Nurses Course
Medical Nursing
ISVPS Nurses Certificate/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (NCert/VPPCert)
- OVERVIEW
- MODULES
- PRICING
- ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- FAQs
July 2023 - February 2024
Veterinary medicine has advanced significantly during recent years
This programme has been designed to provide Veterinary Nurses, Technicians and Veterinary Paraprofessionals with the opportunity to access relevant and up to date knowledge of small animal nursing of medical cases and to use this knowledge to improve the treatment given to canine and feline patients in practice.
The certificate programme will:
- Enhance your clinical skills and knowledge
- Increase your confidence and job satisfaction
- Enable you to gain an achievable and recognised ISVPS qualification
What you'll learn:
8 varied modules
Covering key nursing topics in medical nursing delivered over 8 months (one module released every other month)
Support and guidance from a Module Tutor who is a specialist in internal medicine
The specialist in the subject area will provide online support during each module and will be available to answer all your questions
Multiple learning processes
Presentations, written notes, interactive quizzes, multiple choice question writing 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
Interactive and engaging modules
Which allow you to absorb the learning materials in an online environment
100% online
Giving you access 24/7 wherever you are
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
Four sessions per month
Each module consists of four sessions spread over one month. Sessions comprise separate lessons to work through at your own pace. The fourth week of the month will provide reflective sessions and during the months when the module is not running, training in study skills and revision materials will be provided
Nurse study skills area
Additional learning on topics such as academic writing, reflection and revision techniques.
Programme Details:
Module Summary
- Anaesthesia
- Analgesia
- Principles- The Clinic
- Principles - The Patient
- Imaging
- Oncology
- Body Systems
- Medical Pharmacology
Please note the module order may be subject to change
Venue: online
Date: July 2023 - February 2024
NCert/VPPCert in Medical Nursing
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01 - Anaesthesia
Key learning objectives
At the end of the module delegate should be able to:
- Review acid/base balance, the practical application of blood products and explain when different fluid replacement options should be used. Demonstrate the ability to perform all types of fluid administration calculations.
- Explain the importance of client consent forms, patient anaesthesia records and be able to complete both correctly.
- Obtain knowledge of basic through to advanced patient monitoring and the pros and cons of multi-parameter monitoring for specific cases. Describe and explain abnormal capnography and pulse oximetry waveforms and suggest options to improve them.
- Understand the use of different pre-anaesthetic medication, induction and maintenance agents, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each in specific cases.
- Identify different types of endotracheal tubes and their use explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each. Demonstrate the skill of intubating easy & more difficult patients
02 - Analgesia
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the modules delegates should be able to :
- Appreciate the pathophysiology of pain and be able to identify pain in different species using pain scoring methods.
- Explain the different classes of analgesia, including opioids, NSAIDs, local anaesthetics and other agents and their pharmacology and appreciate their different delivery methods for specific patients using the multi-modal approach.
- Pre-emptive analgesia theory and practical approaches to achieving it
- Outline the use of analgesia in medical patients for chronic and palliative use.
- Describe appropriate analgesic agents for the use of CRI, when and how these should be used/monitored and be able to perform a CRI calculation.
- Demonstrate different intravenous catheterisation techniques including central venous catheterisation.
- Be able to place a central venous line
03 - Principles- The Clinic
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the module delegates should be able to;
- Discuss how hospital layout affects the running of a clinic in relation to infection control and the importance of specific patient areas on patient recovery.
- Understand how hospital acquired infections are obtained and spread, as well as the different types of infection.
- Distinguish between the terms of disinfection and sterilization and how these techniques are implemented within the hospital setting.
- Gain knowledge of the importance of the appropriate selection and use of medical equipment for specific diagnostic procedures and patient monitoring.
- Explain how to store, maintain and prepare the above equipment.
- Appreciate the importance of hospital Health & Safety.
- Be able to identify potential risks and hazards within the medical setting and have the knowledge of how to reduce these risks.
04 - Principles - The Patient
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the module delegates should be able to;
- Discuss the importance of daily patient assessment and record keeping of the medical patient via charting systems. Be able to outline physical examination techniques and explain their relevance.
- Outline the importance of the specific nursing requirements of inpatients with specific pathophysiology and life stage. Be able to explain the importance of nursing care plans and their use.
- Obtain knowledge of the role of nutrition in the medical patient, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of both enteral and parenteral administration and how to manage these cases within the clinic.
- Select the appropriate patient preparation technique and positioning required for specific medical procedures.
- Identify medical diseases and procedures that result in an outpatient assessment and the significance of outpatient monitoring.
- Become familiar with identifying medical complications and consolidate your knowledge of how to minimise them.
- Explain the set up and maintenance of endoscopes and when they are most useful as part of a diagnostic work-up
- Appreciate the importance of clinical governance & client communication within the veterinary clinic.
05 - Imaging
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the module delegates should be able to;
- Explain the different radiographic techniques available, their pros and cons and uses in specific situations
- Evaluate radiographic image quality to ensure diagnostic radiographs are available for interpretation and improve your basic film reading, identifying radiographic artefacts and faults.
