Nurses Course
Diagnostic Imaging
ISVPS Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (NCert/VPPCert)
Register Interest- Overview
- Modules
- Pricing
- Entry Requirements
- FAQs
May 2025 - Mar 2026
Develop your knowledge and practical skills in a range of imaging modalities
This Diagnostic Imaging Nurse Certificate (NCert) programme is for RVNs working in or wishing to advance their skills in this area. The ability to produce high-quality images in a safe environment is essential in accelerating the diagnostic process.
This programme will provide you with the confidence and skills to work with the different imaging modalities and techniques, enabling you to obtain information that can contribute to a wider diagnostic picture. It also offers a practical element with radiographic positioning and Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS).
What you'll learn:
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Designed for veterinary nurses wanting to advance their diagnostic imaging knowledge and practical skills: you will learn the fundamental principles of radiology, ultrasonography, CT, and MRI and their applications.
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Discover how to produce high-quality images, manage a safe working environment as well as indications for fluoroscopy, a variety of contrast studies, interventional radiology and POCUS.
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Gain an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology, and how these impact on the pathogenesis and treatment of medical conditions will be expected.
Why choose this programme?
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The blended delivery of this programme allows the essential theory of this subject to be presented online in an interactive and engaging way whilst the practical teaching provides skills that can be applied directly in practice.
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The eight-module programme comprises four face-to-face modules (modules 1, 2, 5, and 6) which will include practical elements where appropriate, and four online learning modules.
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This comprehensive training, coupled with practical experiences, empowers you to approach challenges in practice with assurance and competence.
Diagnostic Imaging Nurse Certificate (NCert): Why this programme is for you!
The ability to produce high-quality images in a safe environment is essential in accelerating the diagnostic process. This programme will provide you with the confidence and skill to work with the different imaging modalities and techniques, enabling you
Try a taster lesson on our Explore site
ExploreKey features of this programme
Four two-day modules
Gain a recognised qualification
Access to learning resources
A dedicated Programme Coordinator who will support you every step of the way
A discussion forum for conversation, debate and sharing cases with your peers
Online Study Skill Lessons
Programme Details
Module Summary
- Radiography Principles, Technique and Interpretation
- Radiography of the Head, Teeth, Neck, Thorax, Abdomen, Vertebral Column and Limbs: Radiographic Positioning
- Contrast Techniques in Radiography
- Interventional Radiography
- Ultrasonographic Principles, Technique and Interpretation
- Point Of Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Please note the module order may be subject to change
Qualifications
To attain the ISVPS NCert qualification, you must be able to prove your eligibility by either uploading your veterinary nursing qualification certificate or RCVS/VCI number to Improve Veterinary Education once you have booked onto your programme of study.
You can attend the modules if you are a student, or not in practice and enrolled with the RCVS; however, you will not be able to attain the ISVPS NCert qualification.
The Course Includes
This modular programme is made up of three two-day courses. The modules should ideally be followed in number order and for those wishing to complete the whole programme and sit the multiple-choice exam, you must complete all modules within three years. You may take longer to attend all the modules but will not be eligible to sit the exam. This is an interactive programme where topics and practice cases are presented and explained by the speaker.
Comprehensive course notes are provided for each module. Refreshments are available throughout the day and lunch is included on all modules. Timings may vary for practical sessions; on registration you will be provided with access to your course timetable and your delegate area where course timings are also held.
Course Timings:
09.00 Registration
09.30 Course Starts
17.00 Course Finishes
Venue: Online/Swindon
Date: May 2025 - Mar 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Diagnostic Imaging
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 - Radiography Principles, Technique and Interpretation
Key learning objectives
- Compare the principles of traditional radiography versus computed radiography and digital radiography. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of each system. Compare and contrast how the image is taken, viewed, and stored with all three systems.
- Appraise radiographic image quality and outline methods to improve image quality.
- Outline the use of a grid, when and why it is used.
- Explain the basic principles of radiographic image interpretation.
- Outline the legal requirements for images obtained, required information and storage requirements.
