCert(AnaesthNsg) . The ISVPS NCert/VPPCert awards are not currently approved for inclusion in the RCVS register. They are internationally, peer recognised awards. Your postnominals can be displayed wherever you deem appropriate, except on the RCVS register.
What is a Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (VPPCert)?
The Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (VPPCert) is a certificate programme for people working as veterinary nurses but who have no formal training. There are strict eligibility criteria. Delegates do not have to be RVNs, but they do need to be working mainly in a nursing role in veterinary practice, for instance, animal care assistants and kennel assistants who have nursing duties.
What is a Nurse Certificate (NCert)?
A Nurse Certificate (NCert) is an internationally recognised qualification for veterinary nurses, accredited by ISVPS. It is awarded in a specific subject area or discipline, and is evidence of a veterinary nurse’s dedication to their chosen area of medicine. In studying a veterinary nurse certificate, nurses develop their skills and learn new techniques, enabling them to improve the care of their patients. Veterinary nurses with certificates are highly employable, and the ISVPS Nurse Certificate is highly regarded by peers and employers all over the world.
How long do I have to complete a veterinary nurse certificate?
We recommend taking each module in order and taking the assessments on the first attempt. If this is not possible you have 3 years to attend the 75% of the taught modules required to be exam-eligible and a further 4 years to pass the ISVPS assessments. This means that if a module needs to be missed due to unforeseen circumstances, or you need more time to prepare for the assessments, your course can be flexible. If you are worried about missing multiple modules or needing longer to complete your veterinary nursing certificate, we recommend contacting our friendly team for help and advice.
Who is eligible for the veterinary nurse certificate programmes?
What qualifications are needed for the nurse certificate programme if coming from other countries?
Proof of qualifications as awarded in the country of origin will be required prior to enrolment on the programme. These are required by ISVPS for exam registration. Please do contact us to discuss your eligibility for further information.
Please note that you may require a visa to attend a face-to-face programme. Guidance on this can be obtained from your local embassy. Delegates should ensure they are able to attend all sessions prior to booking. Please note that the Student Tier 4 Visa is not applicable to Improve Veterinary Education delegates as a result of us being a private education provider. We do not provide support with obtaining visas but can provide supporting documentation to support your application if requested.
Practical Sessions
Where are practical CPD courses or face-to-face modules held?
We have two main venues for our practical modules and CPD courses:
Courses and sessions marked as ‘Swindon’ will be held in our Clinical Excellence Centre, which can be found on the Ground Floor, Delta 1200, Delta Business Park, Welton Road, Swindon, SN5 7XZ.
Courses and sessions marked as ‘Sheffield’ will be held at Benchmark House, 8 Smithy Wood Drive, Chapeltown, Sheffield S35 1QN.
Find out more about our venues and facilities.
What will the timings be for face-to-face certificate modules and practical CPD sessions? How will my day be structured?
Start times vary between 09:00 and 09:30, depending on the course you are attending. Please refer to communications from your Programme Coordinator or Practical Course Coordinator, or check the online learning platform for details. UK venues open at 08:30 to give you plenty of time to get settled in.
You will have a short morning and afternoon break to get refreshments and an hour-long lunch break.
Where do the cadavers come from for the practical CPD and surgical modules/courses?
Improve Veterinary Education established the Pet Gifting scheme several years ago, which allows local veterinary practices to offer clients the option to donate their pet to us at time of euthanasia. Please contact us or speak to a member of the team at the venue if you would like more information.
What should I wear to a practical CPD course/module?
Practical surgical sessions, held in the wet labs, will have PPE provided (surgical gowns). You may chose to bring scrubs, if you wish. For modules/courses involving live dogs (including ultrasound and physiotherapy courses), we recommend bringing a scrub top. No open-toed shoes are to be worn for practical modules.
I will be travelling from overseas, do I need a Visa?
