Emergency cases can be some of the most challenging and rewarding patients to deal with in practice
The Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician Certificate (VTCert) and Veterinary Paraprofessional (VPPCert) Online Learning Program will increase your knowledge and confidence, enabling you to act swiftly and calmly, resulting in a positive impact on the clinical outcome of your emergency patients.
The CE program is designed to expand the emergency and critical care nursing knowledge and skills, improving your confidence in this area and is appropriate for general practice and referral nurses. The emphasis will be on understanding the fundamental principles of nursing patients that present as emergencies and how best to nurse them to optimize their care and welfare. The course will cover a range of topics, and each module will focus on particular areas of emergency and critical care. The aim is to confidently apply the knowledge you have learnt, promote best practices, and positively engage in emergencies, ensuring your patients receive the highest quality care.
Hear what our delegates have to say
Don’t just take our word for it - our delegate feedback speaks for itself.
Dr Rob Clark
DVM CCRT
Improve Veterinary Education's Small Animal Surgery certificate gives veterinarians the skills to take on more challenging surgical cases. Finding a resource that offers practitioners both practical experiences, and the knowledge behind more c … Read more
Dr Gillian Marsh
DVM, GPCert (SAS)
I am an associate veterinarian working in an emergency hospital in Canada who has always had a strong passion for surgery. I have been in practice for 10 years now and I am always on the lookout for high quality CE opportunities, and I was very ex … Read more
Key features of this program
9 varied modules
Covering key nursing topics in emergency and critical care
Course Director
Ludivine Boiron DVM MSc MRCVS DACVECC
Support and guidance from a Module Tutor who is a specialist in Emergency and Critical Care
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, multiple choice question writing 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
Interactive and engaging modules
Which allow you to absorb the learning materials in an online environment
RCVS Library Access
The RCVS Knowledge library includes access to a wealth of electronic resources including the latest journals and clinical research
100% online
Giving you access 24/7 wherever you are
Four sessions per month
Each module includes a total of 9 lessons, 2 reflective studies, course notes and weekly summary videos
Regular assessments
Pre-module and post-module assessments encourage you to reflect on your learning and evaluate your progress
Dedicated Program Coordinator
A dedicated Program Coordinator who will support you every step of the way
Know-How
Join the global veterinary online learning CE specialists and benefit from our know-how and high-quality resources
Accredited CE
The VTCert and VPPCert is awarded by our global qualifications provider ISVPS
9 varied modules
Covering key nursing topics in emergency and critical care
Course Director
Ludivine Boiron DVM MSc MRCVS DACVECC
Support and guidance from a Module Tutor who is a specialist in Emergency and Critical Care
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, multiple choice question writing 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
Interactive and engaging modules
Which allow you to absorb the learning materials in an online environment
RCVS Library Access
The RCVS Knowledge library includes access to a wealth of electronic resources including the latest journals and clinical research
100% online
Giving you access 24/7 wherever you are
Four sessions per month
Each module includes a total of 9 lessons, 2 reflective studies, course notes and weekly summary videos
Regular assessments
Pre-module and post-module assessments encourage you to reflect on your learning and evaluate your progress
Dedicated Program Coordinator
A dedicated Program Coordinator who will support you every step of the way
Know-How
Join the global veterinary online learning CE specialists and benefit from our know-how and high-quality resources
Accredited CE
The VTCert and VPPCert is awarded by our global qualifications provider ISVPS
Program details
Module Summary
01 - Triage, Monitoring & Stabilisation
Key Learning Objectives
- Describe the triage process and explain how it benefits your patients.
- Classify the principles and practical aspects of critical patient monitoring.
- Define the perfusion parameters and explain how these can be used to identify hypoperfusion and to monitor a patient’s response to treatment.
- Implement the various mechanisms to assess perfusion and monitoring of clinical parameters, and be able to interpret their readings, including ECG abnormalities.
- Recognise dypnoeic patients and assess them for their degree of respiratory impairment.
- Discuss the causes of respiratory disease and state the various oxygen supplementation techniques.
- Discuss the collection of arterial and venous blood samples for blood gas analysis and be able to explain their importance.
