Vets Course
Feline Practice
ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
- OVERVIEW
- MODULES
- PRICING
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February 2023 - July 2024
Learn at your own pace, wherever you are, with our Feline Practice Online Learning Programme
Our Feline Practice Online Learning Programme has been developed to enable all veterinary surgeons 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.
Key features of this programme:

16 varied modules
Covering key feline subjects delivered over 24 months

Support and guidance from a Module Tutor who is recognised in their subject field
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 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

Course Director
Samantha Taylor BVetMed (Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS, oversees the programme ensuring the latest Feline content

Four sessions per month
Each module consists of four sessions spread over one month. Sessions comprise separate lessons and case-based studies to work through at your own pace

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 Tutor
A dedicated Programme Tutor who will support you every step of the way

Interactive and engaging modules
Which allow you to absorb the learning materials in an online environment
Programme Details:
Module Summary
- Feline Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Diagnosis
- Feline Critical Care and Emergency Case Management
- Feline Urinary Tract
- Feline Neurology
- Feline Liver, Pancreas and Gastrointestinal Tract
- Feline Respiratory Medicine
- Feline Cardiology
- Feline Endocrinology
- Feline Infectious Diseases I
- Feline Infectious Diseases II
- Feline Musculoskeletal Disease
- Feline Behaviour
- Feline Ophthalmology
- Feline Anaesthesia and Surgical Principles
- Feline Dermatology
- Feline Oncology
Please note the module order may be subject to change
Qualifications
The Feline Practice Online Learning Programme offers you a comprehensive range of structured learning with the ultimate flexibility to access the training that you want whilst working around your busy practice life.
You can choose to let the Programme give you new knowledge and skills to take back to practice or you can work towards a recognised qualification.
General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
By attending the full online structured programme and following successful assessment including an exam you can gain the GPCert awarded by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
Only registered veterinary surgeons who have been qualified for a minimum of one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)
A route to a PgC in Feline Practice is available through our partnership with Harper Adams University (HAU).
The PgC is a recognised higher education qualification demonstrating that you have achieved the required standard within a designated subject. The qualification represents Masters Level 7 within the Quality Assurance Agency’s framework for higher and further education. In order to apply for this route, additional assessments will be necessary, please contact us for further information.
For GPCert and PgC fees please see our pricing table in the ‘Pricing’ tab above.
RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status
After completing your Postgraduate Certificate you can apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status. This is subject to meeting all of the other entry requirements set out by the RCVS in the Applicant Guidance Notes. You will also need to provide evidence of Key Professional Skills knowledge to the RCVS when applying for the Advanced Practitioner Status.
Venue: Online
Date: February 2023 - July 2024
PgC/GPCert in Feline Practice
Get in touch
01 - Feline Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Diagnosis



Key learning objectives:
- Develop a thorough knowledge of sampling techniques, the limitations of technology and equipment and the factors that can generate artefacts or abnormalities
- Interpret results and propose further investigations
- Understand the methodology involved in the generation of haematology, biochemistry and cytology profiles
- Have an awareness of the various diagnostic tests for endocrine and infectious diseases ( viral, parasitic- including heartworm- and bacterial) the techniques used and their interpretation
- Recall the cytology of haemic and non-haemic cell populations, both reactive and neoplastic, and have the ability to trace or plot maturation and degeneration pathways in blood, fluid and tissue smears
- Explain the function of bone marrow and the differential diagnosis of anaemia, haematopoietic disease and coagulopathies
02 - Feline Critical Care and Emergency Case Management



Key learning objectives:
- Perform triage, assess patients and prioritise cases
- Undertake emergency monitoring and stabilisation
- Understand the effects, clinical signs and treatment for common toxicities including insecticides, molluscicides, rodenticides, herbicides, household preparations and plants
- Be familiar with critical therapeutics including fluid and electrolyte therapy, transfusion medicine cardiovascular and respiratory support, analgesia and CPR
03 - Feline Urinary Tract



Key learning objectives:
- Understand the causes of renal dysfunction, the presentation and diagnostic tests utilised in cats with clinical signs of renal disease (including acute/ chronic renal insufficiency, glomerular disease, neoplasia and inherited diseases)
- Describe the causes and emergency treatment of acute renal failure
- Explain the pathophysiology of renal dysfunction and the importance/ significance of hyperphosphataemia, anaemia, proteinuria and hypertension
- Apply knowledge of the International Renal Interest Society staging scheme for chronic renal disease to patient prognosis
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the available treatments for CRI including phosphate binders, ACE inhibitors and dietary modification
- Recall the neuroanatomy of the lower urinary tract and the differentiation of upper motor neuron/ lower motor neuron defects
- Approach diseases of the lower urinary tract including FLUTD, urolithiasis, urinary tract infections and neoplasia and understand their differentiation, risk factors, treatment and dietary management
04 - Feline Neurology