Delegates attending face-to-face or practical CPD from overseas may require a Visa in order to participate in sessions. Please seek advice from your local embassy in relation to exact requirements. Improve Veterinary Education (IVE) does not provide support in obtaining Visas, but we can supply documentation to support your application. Please also note that a Student Tier 4 Visa is not applicable because IVE is a private education provider.
Will the dogs used for practical CPD courses be sedated?
No, we do not sedate dogs used in practical CPD courses, including ultrasound scanning courses. The dogs we use are chosen for their relaxed and compliant temperament and if they show signs of distress, they are removed and allowed to settle.
Will the dogs used for scanning have any abnormalities?
The dogs we use are clinically fit and healthy. We are not able to source animals with specific problems and we feel that would be unethical. Learning to accurately scan and assess normal physiology is the best approach when teaching ultrasonography.
Are the dogs used for ultrasound CPD clipped?
We are very grateful to the owners of dogs who allow their dogs to be used for our ultrasound CPD. We always ask the owners whether their dog can be clipped and make them aware of the benefit to our vets and nurses of having a clipped patient. However, clipping is sometimes denied, especially if the dog has previously had clipper rash, as many of our ultrasound scanning dogs are return patients. We find enabling the ultrasound gel to soak in by applying in advance allows non-clipped dogs to be used.
Are cats used for any of the ultrasound courses?
We do not provide cats for any practical ultrasound courses or modules, due to the stress this would cause to the animal through transportation and restraint. As it is not clinically necessary to scan the cat, it would not be ethical to use them for learning purposes.
Payments & Finance
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payments by credit card/debit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and bank transfer (BACS).
Do you offer any flexible payment plans?
It is not possible to set up a payment plan for short or practical CPD courses. However, vet and vet nurse/paraprofessional certificate programmes have payment plans available, allowing you to pay a deposit for enrolment and then monthly instalments. Details about the amount and number of instalments can be found in the pricing tab for each programme on our website.
What payment methods can I use for setting up a direct debit?
Not all payment methods can be used for direct debit due to their technical characteristics. For direct debit you can use a debit card, a credit card, or your bank account number.
Do you issue separate invoices for each instalment?
Before starting to pay instalments, you will receive an invoice detailing the remaining balance (e.g the remaining amount after deducting the deposit you’ve paid from the total cost of the enrolment).
Your instalment payments will be allocated against this invoice, which reduces the outstanding amount with each instalment you pay. There won’t be a separate invoice for each instalment.
Why was my Direct Debit payment not charged on the day that is established in my payment plan?
Depending on the payment method chosen for the Direct Debit the payment can take more days to be processed. For example, credit and debit card payments will be charged immediately and might appear on the same or the next day in your bank account statement. However, payments charged on your bank account (BACS/SEPA payments) might take up to 5 business days to be processed.
There might be other reasons for the payment not being processed. Here are the main reasons:
- Insufficient funds on the account
- Transaction is not authorised by the bank
- Card used for the payment has expired
- Card issuer suspected fraud and declined transaction
If the transaction has been declined by the bank, please contact them to discuss the problem, then try again to make the payment.
Why couldn’t I make payment during check-out?
- Bad internet connection.
- Amount you have tried to pay is much higher than your daily spending pattern so your bank didn´t authorise the transaction for safety reasons.
- You have exceeded the limit of the transactions per day.
- Missing Strong Customer Authentication.
- Insufficient funds on the account.
Where can I find the bank details for the bank/wire transfer?
If you wish to pay for your CPD course or certificate programme by bank transfer (BACS), the bank details are at the bottom of the invoice.
What happens if my circumstances change and I need to cancel my order?
According to our terms and conditions you have a 14-day cooling off period from the date your order was placed. If you cancel your order within this time, your full order will be refunded. If your circumstances change after the 14 days have passed and it is more than 30 days from the start day of the CPD course you would be liable for the deposit, and the rest will be refunded to you. If it is less than 30 days from the start date of the course you would be liable for the full cost of the course. We are sometimes able to offer the option to defer to another cohort or to substitute another person into the place on the course. Please contact our friendly team for more information.
