Nurses Course
Nursing Anaesthesia
ISVPS Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (NCert/VPPCert)
Register Interest- Overview
- Modules
- Optional Modules
- Pricing
- Entry Requirements
- FAQs
Jun 2025 - Jan 2026
Learn at your own pace, wherever you are, with our Nursing Anaesthesia online learning programme
Our Nursing Anaesthesia online learning programme has been developed to enable all veterinary nurses/ technicians and veterinary paraprofessionals access to our world-class teaching materials.
By studying part-time, at your own pace, this programme allows you to effectively manage your work-life balance while taking essential knowledge back to practice immediately.
During the programme, online sessions will cover:
- The latest anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
- The selection of key anaesthetic and analgesic agents
- Techniques for safe anaesthesia
- Effective analgesia in dogs, cats, equines and exotics
You’ll have support and guidance from a Module Tutor who is a specialist in veterinary anaesthesia across 8 varied and interactive modules delivered over 8 months and a free Improve International Manual in Nursing Anaesthesia e-book.
Additional sessions allow you to develop your reflective skills and enable time for consolidation and revision of your learning.
Once you join you will be part of an international programme with participants from all over the world.
Try a taster lesson on our Explore site
ExploreSee our pricing tab for Early Bird discounts and payment plan options
Key features of this programme
8 varied modules
Covering key nursing topics in anaesthesia delivered over 8 months (one module released every other month)
Support and guidance from a Module Tutor who is a specialist in anaesthesia
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
Free e-book
Receive the Improve International Manual in Nursing Anesthesia e-book
Online Study Skill Lessons
12-month subscription to the RCVS Knowledge Library
Programme Details
Module Summary
- The Anaesthetic Machine and Monitoring Equipment
- Pre-anaesthetic Assessment and Pre-medication. Intravenous and Inhalant Anaesthetics
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Accidents and Emergencies
- Fluid Therapy in the Perioperative Period. Nutrition in Critical Care
- Anaesthesia of Equine and Exotics Species
- Analgesia and Pain Assessment
- Anaesthetic Considerations for Specific Conditions I
- Anaesthetic Considerations for Specific Conditions II
Please note the module order may be subject to change
Venue: Online
Date: Jun 2025 - Jan 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Nursing Anaesthesia
Get in touch
Also Available in Online
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 moreApproved by
Approved by RACE for 96 CE credits
01 - The Anaesthetic Machine and Monitoring Equipment
The anaesthetic machine is an essential tool for inhalation anaesthesia. A good working knowledge of both the machine and breathing circuit is essential to ensure the safety of the patient.
This module will cover the different types of machines available and will review available breathing circuits. The range of monitoring equipment in veterinary practice has increased significantly over the last few years and the latest thinking on this topic will be presented. Key learning objectives:
- Understand the anaesthetic machine
- Know how anaesthetic breathing circuits work and how to choose them
- Understand the use of low flow anaesthesia with circle circuits
- Be able to fill in the anaesthetic record correctly
- Have an overview from basic through to advanced monitoring
- Understand equipment - how it works and what to choose
- Be able to anticipate potential problems and avoid pitfalls
- Adopt minimal monitoring in ‘general practice’
- Have an overview of ventilators and artificial ventilation
02 - Pre-anaesthetic Assessment and Pre-medication. Intravenous and Inhalant Anaesthetics
This module will cover how to assess the patient before anaesthesia and the different drugs available for pre-medication. General anaesthesia may be induced by injectable drugs or inhalational agents. These will be reviewed along with methods of maintaining anaesthesia. Key learning objectives:
- The role of pre-anaesthetic assessment
- Understand the reasons and ways to use pre-medication and sedation
- Have an overview of injectable anaesthetics
- Have an overview of the inhalation anaesthetics
- Be able to review the principles and practical use of the newer agents
- Explain the use of anaesthetic checklists and be able to implement them in clinical practice
03 - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Accidents and Emergencies
The causes of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) will be covered as will how to recognise ‘at risk’ patients. The aim of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is to support ventilation and circulation until natural functions can be restored and maintained. Equipment and resources needed for CPR will be included and a step-by-step ‘how’ to’ guide. Key learning objectives:
- Be able to identify common complications in anaesthesia
- Know the causes, identify and the treatment of arrest
- A practical step-by-step guide as to how to manage an arrest, basic CPCR, ventilation and artificial circulation
04 - Fluid Therapy in the Perioperative Period. Nutrition in Critical Care
Fluid therapy is often seen as complicated by both nurses and vets. This module aims to demystify the subject and explain the reasons why every nurse should understand the basics of fluid balance, fluid therapy and fluid administration.