Key learning objectives:
- Be able to recognise the clinical signs associated with neurological disease
- Perform a neurological assessment using appropriate tests and intepret the results
- Describe how to localise lesions and the value this provides to the clinician
- Plan a neurological investigation and list the major feline neurological diseases on the basis of localisation
- Define a diagnostic approach for abnormalities including seizures, spinal cord and cranial nerve abnormalities and peripheral neurological diseases
- List the common feline neurological diseases including their presentation, diagnosis and treatment
05 - Feline Liver, Pancreas and Gastrointestinal Tract



Key learning objectives:
- Know how to investigate and manage common medical conditions affecting the feline oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver and pancreas
- Describe the various tests used in the diagnosis of liver and pancreatic disease and the management options for the common hepatic medical disorders
- Approach the nutritional management of disorders of the liver, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract
06 - Feline Respiratory Medicine



Key learning objectives:
- Approach the common presentations of respiratory disease including nasal discharge, epistaxis, coughing, stertor, stridor, sneezing and reverse sneezing
- Diagnose and treat upper respiratory tract diseases, both acute (infectious) and chronic (inflammatory or infectious or neoplastic in origin)
- Formulate an approach to allergic lower respiratory tract disease including differential diagnoses, investigation and treatment of allergic airway disease, parasitic disease and pulmonary fibrosis
- Understand pleural space disease including differential diagnoses, investigation and therapeutics
07 - Feline Cardiology



Key learning objectives:
- Recognise the importance of a detailed history and clinical examination of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in the diagnosis of cardiopulmonary diseases
- Review and understand the common causes of heart disease in cats
- Consolidate your understanding of the central importance of blood pressure in the pathophysiology of cardiac disease in cats and know how to discriminate the causes of hypertension in this species
- Define the crucial role of high quality imaging modalities (especially ultrasonography and radiology) in the differential diagnosis of feline cardiopulmonary diseases
08 - Feline Endocrinology



Key learning objectives:
- Define the clinical signs of feline endocrine diseases and understand their pathogenesis – including hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, hyperaldosteronism, hyperadrenocorticism and parathyroid disorders.
- Describe the principles of key diagnostic tests and their application for the above feline endocrine diseases
- Understand the management of common feline endocrine diseases and know how to approach complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and unstable diabetes
09 - Feline Infectious Diseases I



Key learning objectives:
- Describe health and safety concerns and precautions relating to zoonoses
- Understand the legislation and regulations relating to infectious diseases
- Design and implement vaccination and preventative parasitic programmes
- Approach the pathophysiology, diagnosis and, where appropriate, treatment of common viral diseases including FeLV, FIV and FIP
- Diagnose and treat Haemoplasma infections
10 - Feline Infectious Diseases II



Key learning objectives:
- Explain the diseases of hunting cats including Toxoplasmosis, Pox virus, Mycobacterial disease and Salmonellosis
- Approach enteric infections of the cat including protozoal disease (Trichomonas foetus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora) and bacterial/ viral disease
- Understand fungal mycoses
- Control infectious and zoonotic disease in the home, clinic, shelters and cattery situations
11 - Feline Musculoskeletal Disease



Key learning objectives:
- Perform an orthopaedic examination and be familiar with the presentation of osteoarthritis in the cat
- Understand the value of radiography, synoviocentesis, muscle and nerve biopsies
- Apply first aid techniques to fracture patients
- Explain the principles of orthopaedic surgery and the approach to the repair of common fractures
12 - Feline Behaviour



Key learning objectives:
- Consolidate your understanding of normal cat behaviour
- Understand the clinical causes of feline behavioural problems
- Formulate an approach to common problems such as inappropriate toiletting, spraying, aggression and compulsive disorders
- Review and apply strategies for improving core territory security
- Have a good knowledge of the principal behavioural modifying drugs, their use and potential side effects
13 - Feline Ophthalmology



Key learning objectives:
- Understand the normal feline eye and use readily available diagnostic equipment and disposables in feline ophthalmic cases
- Recognise those ophthalmic conditions which are unique to the cat or are particularly important in this species
- Perform common surgical procedures pertinent to feline ophthalmology
- Approach the medical management of ophthalmic patients
- Know when to refer a patient
14 - Feline Anaesthesia and Surgical Principles