When is payment for my veterinary CPD course due?
- Full payment – the total amount of the enrolment price must be paid within 30 days of registration.
- Deposit + remaining amount – deposit for the enrolment must be paid within 5 days of registration, while the remaining amount of the enrolment must be paid up to 30 days before the course starting date.
- Deposit + instalments – deposit for the enrolment must be paid within 5 days of registration, while the remaining amount of the enrolment will be split into instalments and paid once per month following an established payment plan.
How much do the veterinary CPD courses and certificate programmes cost?
The cost of any CPD course or veterinary certificate programme, including applicable payment schedules, can be found in the ‘pricing’ tab of any programme page.
My course includes assessments with HAU, how do I make payment for these?
For those taking a programme that includes a HAU qualification (eg a PgC programme), the cost of the assessments is included in the fees. However, this only applies to first attempts – if you require a re-sit, you’ll need to pay HAU directly. Please contact our team for more information on how to do this.
My CPD course includes assessments with ISVPS, how do I make payment for these?
For those taking a programme that includes an ISVPS qualification, the cost of the assessments is included in the programme fee. However, this only applies to first attempts – if you require a re-sit, you’ll need to pay ISVPS directly. If you need more information, contact our friendly team.
Can I pay by Direct Debit?
Yes …..
Online Learning & Platform
Is there a discussion forum or way to interact with other delegates?
Yes! We believe in peer learning and support, so we’ve built a forum into our online programmes. Each module typically has a dedicated forum where you can post questions or reply to discussions. Your module tutor also has access so they can help guide discussions and provide help and advice. Look for “Add discussion topic” to begin a new discussion in a forum or “Reply” to add a reply within an existing discussion.
What happens if I lose internet connection or need to pause my session?
In most lessons and quizzes, your progress is saved automatically. If your connection drops, simply re-open the module once you’re back online and navigate back to where you left off. If you continue to experience disruptions, contact support or your programme coordinator.
How do I track my progress in each online module?
Most modules feature an overall progress bar and tick boxes per lesson and Week. Refer to your “My Courses” page or the module main pages to see what has been completed and what remains for your courses and modules respectively.
Can I access course materials on mobile devices or offline?
The platform and content are designed to be viewed on most smartphones and tablets.
You will need an active internet connection to load interactive lessons, quizzes, and videos. Some PDFs or notes may be downloadable for offline reference.
What are the technical requirements to access online courses?
To access an online course, you’ll need a stable internet connection. Some courses may have downloadable PDFs to read through offline, but interactive components require being online.
You’ll also need an up-to-date web browser (such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari). The online learning platform is optimised to work on all major browsers; however, we recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. Make sure you update your browser regularly.
For video content, audio devices (speakers or headphones) are recommended.
If coming from a non-European country – how would face-to-face module attendance work for the PgC?
- We will endeavour to allocate you face-to-face modules close together in date (e.g. within the same week) to reduce the numbers of trips to the UK required but these dates are restricted so you should be aware that you may have to make separate trips as places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
- It is your responsibility to check visa requirements and ensure that you have relevant documents in place well in advance of travel.
- Delegates attending from outside of Europe may require visas in order to participate in our face-to-face programmes. Please note that the Student Tier 4 visa is not applicable to Improve Education Delegates as a result of us being a private education provider. Further guidance on your entry requirements should be checked with your local embassy.
- Improve Education does not provide support in obtaining visas but can provide supporting documentation to support your application if requested.
How do I register for the GPCert and/or the PgC?
- Registration is made directly to ISVPS (for the GPCert) and HAU (for the PgC) – you will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration forms
- Ideally, the decision to aim for the PgC should be made within the first two months of the programme starting to enable you to benefit from the HAU library access and select your face to face modules if applicable to your programme
Is the PgC programme recognised by other countries?
The PgC is worth 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits but delegates are advised to check with their local governing body for the relevance of these credits in their country.
Venue: Online
Date: Mar 2026 - May 2027
NCert/VPPCert in Feline Nursing
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