- Explain the theory of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS). Discuss what this is used for and its benefits in veterinary practice.
- Demonstrate room set up including the machine set up, anaesthetic considerations and room preparation.
- Discuss positioning aids, compare, and contrast the different types of aids including their advantages and disadvantages. Discuss where some aids may be more appropriate than others.
- Discuss methods of patient restraint, including physical and chemical restraint and the restraint of exotic patients. Outline UK legislation in relation to manual restraint.
- Summarise the requirements for radiation protection including the Ionising Radiation Regulations.
- Discuss ways to minimise radiological exposure to staff and the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ ALARA concept.
- Outline maintenance of PPE in relation to lead gowns and other safety radiology PPE, including outlining the use of dosimeters.
- Outline additional safety measures for pregnant women.
02 - Radiography of the Head, Teeth, Neck, Thorax, Abdomen, Vertebral Column and Limbs: Radiographic Positioning
Key learning objectives
- Demonstrate radiographic projections necessary to evaluate the head, teeth neck, thorax, abdomen and limbs.
- Demonstrate knowledge of radiographic nomenclature and positioning terminology.
- Explain patient positioning, room set up and use of appropriate radiographic techniques.
- Discuss the minimum views for thoracic radiographs dependant on the clinical situation.
- Describe the technique of obtaining thoracic radiographs, including positioning, restraint, collimation and landmarks, and centre point.
- Explain “inflated” views of the thorax and the benefits of this view. Discuss how to achieve this in the conscious or sedated patient. Describe how to achieve this in the anaesthetised animal using various different breathing circuits. Discuss the risks involved in this procedure.
- Describe minimum views for abdominal radiographs dependant on clinical situation.
- Describe the technique of obtaining abdominal radiographs, including patient preparation, positioning, restraint, collimation and landmarks, and centre points
- Discuss the challenges with abdominal radiographs compared to thoracic images.
- Describe the technique of obtaining views of the forelimb, including shoulder, elbow, carpus, and metacarpals.
- Describe the technique of obtaining views of the pelvis and hindlimbs including the stifle, tarsus, and metatarsals.
- Explain the views required for a TPLO
- Outline the procedure and views required for the British Veterinary Association hip scoring scheme and elbow dysplasia scheme.
- Recognise normal dental anatomy as well as breed variations.
- List the benefits of radiography in relation to dentistry and discuss the conditions that often require radiographs to diagnose. Describe a systematic way of reviewing dentistry radiographs.
03 - Contrast Techniques in Radiography
Key learning objectives
- Explain the applications of radiographic contrast studies.
- Define the different contrast media used in radiography, giving examples of positive contrast media and negative contrast media. Discuss ionic and non-ionic contrast. Outline the benefits of contrast studies and why they are necessary.
- Explain double contrast studies.
- Explain the use of the horizontal beam and the safety precautions required.
- Outline equipment required, patient preparation, and technique for the following procedures, and summarise their contra-indications, risks, and potential complications:
- Static barium swallow
- Gastrogram
- Barium enema
- Urogram
- Double-contrast cystography
- Myelography
- Arthrogram
- Outline the minimum blood database required to safely administer contrast media. Explain the contra-indications for contrast administration.
- Explain complications with contrast administration with a particular focus on anaphylaxis. Discuss an anaphylaxis protocol for each of the media discussed, including identifying anaphylaxis, drugs that may be administered, and post-reaction care.
*Barium studies will be compared and contrasted with CT in the CT module*
04 - Interventional Radiography
Key learning objectives
- Discuss the principles of fluoroscopy and how they differ from traditional radiography.
- Explain equipment set up, controls and image acquisition.
- Review image or video acquisition, image rotation for interpretation.
- Explain how to prepare the room, patient and the material necessary to perform fluoroscopy techniques.
- Outline the use of a pressure injector.
- Discuss dynamic barium swallow studies, including indications for such a study, doses used and procedure.
- Discuss a dynamic airway exam with the use of fluoroscopy, including indications for such a study and procedure.
