Transfusion Medicine

The best online guidance to safe blood transfusion and management

Blood transfusions have been used to save lives for hundreds of years and their benefits are well documented. In veterinary practices, the use of transfusion medicine has become increasingly popular due to its effectiveness in treating both critically ill and surgical patients. This new online learning Nurse Certificate (NCert), Veterinary Technician (VTCert) and Veterinary Paraprofessional (VPPCert)  Programme in Transfusion Medicine, accredited by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS), aims to help veterinary professionals improve their knowledge in all aspects of transfusion medicine, from understanding when a transfusion is required to the different techniques for safe blood collection and administration.

How can you become proficient in veterinary transfusion medicine?

This programme will guide you through 8 online modules, each module is built around six lessons, two reflective studies, different course notes and weekly summary videos. The interactive approach of each session will help you retain new knowledge more effectively, with regular assessments testing your skills as you progress. As with all our high-quality online programmes, this course also benefits from the latest technology and from the guidance of renowned veterinary professionals.

Topics will range between several key subjects within transfusion medicine, such as blood banking, product management, conditions such as anaemia and adverse transfusion reactions, among others. The fundamental principles of blood types will be covered, and discussion will be held around how and when to use compatibility testing to maximise transfusion efficacy. The course will provide a good understanding of the aims and risks of transfusions.

Access the best online knowledge, suitable for all professional stages

Whether you are an experienced veterinary nurse/technician or still in the early stage of your career, this course will give you valuable insights that can help you save lives and grow professionally – both in referral and general practices. Our programme is delivered in partnership with the Pet Blood Bank UK.

Learn how to take a proactive and significant role in transfusion cases and promote an evidence-based practice with the leading online CPD providers.

Tutors:

Helen Rooney

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

Frequently Asked Questions