How to calculate fluid requirements, rates of administration, and monitoring techniques will be covered. Nutritional support for the anaesthetised patient will also be included.
Key learning objectives:
-
Know about the types and uses of different fluids, including colloids, HBOCS
-
Be able to devise a fluid therapy plan and monitor patients
-
Understand the principles of transfusion medicine
-
The importance of nutrition in the critical patient
05 - Anaesthesia of Equine and Exotics Species
There are naturally some important differences when planning anaesthesia in both equine and exotic species. This module will cover the different drugs and techniques available for both the horse and also common ‘exotic’ species.
Key learning objectives:
-
Have an overview of equine anaesthesia: the horse as an anaesthetic candidate
-
Understand drugs and anaesthetic techniques including monitoring and complications in equine anaesthesia
-
Know of special considerations, techniques and advice for anaesthesia in other species including birds, reptiles, ferrets, rabbits and other small mammals
-
Have an awareness of some considerations specific to farm animal anaesthesia
06 - Analgesia and Pain Assessment
This module will cover the pathophysiology of pain and how to recognise and assess pain in the different species.
The different types of drugs available for analgesia will be reviewed for short, medium and long term use. The concept of pre-emptive analgesia will be covered along with multi-modal analgesia.
Key learning objectives:
-
Have an overview of the pathophysiology of pain
-
Recognise pain in different species
-
Have an understanding of pain scoring
-
Understand the many analgesia options, including opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, local anaesthesia and other agents such as alpha 2 agonists
-
Local blocks and epidurals
-
Know how to use constant rate infusions
-
Consider long term pain management and chronic pain
-
Be aware of adjuncts to pain control, new and novel drugs
07 - Anaesthetic Considerations for Specific Conditions I
Certain conditions require the anaesthetist to employ different techniques from those routinely used. The use of neuromuscular blocking agents will be covered in this course as well as planning anaesthesia for thoracic surgery, head and neck surgery, patients with cardiopulmonary disease and those with neurological problems.
Key learning objectives:
-
Know about muscle relaxants – indications, current use, new drugs and monitoring
-
How to plan an anaesthetic for:
-
Thoracic surgery
-
Head and neck surgery
-
Patients with cardiopulmonary disease
-
Patients with neurological disease
-
08 - Anaesthetic Considerations for Specific Conditions II
This module will cover how to plan an anaesthetic for both the patient undergoing a caesarean operation, the paediatric and geriatric patient. In addition, considerations for anaesthesia for patients with renal or liver failure and for particular endocrinopathies will be discussed. All of these situations place particular demands on the anaesthetist and the importance of patient assessment, drug selection, induction/maintenance techniques and monitoring will be covered.
Key learning objectives:
- Plan an anaesthetic for Caesarean section
- Be able to plan an anaesthetic for paediatric patients
- Understand anaesthesia for patients with kidney, liver disease and endocrinopathies
Venue: Online
Date: Jun 2025 - Jan 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Nursing Anaesthesia
Get in touch
Also Available in Online
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 moreApproved by
Approved by RACE for 96 CE credits
The goal of the Optional Practical Day is to provide the attendee with the opportunity to practice anaesthetic practical techniques learned during the online NCert in Nursing anaesthesia programme. The structure of the day will include putting the taught session of central line placement and local anaesthetic techniques into practice under the guidance of the module tutor.
Please be advised that while the optional practical module can be booked separately, all theoretical instruction will be provided within the online programme. We recommend that delegates complete the online modules before commencing the optional practical modules.
01 - Optional Practical Module Nursing Anaesthesia
Key Learning Objectives.
- Review and demonstrate central line placement on a training model (dry lab)
- Review physiology of pain
-Discuss the indications for local anaesthetic techniques
-List the common local anaesthetic drugs used and explain their pharmacological properties
-Explain the contraindications of local anaesthesia
-Apply theoretical knowledge and demonstrate various local anaesthetic techniques for anaesthetic blocks used which can be used in practice (Wet lab - Cadavers)
-Discuss transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Venue: Online
Date: Jun 2025 - Jan 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Nursing Anaesthesia
Get in touch
Also Available in Online
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 moreApproved by
Approved by RACE for 96 CE credits
The goal of the Optional Practical Day is to provide the attendee with the opportunity to practice anaesthetic practical techniques learned during the online NCert in Nursing anaesthesia programme. The structure of the day will include putting the taught session of central line placement and local anaesthetic techniques into practice under the guidance of the module tutor.