- Summarise the requirements for radiation protection.
- Discuss ways to minimise radiation when using fluoroscopy.
05 - Ultrasonographic Principles, Technique and Interpretation
Key learning objectives
- Explain the principles and application of ultrasound.
- Classify the different types of probes and explain their use.
- Discuss Doppler ultrasonography and explain its use.
- Outline the maintenance required for the ultrasound machine and care for the probes.
- Perform set up of the machine and record ultrasound images and videos.
- Define ultrasonographic terms to allow correct description. Explain ultrasound machine settings and controls and be able to optimise image quality.
- Discuss various protocols that allow a systematic and complete assessment of the abdomen and its contents.
- Recognise commonly seen artefacts and demonstrate strategies to avoid artefacts and/or distinguish diagnostically useful artefacts.
06 - Point Of Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
Key learning objectives
- Demonstrate set up of the machine and patient preparation.
- Describe and understand the applications of POCUS: abdominal and thoracic trauma and lung ultrasound
- Recognise the normal appearance of the abdomen and thorax when using POCUS.
- Interpret ultrasonographic changes of the abdomen and thorax when using POCUS.
- Classify the different types of sampling techniques including ultrasound guided fine needle aspirate and tru-cut biopsy. Discuss how to maximise cell preservation in both obtaining and storing the samples.
- Describe equipment necessary to perform different tissue sampling techniques.
- Outline the correct procedure for liver biopsies including patient preparation, sedation, pre-procedure blood test(s) and post procedure care.
- Practical scanning.
07 - Computed Tomography (CT)
Key learning objectives
- Describe the principles of CT.
- Describe the preparation of a CT machine for use, including warm up and the use of a phantom for calibration.
- Explain image acquisition and formation.
- Outline window selection when viewing images.
- Describe patient positioning for several CT techniques.
- Discuss inducing apnoea for thoracic CT, describe how to achieve apnoea in a patient and how to monitor these patients afterwards.
- Explain how to perform basic and advanced contrast media techniques.
- Outline the minimum blood database required to safely administer contrast media.
- Explain the contra-indications for contrast administration.
- Discuss the use of contrast in patients with pre-existing renal disease.
- Explain complications with contrast administration with particular focus on anaphylaxis.
- Discuss an anaphylaxis protocol for each of the media discussed, including identifying anaphylaxis, drugs that may be administered and post reaction care.
- Recognise commonly seen artefacts and how to avoid them.
- Summarise the requirements for radiation protection.
- Compare the use of traditional radiography with contrast studies and the use of CT with contrast. Highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each.
08 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Key learning objectives
- Describe MRI principles.
- Demonstrate good patient positioning.
- Outline the requirements to safely anaesthetise patients for MRI.
- Discuss why ECG monitoring is not typically utilised in an MRI setting and outline alternatives to monitor cardiac function.
- Explain why traditional warming methods cannot be used in an MRI setting and give alternatives.
- Explain image acquisition and formation.
- Describe MRI sequences and understand their use and application for image interpretation.
- Recognise commonly seen artefacts and how to avoid them.
- Summarise the importance of MRI safety.
Venue: Online/Swindon
Date: May 2025 - Mar 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Diagnostic Imaging
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
Diagnostic Imaging Regular price
Payment Option | First Payment | Second Payment(s) | Total Payment |
---|---|---|---|
Payment In Full - Regular Price (with ISVPS Exam) | £3,788.00 | - | £3,788.00 |
Deposit and Remaining Balance - Regular Price (with ISVPS Exam) | £499.00 | £3,289.00 | £3,788.00 |
Monthly Payments - Regular Price (with ISVPS Exam) | £499.00 | £430.00 x 8 (monthly) | £3,939.00 |
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/Swindon
Date: May 2025 - Mar 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Diagnostic Imaging
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/Swindon
Date: May 2025 - Mar 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Diagnostic Imaging
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/Swindon
Date: May 2025 - Mar 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Diagnostic Imaging
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