Key learning objectives:
- Apply knowledge gained to surgical asepsis and theatre protocol
- Rationally utilise antibiotics in surgical patients
- Be familiar with suture materials and patterns, surgical instruments and tissue handling
- Plan surgery, apply haemostatic techniques and manage crises
- Approach the management and reconstruction of wounds
Online Anaesthesia component:
- Describe a range of parenteral and inhalational anaesthetic regimes
- Understand the pharmacokinetics of different anaesthetics and monitoring techniques available
15 - Feline Dermatology



Key learning objectives:
- Formulate a differential diagnosis, investigation plan (including laboratory investigations) for common dermatological presentations including alopecia, pruritus, infectious and auto-immune conditions, allergic skin disease and neoplasia
- Have knowledge of treatment strategies for common dermatological presentations including alopecia, pruritus, infectious and auto-immune conditions, allergic skin disease and neoplasia
- Be aware of and be able to recognise dermatological manifestations of systemic disease
16 - Feline Oncology



Key learning objectives:
- Understand the clinical relevance of tumour biology and be able to discuss the most common neoplasms of the major organ systems
- Evaluate the evidence base to make rational treatment decisions for feline cancer patients
- Review the importance of biopsy and staging in therapy decision making, counselling and support
Venue: Online
Date: February 2023 - July 2024
PgC/GPCert in Feline Practice
Get in touch
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Early bird prices
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Regular prices
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Remaining Balance | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
GPCert Programme | £7,599.00 | - | £7,599.00 |
PgC Programme | £9,699.00 | - | £9,699.00 |
GPCert Programme deposit and remaining balance | £1,649.00 | £5,950.00 | £7,599.00 |
PgC Programme deposit and remaining balance | £1,649.00 | £8,050.00 | £9,699.00 |
PgC Programme 16 monthly payments - Total cost | £1,649.00 | £591.00 x 16 | £11,105.00 |
GPCert Programme 16 monthly payments - Total cost | £1,649.00 | £441.00 x 16 | £8,705.00 |
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Remaining Balance | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
GPCert Programme | £9,118.80 | - | £9,118.80 |
PgC Programme | £11,638.80 | - | £11,638.80 |
GPCert Programme deposit and remaining balance | £1,978.80 | £7,140.00 | £9,118.80 |
PgC Programme deposit and remaining balance | £1,978.80 | £9,660.00 | £11,638.80 |
PgC Programme 16 monthly payments - Total cost | £1,978.80 | £709.20 x 16 | £13,326.00 |
GPCert Programme 16 monthly payments - Total cost | £1,978.80 | £529.20 x 16 | £10,446.00 |
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Remaining Balance | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
GPCert Programme | £7,349.00 | - | £7,349.00 |
PgC Programme | £9,449.00 | - | £9,449.00 |
GPCert Programme deposit and remaining balance | £1,399.00 | £5,950.00 | £7,349.00 |
PgC Programme deposit and remaining balance | £1,399.00 | £8,050.00 | £9,449.00 |
PgC Programme 16 monthly payments - Total cost | £1,399.00 | £591.00 x 16 | £10,855.00 |
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Remaining Balance | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
GPCert Programme | £8,818.80 | - | £8,818.80 |
PgC Programme | £11,338.80 | - | £11,338.80 |
GPCert Programme deposit and remaining balance | £1,678.80 | £7,140.00 | £8,818.80 |
PgC Programme deposit and remaining balance | £1,678.80 | £9,660.00 | £11,338.80 |
PgC Programme 16 monthly payments - Total cost | £1,678.80 | £709.20 x 16 | £13,026.00 |
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: February 2023 - July 2024
PgC/GPCert in Feline Practice
Get in touch
Frequently Asked Questions
Vet Online Learning
Who can enrol on the Online Learning programmes?
All applicants must:
- Hold a veterinary qualification
- Have spent a minimum of one year in veterinary practice
- Be on the RCVS Home Practising Register (UK-based applicants), hold a qualification that would entitle them to register as a member of the RCVS (applicants based outside the UK)
What does the GPCert consist of?
The GPCert is a middle-tier qualification awarded to veterinary surgeons who successfully complete a dedicated modular training programme accredited by ISVPS and the associated ISVPS assessments. Only registered veterinary surgeons who have been qualified for a minimum of one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.
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- To achieve a GPCert you must:
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- Complete the modular training programme
- Submit a case report (number of words defined by ISVPS)
- Sit an online multiple-choice examination
- An online applied knowledge examination (OAKE)
- Sit a case-based scenario (CBS) examination
ISVPS are responsible for the invigilation of the exam using an independent invigilation company. More details can be found here.
What does the PgC consist of?
In addition to the assessment criteria for the GPCert you will need to:
- Complete a case diary
- Write a reflective essay
- Answer all pre and post-module surveys and MCQs
- Undertake the Advanced Practitioner module delivered remotely by Harper Adams University between January and July each year (not applicable for Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery Programmes)
