Nurses Course
Laboratory Techniques
ISVPS Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (NCert/VPPCert)
- Overview
- Modules
- Pricing
- Entry Requirements
- FAQs
15 Jan - 31 Jul 2025
Highlight crucial laboratory techniques for small animal veterinary nurses
Laboratory techniques are an essential skill for the qualified veterinary nurse as many cases presented in small animal practice will need laboratory investigations before a definitive diagnosis can be made. The main areas of sample collection methods, haematology, biochemistry, urinalysis, and testing for endocrine diseases will be covered in detail with an emphasis on a practical approach.
What you’ll learn...
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An introduction to laboratory practice: An in-depth understanding of laboratory safety protocols and procedures alongside the familiarisation of basic laboratory equipment and their applications.
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Haematology: A comprehensive knowledge and understanding in blood sample collection, preparation, and analysis.
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Point-of-Care (POC) test: Exploration into point-of-care testing methodologies and the application of POC tests in rapid diagnostics.
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Urinalysis: Understand techniques for proper urine sample collection, preservation and analysis of results.
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Endocrinology: The application of endocrinology knowledge in patient management and treatment planning.
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Biochemistry: Interpretation of biochemical principles and the practical skills involved in sample preparation.
Why choose this programme?
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Numerous case examples will be included so that you can relate the skills learned back to real life in practice.
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This comprehensive modular program comprises 10 modules, integrating four sessions dedicated to hands-on, practical learning.
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Gain access to cutting-edge resources and learning materials to further boost your educational experience, providing you with the most up-to-date information and best practices.
See our pricing tab for Early Bird discounts and payment plan options
Key features of this programme
A dedicated Programme Coordinator who will support you every step of the way
The NCert/VTCert and VPPCert is awarded by our global qualifications provider ISVPS
Pre-module and post-module assessments encourage you to reflect on your learning and evaluate your progress
A discussion forum for conversation, debate and sharing cases with your peers
12-month subscription to the RCVS Knowledge Library
Online Study Skill Lessons
Programme Details
Module Summary
- An introduction to laboratory practice
- Sampling techniques
- Haematology I
- Haematology II
- Urinalysis
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Point -of-Care (POC) tests – Infectious diseases
- Purely practical – Microscopy
- Case-based practical
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. To attain the ISVPS VPPCert you must pass the eligibility criteria as set by ISVPS. Please see the eligibility criteria tab.
The Course Includes
This modular programme is made up of four two-day courses. The modules should ideally be taken in module sequence and for those wishing to complete the whole programme and sit the final online examinations, must complete all modules within three years. Delegates may take longer to attend all the modules but will not be exam eligible. This is an interactive programme where topics and practice cases are presented and explained by the instructor.
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; course timings for attendance modules are
Course timings:
09.00 Registration
09.30 Course Starts
17.00 Course Finishes
Venue: Swindon
Date: 15 Jan - 31 Jul 2025
Nurse Certificate Laboratory Techniques
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 - An introduction to laboratory practice
Running a practice laboratory is within the remit of many veterinary nurses. This session will cover the planning, set-up and subsequent running of an in-clinic laboratory. The different types of equipment will be covered as well as maintenance issues and the implementation of quality control measures. Delegates will also be taught how to avoid common problems.
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, delegates should be able to:
• Understand how to plan, set up and run a practice laboratory.
• Understand how to implement quality control and assurance measures.
• Maintain the laboratory equipment.
• Explain how preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical factors can influence the validity of results.
• Identify and resolve common problems encountered in a practice Laboratory.
02 - Sampling techniques
Quality laboratory results start with the collection of quality samples. This session will cover correct sampling techniques for blood, urine and skin. The course will include how to submit samples for examination and how to avoid common problems and pitfalls.
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, delegates should be able to:
• Describe how to collect blood, urine and skin samples for performing laboratory tests.
• Understand the principles for ensuring that the best samples are used for laboratory testing.
• Know how to avoid common problems and pitfalls.
• Discuss how sample quality can influence the validity of results.
03 - Haematology I
The preparation and examination of blood smears is a fundamental part of Haematology. This session will provide a step-by-step guide to making consistently good smears. Delegates will practice the technique during the course. Different staining techniques will also be discussed along with common artefacts that may be encountered. The delegates will also learn how to perform a blood smear examination following a structured, step-by-step approach.
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, delegates should be able to:
• Know how to prepare blood smears of optimal diagnostic quality.
• Explain the principles of commonly used haematological stains and staining methods.
• Identify common staining artefacts and discuss how blood smear staining quality can influence the validity of microscopic findings.
• Describe the method for performing a structured blood smear examination.
• Describe how to estimate a platelet count using a blood smear
04 - Haematology II
The examination of blood films to perform a differential white blood cell count and to examine erythrocytes and leukocytes is an important skill. This practical session will allow delegates to spend time examining blood smears from dogs and cats under the direction and supervision of experienced teachers.