01 - Optional Practical Module Nursing Anaesthesia
Key Learning Objectives.
- Review and demonstrate central line placement on a training model (dry lab)
- Review physiology of pain
-Discuss the indications for local anaesthetic techniques
-List the common local anaesthetic drugs used and explain their pharmacological properties
-Explain the contraindications of local anaesthesia
-Apply theoretical knowledge and demonstrate various local anaesthetic techniques for anaesthetic blocks used which can be used in practice (Wet lab - Cadavers)
-Discuss transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Venue: Online
Date: Jun 2025 - Jan 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Nursing Anaesthesia
Get in touch
Also Available in Online
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 moreApproved by
Approved by RACE for 96 CE credits
Available Plans
Early
Regular
If course start date is < 15 days then no cancellation is allowed.
Pricing Billing
Nursing Anaesthesia Early price
| Payment Option | First Payment | Second Payment(s) | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment In Full - Early Bird Price (60 days) (with ISVPS Exam) | £2,929.00 | - | £2,929.00 |
| Deposit and Remaining Balance - Early Bird Price (60 days) (with ISVPS Exam) | £399.00 | £2,530.00 | £2,929.00 |
| Monthly Payments - Early Bird Price (60 days) (with ISVPS Exam) | £399.00 | £353.00 x 8 (monthly) | £3,223.00 |
Optional Practical Module Nursing Anaesthesia Regular price
| Payment Option | First Payment | Second Payment(s) | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment in full | £549.00 | - | £549.00 |
Optional Practical Module Nursing Anaesthesia Regular price
| Payment Option | First Payment | Second Payment(s) | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment in Full | £549.00 | - | £549.00 |
The fees include ALL registration and exam fees to achieve a NCert/VPPCert from ISVPS.
Payment Terms & Conditions
1. Payments can be made by BACS, credit card or Direct Debit.
2. Direct Debit plans are administered and collected on our behalf by GoCardless Limited.
3. In certain circumstances, multiple booking and corporate discounts are available, please contact us on 01793 759159 for further information.
4. In order to confirm your place, we must receive payment in full or the relevant initial payment.
5. In addition, if paying by Direct Debit, we must receive the completed mandate prior to course commencement.
6. Please also see our full terms and conditions on our website – Terms and Conditions.
Registration Information
1. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis, subject to eligibility.
2. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
3. Improve International reserves the right to close the intake early if the number of applications received exceeds the number of available places.
4. Confirmation and enrolment details will then be sent to applicants once we have received a completed application form.
Venue: Online
Date: Jun 2025 - Jan 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Nursing Anaesthesia
Get in touch
Also Available in Online
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 moreApproved by
Approved by RACE for 96 CE credits
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
The following may be eligible to enrol on to the programme:
- Veterinary Nurses who have not attended formal training and therefore do not have a supporting certificate but have been working in practice in a Veterinary Nurse/Technician role for at least 2 years prior to the programme start date
- All delegates must be working in veterinary practice/clinical setting for the duration of the programme and certificate completion (in order to be able to complete the written assessment)
- All 3 of the eligibility documents below to be uploaded:
- A recent CV*(this should demonstrate that you have been working within a veterinary practice for at least 2 years prior to the programme start date)
- a signed letter from your employer stating that you are working in a veterinary practice in a nursing/technician role*
- a self-statement letter explaining your nursing experience and the relevance of taking the programme to your career*
Applicants who are not formally trained Veterinary Nurses/Technicians, such as laboratory research assistants, may apply but must provide all three of the supporting documents listed above.*
- In order to register for the certificate assessments, all delegates must have completed all modules of the training programme
- Examination candidates must complete and pass the following:
- Written assessment
- 25 MCQ exam
- An Online applied knowledge examination (this is an applied theory interactive examination, which is taken online and is not a demonstration of skill competency)
- Successful candidates will receive a printed certificate, be included on ISVPS register of VPP certificate holders and be permitted to use the post-nominals associated with the certificate
*Please note that all eligibility is reviewed and cannot be guaranteed.
Please note that all written assessments and examinations are to be completed in English
Venue: Online
Date: Jun 2025 - Jan 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Nursing Anaesthesia
Get in touch
Also Available in Online
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 moreApproved by
Approved by RACE for 96 CE credits
Frequently 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.
Venue: Online
Date: Jun 2025 - Jan 2026
NCert/VPPCert in Nursing Anaesthesia
Get in touch
Also Available in Online
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 moreApproved by
Approved by RACE for 96 CE credits