02 - Fluid Therapy in the Emergency Patient
Key Learning Objectives
- Define the difference between hypovolaemia and dehydration and how they are treated using fluid therapy.
- Recognise the importance of electrolytes and their role in homeostasis.
- Describe the different types of intravenous fluids including crystalloids, colloids, and blood products.
- Recognise the different types of shock: hypovolaemic, maldistributed, septic, cardiogenic.
- Solve administration calculations for the correct administration: Constant Rate Infusions (CRI’s), Crystalloids, Colloids, and Blood products.
- Describe the importance of how blood transfusions should be safely administered and describe the contraindications of blood transfusions, and their associated adverse reactions.
03 - Surgical emergency procedures
Key Learning Objectives
- Describe the correct preparation of the emergency patient for surgery.
- Explain the importance of correct asepsis with preparing patients for Surgery.
- Describe the pathophysiology behind gastric dilatation and volvulus, the emergency and surgical treatment options.
- Explain the term septic peritonitis and haemoabdomen, the potential causes and surgical treatment options, discussing the nursing care of these patients.
- Discuss the common important clinical signs associated with reproductive and pediatric/neonatal emergencies to include the pre-, intra-, and post-operative cesarean patient.
- Describe the common ophthalmological emergencies, treatment, and nursing care.
04 - Analgesia and Anaesthesia
Key Learning Objectives
- Identify common complications which can arise related to anaesthesia outcomes.
- Describe anaesthesia of patients with respiratory disease.
- Discuss the pathophysiology behind various cardiac diseases and how we may modify anaesthesia protocols for the cardiac patient.
- Define the range of analgesics available, including opioids, NSAIDs, and local anaesthetics.
- Recognise pain in companion animals and gain confidence in the use of veterinary pain scoring systems.
05 - Emergency and Critical Care in Exotic patients
Key Learning Objectives
-
Develop triage approaches in rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and small mammals.
-
Apply triage approaches to less familiar species: retiles and avian patients.
-
Recognise the anaesthesia & analgesia considerations in the emergency small animal patient.
-
Recognise the anaesthesia & analgesia considerations in the emergency reptile and bird patient.
-
Establish critical care techniques and nursing for the avian, reptilian and small mammal emergency patient.
-
Identify common emergency conditions of rabbits, ferrets and small mammals.
-
Identify common emergency conditions of the reptilian and avian patient.
-
Develop an approach to diagnosis and treatment of common toxins in the avian patient.
-
Review CPR in exotic patients.
06 - Diagnostic Imaging and the Trauma Patient
Key Learning Objectives
- State the priorities for stabilising and treating traumatic wounds and fractures on initial presentation and be able to implement effective assessment, lavage and debridement of wounds.
- Explain the principles and practical aspects of the latest advanced wound dressings.
- Identify how urinary trauma presents, and how patients are stabilised prior to surgery.
- Describe the pathophysiology of head trauma and nursing requirements demonstrating use of the small animal coma scoring scale.
- Identify how to deal with thoracic trauma patients and prioritise their treatment.
- Understand the principles of ultrasound imaging and be familiar with how to set up and maintain the ultrasound machine and probes.
- Employ the principles of POCUS scanning to triage emergency cases and identify specific equipment and materials required for ultrasound-guided procedures.
- Explain the different radiographic techniques available, their pros and cons, and their uses in specific situations.
- Evaluate radiographic image quality to ensure diagnostic radiographs are available for interpretation, demonstrating basic film reading, and be able to identify radiographic artefacts and faults.
07 - Medical emergencies
Key Learning Objectives
- Describe the measures of caring/treating for a patient presenting with cardiac disease.
- Classify the treatment of acute renal failure and the underlying causes of pre, renal and post-renal failure.
- State the pathophysiology of endocrine and metabolic emergencies, including hypoadrenocorticism.
- Discuss common poisons seen in companion animals list antidotes and treatments.
- State the common acute medical gastrointestinal emergencies and discuss their treatment and management.
- Describe the pathpathology of a ‘blocked cat’ and the available treatment options including the associated nursing care.
