Nurses Course
Diagnostic Imaging
ISVPS Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (NCert/VPPCert)
- Overview
- Modules
- Pricing
- Entry Requirements
- FAQs
Jun 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
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Key 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
- Contrast Techniques in Radiography
- Radiography of the Head, Teeth, Neck, Thorax, Abdomen, Vertebral Column and Limbs: Radiographic Positioning
- 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: Jun 2025 - Mar 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Diagnostic Imaging
Get in touch
Accredited by
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate
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 - 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*
03 - 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.
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: Jun 2025 - Mar 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Diagnostic Imaging
Get in touch
Accredited by
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate
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 Early price
| Payment Option | First Payment | Second Payment(s) | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment In Full - Early Bird Price (60 days) (with ISVPS Exam) | £3,489.00 | - | £3,489.00 |
| Deposit and Remaining Balance - Early Bird Price (60 days) (with ISVPS Exam) | £399.00 | £3,090.00 | £3,489.00 |
| Monthly Payments - Early Bird Price (60 days) (with ISVPS Exam) | £399.00 | £430.00 x 8 (monthly) | £3,839.00 |
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: Jun 2025 - Mar 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Diagnostic Imaging
Get in touch
Accredited by
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate
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: Jun 2025 - Mar 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Diagnostic Imaging
Get in touch
Accredited by
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate
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
Nurses Certificates Online Learning
How long do we have to complete the certification?
Whilst most delegate complete the certification within a 12–18-month time period (depending on course start and assessment dates). Delegates have 3 –years to attend 75% of the taught modules to be exam eligible and a further 4-years to pass the ISVPS assessments.
How does networking and professional connections contribute to a veterinary nurse’s/technician career?
Building a professional network can lead to job opportunities and staying informed about industry trends with your peers. Enrol in our courses to elevate your career while gaining networking opportunities.
How do I register for the NCert/VTCert/ VPPCert qualification via the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS)?
Registration for the examination (and associated written assessment) is automatic and delegates are required to confirm via a response e-mail. Those wanting only to take the modular programme as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours can do so. However, they should notify both Improve Veterinary Education and ISVPS upon starting their programme. Please note delegates will not be able to use the post nominals associated with the particular subject qualification and be awarded the qualification badge.
Upon confirming with ISVPS delegates will be sent a confirmation email containing a password to access the ISVPS ‘Candidates’ Area’, which is separate to Improve Veterinary Education’s Learning Management System (LMS). In addition to providing access to assessment guidance, the ISVPS
‘Candidates’ Area’ also permits candidates to submit their written assessment to ISVPS anonymously.
We suggest that all delegates english@isvps.org to their contacts to ensure they receive correspondence from ISVPS.
How many CPD hours will the NCert/VPPCert programmes provide?
The majority of NCert/VTCert/VPPCert programme are worth a minimum of 100 CPD hours (approximately 48 hours of delivered sessions and 52 hours self-study time). Please note that CPD hours are depending on the number of modules per programme.
How many CPD hours will this programme provide?
The programme is worth a minimum of 12 CPD hours (approximately 48 hours of delivered sessions and 52 hours self-study time).
Do I have to access the programme via a specific browser?
Even though you may access our world-leading Learning Management System via any browser, it is recommended that you choose a browser that supports integrated HTML editor. Google Chrome or Edge on a Windows operating system, and Chrome, Edge or Safari on a Mac system.
While using Internet Explorer (Edge) should not cause any issue, it has been reported that some security settings and adherence to W3C standards prevent the browser from operating in some instances. If you experience a problem, please try one of the other browsers before contacting Improve for additional support.
How can I track my progress in the programme?
Progress of the completion of your module and programme are tracked in different ways.
For online programmes – Each module consists of 9 interactive lessons including a reflective/case study, MCQ writing and calculation practice during week 4, depending on the specific module. The interactive lessons will track and remember your progress whilst you complete it. When you return to a specific lesson or case study, you will return to the page that you last visited.
