5 effective strategies to stay on track with Practical Training

For veterinary professionals, keeping up with your practical training is critical for skill enhancement and career advancement. Whether you’re mastering surgical techniques or refining diagnostic skills, here are five actionable strategies to help you stay focused, motivated, and effective in your practical training journey: 

Prioritise hands-on CPD for practical skills

If it’s practical skills you need to master, seek out face-to-face practical training courses that emphasise participation. Look for courses led by experienced instructors with proven teaching skills, and opt for training centres equipped with high-quality facilities (e.g., simulation labs or wet labs). Even better, look for centres that limit group size to make sure everybody gets a chance with the scalpel, elevator or probe! 

Tip: Before enrolling, define specific learning goals (e.g., mastering a surgical technique) to ensure the course aligns with your needs. 

Leverage mentorship in clinics

Shadowing experienced colleagues or specialists provides real-life insights and refines technical skills. You might be able to shadow someone in your practice, but if not, don’t be afraid to reach out to neighbouring practices to ask if you can shadow a well-respected vet there. Finding a mentor who can support your clinically and help you reach new heights is a great way to stay on track with your practical training. Mentors can also help identify skill gaps and recommend targeted practical training opportunities. 

Tip: Build your professional network during these interactions to unlock future collaboration and learning opportunities. 

Adopt structured practice routines

Incorporate repetition-based learning into your training by practicing procedures multiple times under supervision before working independently. You could ask the nurses and vets to save all the non-urgent lump removals, canine extractions, or echos for your surgical day to quickly increase the time you get to practice. Use checklists or protocols to standardise your approach and track progress. 

Tip: Combine hands-on practice with visual aids (e.g., anatomical diagrams) or digital tools (e.g., virtual simulations) to reinforce concepts.

Balance technology and peer collaboration

Use digital resources like online CPD materials, or virtual case studies to supplement practical training. However, don’t underestimate the value of peer learning. Join study groups or workshops to discuss cases, share experiences, and troubleshoot challenges collectively. 

Tip: After attending a workshop, organise a peer debrief to review key takeaways and practise skills together. 

Track progress and reflect regularly

Maintain a practical training log to document completed courses, skills mastered, and areas needing improvement – most people track this in their RCVS 1CPD app. Pair this with self-reflection to evaluate how effectively you’re applying new knowledge in clinical settings. 

Tip: Set quarterly reviews to assess progress toward goals (e.g., being able to confidently scan the adrenal glands) and adjust your training plan accordingly.

How we deliver practical training at Improve Veterinary Education? 

Our practical training facilities in Swindon and Sheffield are equipped with a  

supportive team of knowledgeable and approachable staff dedicated to helping with your practical training.  

 We offer two expansive wet-labs, meticulously designed and equipped to match referral hospital standards with premium quality equipment from Burtons, VI, iM3 and Dental Suite; a state-of-the-art dentistry lab suite fully equipped for comprehensive dental procedures, and a custom orthopaedic radiography suite – in other words, everything you need to learn new practical techniques and become confident in your skills.  

 See for yourself  

Visit us to discover how we can help you make a greater impact in the lives of animals and their owners. Take a tour of our NEW Centre HERE. 

 Hear what our delegates and speakers have to say about our Clinical Excellence Centre in Swindon HERE. 

Our short courses for Vets and for Nurses are an ideal way to maximise your practical learning while minimising time away from practice. These short courses cover a range of specific topics, including surgical techniques, diagnostic methods and cutting-edge therapeutic options. Check out our Short Course Brochure. 

 DOWNLOAD YOUR BROCHURE HERE