- Classify laboratory sampling techniques, processing, storage, and data recording. Apply knowledge to using the microscope to examine blood smears, urinary sediment, and basic cytology.
- Classify the most common neurological emergencies and their initial treatment.
- State the most common hematological abnormalities and their treatment.
- Discuss the treatment and nursing considerations of a patient with pancreatitis.
08 - Nursing the critical patient
Key Learning Objectives
- Classify the requirements and management of recumbent patients.
- State the nutritional requirements of trauma and critical care patients.
- Explain the different techniques for administering enteral nutrition to patients including:
• Nasogastric tubes
• Oesophagostomy tubes
• Gastrostomy tube
- Identify and explain the use of Total parenteral and Partial parenteral Nutrition is used.
- Explain how to manage a variety of catheters and drains in an aseptic manner including urinary catheters, thoracic drains, and tracheostomy tubes.
- Perfect your knowledge of the importance of maintaining effective infection control protocols when dealing with critical patients in order to prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
09 - CPR and Key practical skills
Key Learning Objectives
- Discuss the new approach to veterinary CPR and implement effective CPR within a team.
- Demonstrate correct suturing techniques relevant to emergency patients including tracheostomy tube placement and thoracic drain placement.
- Describe and demonstrate the techniques for administering/supplementing oxygen, including placement of nasal oxygen cannulas and transtracheal oxygen administration.
- Interpret and explain the correct placement of various feeding tubes, including nasogastric and oesophagostomy tubes.
- Discuss the role of the veterinary nurse and end-of-life care of a patient.
Program details
Module Summary
01 - Triage, Monitoring & Stabilisation
Key Learning Objectives
- Describe the triage process and explain how it benefits your patients.
- Classify the principles and practical aspects of critical patient monitoring.
- Define the perfusion parameters and explain how these can be used to identify hypoperfusion and to monitor a patient’s response to treatment.
- Implement the various mechanisms to assess perfusion and monitoring of clinical parameters, and be able to interpret their readings, including ECG abnormalities.
- Recognise dypnoeic patients and assess them for their degree of respiratory impairment.
- Discuss the causes of respiratory disease and state the various oxygen supplementation techniques.
- Discuss the collection of arterial and venous blood samples for blood gas analysis and be able to explain their importance.
02 - Fluid Therapy in the Emergency Patient
Key Learning Objectives
- Define the difference between hypovolaemia and dehydration and how they are treated using fluid therapy.
- Recognise the importance of electrolytes and their role in homeostasis.
- Describe the different types of intravenous fluids including crystalloids, colloids, and blood products.
- Recognise the different types of shock: hypovolaemic, maldistributed, septic, cardiogenic.
- Solve administration calculations for the correct administration: Constant Rate Infusions (CRI’s), Crystalloids, Colloids, and Blood products.
- Describe the importance of how blood transfusions should be safely administered and describe the contraindications of blood transfusions, and their associated adverse reactions.
03 - Surgical emergency procedures
Key Learning Objectives
- Describe the correct preparation of the emergency patient for surgery.
- Explain the importance of correct asepsis with preparing patients for Surgery.
- Describe the pathophysiology behind gastric dilatation and volvulus, the emergency and surgical treatment options.
- Explain the term septic peritonitis and haemoabdomen, the potential causes and surgical treatment options, discussing the nursing care of these patients.
- Discuss the common important clinical signs associated with reproductive and pediatric/neonatal emergencies to include the pre-, intra-, and post-operative cesarean patient.
- Describe the common ophthalmological emergencies, treatment, and nursing care.
04 - Analgesia and Anaesthesia
Key Learning Objectives
- Identify common complications which can arise related to anaesthesia outcomes.
- Describe anaesthesia of patients with respiratory disease.
- Discuss the pathophysiology behind various cardiac diseases and how we may modify anaesthesia protocols for the cardiac patient.
- Define the range of analgesics available, including opioids, NSAIDs, and local anaesthetics.
- Recognise pain in companion animals and gain confidence in the use of veterinary pain scoring systems.
05 - Emergency and Critical Care in Exotic patients
Key Learning Objectives
-
Develop triage approaches in rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and small mammals.
-
Apply triage approaches to less familiar species: retiles and avian patients.
