Veterinary CPD isn’t one-size-fits-all. From short online sessions to more structured learning, there's a CPD type that suits everyone. But choosing the right format for your CPD can be surprisingly difficult.
Some CPD for vets and nurses is designed for quick updates, while other formats are meant to build confidence and change how you work in practice. Some formats suit a knowledge update, while others change how you think, or train you to do something you couldn't before. In this article, we’ll look at the main CPD formats available and help you decide which approach best fits your career stage, learning style, and professional goals.
It’s easy to think of CPD as simply something you do to stay compliant or keep your knowledge up to date. But the format of your CPD has a big impact on what you actually take away from it, and whether it changes anything once you’re back in practice.
Of course, there's the obvious - reading about placing a catheter is no substitute for actually having a go yourself in a practical session - but format goes further than that. While a 30-minute podcast is perfect for learning about a recent development in a narrow area - like new tools for treating feline diabetes - it's not enough to cover the whole disease process. And while a webinar might give you a strong overview of the disease, including recent developments, it's not going to give you the deep understanding that often accompanies behaviour change. And while some people can accompany their webinar with reading, others prefer to learn in other ways, meaning format is a personal decision, not something anyone can decide for you.
Let's take a look at the types of CPD that vets and nurses often have access to, their pros and cons, and what you need to consider before you book your CPD course.
Best for: Quickly refreshing knowledge, keeping up to date with developments in interest areas
Time input: Low (short bursts from 20 minutes to an hour)
Cons: Limited opportunity for questions to check and aid learning hampers deeper skill development. It can also be easy to watch passively without translating learning into action.
Suits: Busy vets looking for a quick 'top up' or trying to keep abreast of changes in areas they're already comfortable with
On-demand CPD is popular for good reason. Podcasts, webinars and webinar series are flexible, accessible and easy to fit around clinical work, making them a great option for learning on the go or getting an introduction to a new area. They work best as a starting point or a way to stay current, rather than as a standalone solution when you’re trying to build confidence or change how you manage cases in practice.
Best for: Learning new procedures, benefitting from personalised feedback and small group teaching
Time input: Moderate (Intense 1-3 days for each subject)
Cons: Limited time for theory teaching may limit deeper understanding, may only get to perform each procedure a few times meaning post-course practice is essential to embed learning fully
Suits: Vets who struggle with specific skills like imaging or dental extractions, where a focussed day should make a big impact
Short practical courses and in-person CPD are ideal when you want to actively practise new techniques and ask questions in real time. They’re particularly valuable for skills like imaging, surgery or dentistry, where seeing and doing makes a real difference. However, because they’re short and intensive, they tend to work best as part of a wider CPD plan rather than as the sole solution - making sure you're prepared to make the most of your practical course is essential.
Best for: Developing in-depth knowledge in a specific subject, making lasting changes to how you work in practice.
Time input: High (often require weekly study for a year)
Cons: Greater commitment in terms of time, focus, and planning. They’re not always the right choice if you’re looking for a quick update or a narrow-area confidence boost.
Suits: Vets who want to forge a career or deepen their knowledge in a broader area
Further qualifications like postgraduate certificates are designed for vets and nurses who want to go beyond the basics and really embed new skills into their day-to-day work. The structured nature of longer-term study allows time to practise, reflect, and receive feedback, making it easier to translate learning into real clinical improvements. For many, this type of CPD becomes a key turning point in their career development rather than just another course.
Best for: Networking, updating knowledge in areas you're confident in
Time input: Moderate (Intense 1-2 days)
Cons: Information can be high-level and difficult to translate into practical changes without follow-up. It’s easy to come away inspired but unsure what to do differently in day-to-day practice.
Suits: Experienced vets who want to keep abreast of the latest research and advice
Events and congresses are great for stepping back and seeing the bigger picture. They’re particularly useful for discovering emerging trends, exploring new areas of interest and connecting with peers. To get the most value, they work best when followed up with more focused CPD that helps turn inspiration into practical skills and confidence.
Building a CPD pathway means thinking about how different learning experiences fit together over time, rather than choosing courses in isolation. Short updates, practical courses and longer-term study all have a place, but they’re most effective when they’re aligned with where you are in your career and where you want to go next.
When planning your CPD, you should identify skills gaps and determine your interests as well as think about your career goals. Whatever format of CPD suits you today, think about how it's going to work together with your other CPD to improve your veterinary life and career. Here are some examples:
Choosing the right CPD format starts with being honest about what you actually need right now. Are you looking to refresh knowledge, build confidence with a specific skill, or make a bigger change to how you work in practice? A short, on-demand option might be enough for staying up to date, while hands-on courses or longer-term study are often better suited to developing competence and consistency.
It also helps to think about your career stage, learning style and capacity. If you learn best by doing and getting feedback, practical or structured CPD is likely to suit you better than passive learning. If time is tight, flexibility may matter more than depth in the short term. There’s no single “best” option — the most effective CPD is the one that fits your goals, your circumstances and gives you the best chance of applying what you’ve learned once you’re back in practice.