Once a lesson is completed, a tick will appear next to the lesson icon on the module course page. You will also see a progress indicator at the top right-hand corner of the course page and a more detailed Progress Bar in the collapsible side menu on the left.
Upon completing all 9 lessons and the 2 case/reflected studies, you will be awarded a Digital Badge, recognising your achievement. As you progress through the programme, badges will be awarded at 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 completion stages.
Once you have completed a module you will also be marked as attending the taught session and will be able to download your CPD certificate.
For attendance programmes – We will ask you to sign in at arrival. Once you have signed delegates will then be able to download their CPD certificate.
Who can enrol on the NCert/VPPCert Certificate Online Learning Programmes?
Our programmes are postgraduate qualifications and require a sound knowledge of veterinary anatomy, physiology and nursing prior to entry.
- NCert – you must have received and passed a Veterinary Nurse qualification. Proof of qualification will be required for eligibility.
- VPPCert – you must have been working in a veterinary environment for two years and provide evidence that you have been involved within the discipline, which is being taught on the particular programme, for which you are seeking access. This will require proof of employment with reference, current CV and self-certification.
What does the NCert/VPPCert qualification consist of?
- To obtain either the NCert/VTCert or VPPCert delegates will require to:
- Attend 75% of the taught modules
- Submit a 2500 word written assessment (requires academic writing and Harvard referencing)
- Complete and pass a one-hour remotely invigilated online examination consisting of 25 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and 90 minute online applied knowledge examination (OAKE)
How do I register for the NCert/VPPCert qualification via Online Learning Programmes?
Registration for the examination (and associated written assessment) is optional, and delegates undertaking an Improve Veterinary Education modular training programme can choose to attend the course without undertaking any assessment. Delegates choosing NOT to undertake any assessment receive acknowledgement of their ‘Continuing Professional Development’ (CPD) hours from Improve Veterinary Education but ARE NOT eligible to receive the NCert/VPPCert in their chosen discipline.
Registration is via a unique registration link provided at the start of the course via the online learning platform Moodle. Upon registration, you can anticipate email confirmation. (Please add english@isvps.org to your contacts to ensure you receive correspondence from ISVPS).
The confirmation email contains a password to access the ISVPS ‘Candidates’ Area’, which is separate to Improve Veterinary Education’s Learning Management System (LMS). In addition to providing access to assessment guidance, the ISVPS ‘Candidates’ Area’ also permits candidates to submit their written assessment to ISVPS anonymously.
How much self-study is required?
In addition to the 2500-word written assessment, we suggest that delegates spend an additional 52 hours of self-study. You will also require access to journals and articles via an internet library service. All modular nursing programme have access to the RCVS knowledge library. Delegates will be required to register via the online learning platform. Other internet library services are available (e.g. PubMed; Google scholar) which may incur an additional registration fee.
Will there be any additional costs involved?
The examination fee is included in the full course price however those delegates that require to resist any part of the assessments will be subject to additional assessment fees which are paid directly to ISVPS. Delegates will also be provided with a suggested reading list where there may be additional cost of books and articles depending on the individual preferences.
If attending an attendance programme, travel and accommodation fees will also be applicable. We suggest ensuring that your travel and accommodation reservations are always refundable for unforeseen situations. We try our best not to cancel or move dates, however there may be times when speakers are unable to attend at short notice. If we need to change dates, we will notify delegates at the earliest opportunity and do our best to replace and or reschedule.
What qualifications are needed for taking the programme if coming from another non-European country?
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.
What additional learning resources are available?
- Notes to support every lesson
- Reading list
- Module Tutor (diploma holder and or above in their field)
- Improve Education Programme Tutor
- Discussion Forum
- Pre and post-module questions
- Reflective sessions incorporating multiple-choice writing and study skills
- Summary videos at the end of each week
Venue: Online/Swindon
Date: Jun 2025 - Mar 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Diagnostic Imaging
Get in touch
Accredited by
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate
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 more