Harper Adams University (HAU) is responsible for the assessment of the case diary, reflective essay and Advanced Practitioner module.
Further information about the route to a PgC is available on request.
Is the PgC programme recognised by other countries?
The PgC is worth 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits but delegates are advised to check with their local governing body for the relevance of these credits in their country.
Can I do the GPCert and the PgC at the same time?
Yes, you can.
- If you register for the PgC you are automatically attending the modules required for the GPCert
- You need to register with both ISVPS and HAU
- ‘Upgrading’ from the GPCert involves paying the extra module fees and registering with HAU. Please contact us for further information
- You can upgrade from the GPCert to PgC within 5 years of achieving the GPCert award
- If you have attended the Distance Learning Programmes without committing to the GPCert, you have 4 years from completion of the programme to register with ISVPS and SUCCESSFULLY complete ALL assessments including the examination
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.
Does the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) programme differ from the GPCert?
Yes, there are additional assessment criteria. Contact your Programme Tutor 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.
Which modules do I choose for the PgC and when do I have to choose them?
- You select your preferred modules and a final selection is made in discussion with the Programme Tutor and on a first come first-served basis. If you are studying the Surgery programme you will be attending the ten practical modules which form part of this programme and there is no need to select modules
- Module allocation will be made within the first two months of the start of the programme to allow for travel plans
- Delegates opting into the PgC ‘late’ will be allocated modules within 2 months of registering with HAU
Please note if you wish to progress to the PgC there is an additional fee – see the pricing tables for further information or please contact the Programme Tutor for further information.
Is the General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) all online?
Yes, the full programme to achieve the GPCert is all online with the exception of the Surgery programme which includes ten practical modules. These will be held in two locations, see the programme for further information.
How do I submit my case report for the GPCert?
All ISVPS assessments are uploaded to the candidates’ area via the ISVPS website. You will be given a login to the candidates’ area when you register with ISVPS.
How do I register for the GPCert and/or the PgC?
- Registration is made directly to ISVPS (for the GPCert) and HAU (for the PgC) – you will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration forms
- Ideally, the decision to aim for the PgC should be made within the first two months of the programme starting to enable you to benefit from the HAU library access and select your face to face modules if applicable to your programme
What do the case logs for the case diary consist of?
Harper Adams University (HAU) will provide you with information on the peer-reviewed case diary and self-reflection essay assessments required for the PgC.
For Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery Online Learning Programmes you will need to complete a peer-reviewed diary of 25 cases and 20 for Feline Practice seen by you in practice, not earlier than three years ago is required:
- Cases selected should demonstrate a balance of case types or procedures across species and where appropriate, across body systems
- Cases should relate to the list shown in Appendix 4*.
- Each diary entry should be a maximum of 100 words, comprising signalment, diagnosis, action taken (by you as the practitioner) and outcome
Peer Review: A supporting signature from a veterinary surgeon within your practice. Please see appendix 3* for a template. This should be present (scanned) on the final page of your diary.
*Appendix 3 and 4 are available on request
Can I defer a module?
- Online modules cannot be deferred without losing the real-time interactive engagement with the Module Tutor
- Face to face modules (where relevant to your programme) can be deferred provided you complete all modules within 3 years of beginning the programme
If coming from a non-European country – how would face-to-face module attendance work for the PgC?
- We will endeavour to allocate you face-to-face modules close together in date (e.g. within the same week) to reduce the numbers of trips to the UK required but these dates are restricted so you should be aware that you may have to make separate trips as places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
- It is your responsibility to check visa requirements and ensure that you have relevant documents in place well in advance of travel.
- Delegates attending from outside of Europe may require visas in order to participate in our face-to-face programmes. Please note that the Student Tier 4 visa is not applicable to Improve Education Delegates as a result of us being a private education provider. Further guidance on your entry requirements should be checked with your local embassy.
- Improve Education does not provide support in obtaining visas but can provide supporting documentation to support your application if requested.