-
Recognise the anaesthesia & analgesia considerations in the emergency small animal patient.
-
Recognise the anaesthesia & analgesia considerations in the emergency reptile and bird patient.
-
Establish critical care techniques and nursing for the avian, reptilian and small mammal emergency patient.
-
Identify common emergency conditions of rabbits, ferrets and small mammals.
-
Identify common emergency conditions of the reptilian and avian patient.
-
Develop an approach to diagnosis and treatment of common toxins in the avian patient.
-
Review CPR in exotic patients.
06 - Diagnostic Imaging and the Trauma Patient
Key Learning Objectives
- State the priorities for stabilising and treating traumatic wounds and fractures on initial presentation and be able to implement effective assessment, lavage and debridement of wounds.
- Explain the principles and practical aspects of the latest advanced wound dressings.
- Identify how urinary trauma presents, and how patients are stabilised prior to surgery.
- Describe the pathophysiology of head trauma and nursing requirements demonstrating use of the small animal coma scoring scale.
- Identify how to deal with thoracic trauma patients and prioritise their treatment.
- Understand the principles of ultrasound imaging and be familiar with how to set up and maintain the ultrasound machine and probes.
- Employ the principles of POCUS scanning to triage emergency cases and identify specific equipment and materials required for ultrasound-guided procedures.
- Explain the different radiographic techniques available, their pros and cons, and their uses in specific situations.
- Evaluate radiographic image quality to ensure diagnostic radiographs are available for interpretation, demonstrating basic film reading, and be able to identify radiographic artefacts and faults.
07 - Medical emergencies
Key Learning Objectives
- Describe the measures of caring/treating for a patient presenting with cardiac disease.
- Classify the treatment of acute renal failure and the underlying causes of pre, renal and post-renal failure.
- State the pathophysiology of endocrine and metabolic emergencies, including hypoadrenocorticism.
- Discuss common poisons seen in companion animals list antidotes and treatments.
- State the common acute medical gastrointestinal emergencies and discuss their treatment and management.
- Describe the pathpathology of a ‘blocked cat’ and the available treatment options including the associated nursing care.
- Classify laboratory sampling techniques, processing, storage, and data recording. Apply knowledge to using the microscope to examine blood smears, urinary sediment, and basic cytology.
- Classify the most common neurological emergencies and their initial treatment.
- State the most common hematological abnormalities and their treatment.
- Discuss the treatment and nursing considerations of a patient with pancreatitis.
08 - Nursing the critical patient
Key Learning Objectives
- Classify the requirements and management of recumbent patients.
- State the nutritional requirements of trauma and critical care patients.
- Explain the different techniques for administering enteral nutrition to patients including:
• Nasogastric tubes
• Oesophagostomy tubes
• Gastrostomy tube
- Identify and explain the use of Total parenteral and Partial parenteral Nutrition is used.
- Explain how to manage a variety of catheters and drains in an aseptic manner including urinary catheters, thoracic drains, and tracheostomy tubes.
- Perfect your knowledge of the importance of maintaining effective infection control protocols when dealing with critical patients in order to prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
09 - CPR and Key practical skills
Key Learning Objectives
- Discuss the new approach to veterinary CPR and implement effective CPR within a team.
- Demonstrate correct suturing techniques relevant to emergency patients including tracheostomy tube placement and thoracic drain placement.
- Describe and demonstrate the techniques for administering/supplementing oxygen, including placement of nasal oxygen cannulas and transtracheal oxygen administration.
- Interpret and explain the correct placement of various feeding tubes, including nasogastric and oesophagostomy tubes.
- Discuss the role of the veterinary nurse and end-of-life care of a patient.
Qualifications
Veterinary Technician Certificate (VTCert)
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a Veterinary Technician Certificate
Partners
Approved by
Approved by RACE for 108 CE credits
Speakers
Pricing
$3,599.00
$3,899.00Payment & VAT Information
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We're completely confident in the quality of our training and CE. So much so that if you're not 100% satisfied with your certificate course, we'll give you a 100% refund. Just get in touch with us within 30 days of your start date and we'll sort the rest. T's and C's apply.
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