- Revise contrast studies, becoming familiar with their use and the specific equipment required to perform them
- Understand the principles of ultrasound imaging and be familiar with how to set up and maintain the ultrasound machine and probes
- Identify specific equipment and materials required for ultrasound-guided procedures
- Employ the principles of FAST scanning to triage emergency cases
- Review advanced imaging (CT/MRI and scintigraphy) and their uses in diagnosis and monitoring medical cases
06 - Oncology
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the modules delegates should be able to;
- Discuss the biology of cancer and paraneoplastic disease
- Describe the principles, challenges and ethics of cancer treatment in dogs and cats
- Outline the options for local management of tumours including surgery and radiation therapy
- Explain how systemic management of tumours can be achieved through chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy
- Select appropriate diagnostic methods for the investigation and management of: Lymphoma; mast cell tumours; bone tumours; splenic tumours; oral tumours and selected other common tumours
- Familiarise yourself with specific feline tumours
- Identify and understand oncological emergencies
- Evaluate the unique challenges of starting an oncology clinic - practicalities of administering chemotherapy and management of clients
- Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of drug safety, staff and owner protection
07 - Body Systems
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the module delegates should be able to;
- Appreciate clinical assessment and how it that can be used to narrow down location of a respiratory problem
- Explain the typical presentations, treatment and follow up required for a variety of respiratory diseases in small animal practice including feline asthma/bronchitis, chronic canine bronchitis, lungworm, pneumonia and nasal disease.
- Discuss the common signs of acute and chronic gastrointestinal disease and logical approaches to investigating the underlying causes
- Describe the most common gastrointestinal diseases and how to treat and/or manage them successfully.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of liver disease in the cat and dog
- Compare pancreatitis in cats and dogs in relation to presentation and treatment options
- Recognise the importance of the classification of chronic kidney disease in relation to management and monitoring
- Become familiar with the diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring challenges of a variety of endocrine diseases including those associated with the pancreas, adrenal and thyroid glands.
08 - Medical Pharmacology
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the module delegates should be able to;
- Appreciate the challenges involved in getting the best out of laboratory tests including sampling methods and test selection
- Describe a general approach to all poisoning cases including what resources are available, what diagnostic tests may help and how to treat common toxicities
- Discuss rational drug use– consider how we protect antibiotic use, other considerations in therapeutic trials in medicine cases and monitoring for side effects
- Consider traditional UK infectious diseases - how they are diagnosed, managed and treatment options
- Become familiar with infectious diseases new to the UK and discuss the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of these conditions
- Describe how antibody testing can be useful in vaccination protocols
- Be familiar with WSAVA vaccination guidelines
Venue: online
Date: July 2023 - February 2024
NCert/VPPCert in Medical Nursing
Get in touch
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Early bird prices
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Regular prices
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Remaining Balance | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Deposit and Remaining Balance) | £399.00 | £2,330.00 | £2,729.00 |
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Payment in Full) | £2,729.00 | - | £2,729.00 |
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme ( Deposit and 8 monthly payments - Total cost) | £399.00 | £343.00 x 8 | £3,143.00 |
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Remaining Balance | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Deposit and Remaining Balance) | £478.80 | £2,796.00 | £3,274.80 |
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Payment in Full) | £3,274.80 | - | £3,274.80 |
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme ( Deposit and 8 monthly payments - Total cost) | £478.80 | £411.60 x 8 | £3,771.60 |
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Remaining Balance | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Payment in Full) | £2,829.00 | - | £2,829.00 |
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Deposit and Remaining Balance) | £499.00 | £2,330.00 | £2,829.00 |
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme ( Deposit and 8 monthly payments - Total cost) | £499.00 | £343.00 x 8 | £3,243.00 |
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Remaining Balance | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Payment in Full) | £3,394.80 | - | £3,394.80 |
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Deposit and Remaining Balance) | £598.80 | £2,796.00 | £3,394.80 |
NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme ( Deposit and 8 monthly payments - Total cost) | £598.80 | £411.60 x 8 | £3,891.60 |
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.
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: July 2023 - February 2024
NCert/VPPCert in Medical Nursing
Get in touch
Extend 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
UK and Non-UK applicants
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 support 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: July 2023 - February 2024
NCert/VPPCert in Medical Nursing
Get in touch
Frequently Asked Questions
Nurses Certificates Online Learning
Who can enrol on the NCert/VPPCert Certificate Online Learning Programmes?
These programmes are postgraduate qualifications and require a sound knowledge of veterinary anatomy, physiology and nursing prior to entry.
- NCert – you must be a RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse, or equivalent (e.g VCI – Veterinary Council of Ireland) if you are not practising in the UK. 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?
- Complete the full online structured programme
- Case report or clinical audit (depending on the programme followed); 2,500 words, requires academic writing and referencing
- An online applied knowledge examination (OAKE)
- A one-hour online examination consisting of 25 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- ISVPS are responsible for invigilation of the exam using an independent invigilation company
- Complete all of the evaluation surveys which consists of answering 5 MCQ’s before each module and 5 MCQs after each session.
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 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).
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 (e.g. RCVS Knowledge; 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 resit any part of the assessments will be subject to additional assessment fees which are paid directly to ISVPS. You will also be provided with a suggested reading list where there may be additional cost of books and articles depending on the individual preferences.
How can I track my progress in the programme?
Progress of the completion of your module and programme are tracked in different ways.
Each module consists of 9 interactive lessons including reflective study which may involve case studies, 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 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.
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.
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 Firefox on a Windows operating system, and Chrome, Firefox 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.
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