Please note: This day is only suitable for those who have attended the course on the previous day as it builds on what has been learnt during “Haematology I”.
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, delegates should be able to:
• Identify morphologically normal erythrocytes, platelets and leukocytes.
• Identify the most frequently seen morphologically abnormal erythrocytes and understand their clinical significance.
• Identify the most frequently seen morphologically abnormal leukocytes and understand their clinical significance.
• Estimate a platelet count using a blood smear.
05 - Urinalysis
Urine examination is routinely performed in the practice laboratory. This session will cover how to prepare and microscopically examine a urine sediment, how to use urine strips and their limitations, the use of a refractometer to measure specific gravity and potential false results that may be generated during the urine examination.
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, delegates should be able to:
• Explain the advantages, disadvantages and aspects of the analytical performance of urine strips.
• Use urine strips.
• Prepare and examine a urine sediment.
• Identify the most common types of cells, casts and crystals present in the urine sediment.
• Use the refractometer.
• Discuss how Urinalysis results and findings relate to specific diseases.
06 - Endocrinology
This session aims to simplify laboratory testing for the commonly encountered endocrine diseases, including Diabetes mellitus, Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s), Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s) and diseases of the thyroid gland in the dog and cat. When to use which test will be covered as well as potential false results that may be obtained.
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, delegates should be able to:
• Outline the clinical features of each hormonal disease.
• State the most common laboratory test abnormalities seen in each hormonal disease.
• Describe the diagnostic principle behind the specific endocrinological tests.
• Understand the practical techniques involved in testing
07 - Biochemistry
This session will cover the main biochemical tests employed in the practice laboratory using simple wet or dry chemistry systems. Tests for different body systems will be reviewed as will normal parameters. The day will conclude with top tips on avoiding potential problems.
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, delegates should be able to:
- Know the most common biochemical tests employed in general clinical practice and type of samples required for their performance.
- Discuss the main aspects of the analytical performance of bench/point-of-care instruments and tests employed in clinical biochemistry.
- Outline the diagnostic principle for the use of each biochemical test.
- Understand the clinical significance of abnormal biochemical test results
08 - Point -of-Care (POC) tests – Infectious diseases
This session will focus on the use of POC tests for the diagnosis of common feline and canine infectious diseases (FeLV, FIV, Parvo, Giardia, arthropod-born). The principles, advantages, disadvantages and clinical usefulness of these tests will be discussed. Part of the day will be devoted in a practical session using various test kits.
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, delegates should be able to
• Outline the clinical aspects and available laboratory tests for the diagnosis of common infectious diseases.
• Understand the principles, advantages and disadvantages of POC testing.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use various POC tests
09 - Purely practical – Microscopy
This interactive session will focus on improving the delegate’s skills and confidence when performing microscopic examination. Using glass as well as digitalised slides will examine blood smears, urine sediment preparations, and ear swab smears. This course can be attended as a stand-alone day, but you will get a lot more from it if it is attended in conjunction with Haematology and Urinalysis modules from this course.
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, delegates should be able to:
• Discuss the principles, advantages and disadvantages of digital microscopy and telecytology
• Identify common haematological abnormalities
• Identify common abnormalities related to urine sediment
• Identify common normal and abnormal findings on smears from ear swabs
10 - Case-based practical
This interactive and fun session will cover many aspects of small animal laboratory work. Using actual clinical case histories and laboratory test results, different aspects of sampling and testing will be covered in a supportive and friendly environment. This course can be attended as a stand-alone day, but you will get a lot more from it if it is attended in conjunction with other modules from this course.
Key Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, delegates should be able to:
• Discuss different clinical cases with reference to sampling and testing.
• Understand the main reasons for the selection of specific tests.
• Understand the clinical significance of abnormal laboratory test results.
Venue: Swindon
Date: 15 Jan - 31 Jul 2025
Nurse Certificate Laboratory Techniques
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
Laboratory Techniques Early price
| Payment Option | First Payment | Second Payment(s) | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Payment in Full) | £3,149.00 | - | £3,149.00 |
| NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Deposit and Remaining Balance) | £399.00 | £2,750.00 | £3,149.00 |
| NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programme (Deposit and 8 monthly installments- Total Cost) | £399.00 | £404.00 x 8 (monthly) | £3,631.00 |
The fees include ALL registration and exam fees to achieve a NCert/VPPCert from ISVPS.
Payment Terms & Conditions
1. Payment for the course can be paid by credit card or bank transfer.
2. Please contact us for pricing relating to corporate veterinary groups and multiple booking discounts.
3. Full details regarding the course cancellation procedure can be found here: 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. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
4. Confirmation and enrolment details will then be sent to confirm your booking.
Venue: Swindon
Date: 15 Jan - 31 Jul 2025
Nurse Certificate Laboratory Techniques
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 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: Swindon
Date: 15 Jan - 31 Jul 2025
Nurse Certificate Laboratory Techniques
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: Swindon
Date: 15 Jan - 31 Jul 2025
Nurse Certificate Laboratory Techniques
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