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Try A Lesson (PgC/GPCert Vets)

20 Modules | GPCert or PgC

20 Modules | GPCert or PgC

Topic outline

  • Welcome




    • Hello! I'm Aidan, Academic and Content Director. Welcome to Improve Veterinary Education's General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) and Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) Online Learning programmes.

      On this page, explore our programmes, guided by our AI companion, Eva. Additionally, gain insights into the development of our online learning initiatives from our Head of Online Learning, Dan Jeffries (see below). 

      To experience a lesson, choose the programme you're interested in. You're welcome to attempt all the lessons; there's no obligation to finish them. 

      Any questions? Get in touch.

      Thanks again, and happy learning! 


      Aidan McAlinden, Academic and Content Director


  • Overview

  • Cardiology

    • Understanding the Electrocardiogram and Sinus Rhythms

      In this lesson, we will see how to interpret the electrocardiogram, after which we will review the characteristics of normal sinus rhythms.

      By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

      • Explain the sequence of events behind each ECG wave and interval;
      • Identify the various sinus rhythms and describe their characteristics;
      • Describe the steps in the analysis of an ECG.

    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Understanding the Electrocardiogram and Sinus Rhythms Interactive Lesson
    • Click the icon above to begin the lesson. Please note that lessons will open in a new browser tab, so if your browser asks you to accept pop-ups, please approve. Once you've engaged with the lesson you can close the tab and you'll be brought back to this page. Your progress will be saved so you can return to the lesson should you wish.

  • Computed Tomography

    • CT for the Adrenal Glands

      By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

      • Recognise the normal CT appearance of the adrenal glands;
      • Appreciate adrenal gland pathology.

  • Dermatology

    • Diagnostic Approach to Focal Alopecia

      In this lesson we will look at the diagnostic approach to alopecia with an emphasis on focal alopecia. First, we will look at the most common conditions which will make up the majority of the cases you see in first opinion practice. We will then look at more unusual conditions which you may encounter, but less frequently.

      By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

      • Describe the pathogenesis of alopecia;
      • Recognise the clinical features of focal alopecia;
      • Select the appropriate diagnostic tests to investigate alopecia;
      • Diagnose the common causes of focal alopecia using a problem-solving approach;
      • Name specific conditions that result in focal alopecia.

    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Diagnostic Approach to Focal Alopecia Interactive Lesson
    • Click the icon above to begin the lesson. Please note that lessons will open in a new browser tab, so if your browser asks you to accept pop-ups, please approve. Once you've engaged with the lesson you can close the tab and you'll be brought back to this page. Your progress will be saved so you can return to the lesson should you wish.

  • Diagnostic Imaging

    • Contrast Studies of the Urinary Tract

      In this lesson, we will discuss contrast studies of the urinary tract (including indications and different techniques), after which we will review some case studies and discuss interpretation of these images. 

      By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

      • Compare the indications for intravenous urography, contrast cystography, and urethrography studies;
      • Describe how to prepare a patient for an intravenous urography and a retrograde contrast study;
      • Describe the techniques involved for bolus and infusion intravenous urography;
      • Describe the different techniques available for performing contrast cystography and urethrography;
      • Analyse the suitability of different contrast techniques for different clinical presentations;
      • Interpret urinary contrast study images.

  • Emergency Medicine and Surgery

    • Emergencies Associated with Labour and Delivery

      In this lesson we will review the common emergencies associated with labour and delivery. We will discuss emergencies including dystocia and eclampsia. We will also discuss neonatal resuscitation and stabilisation of the foetus. For all emergencies, we will consider diagnosis, stabilisation, and management strategies.

      By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

      • List causes of dystocia and indications for evaluation by a veterinary professional;
      • Discuss clinical reasons for recommending medical or surgical management of dystocia;
      • Describe options for medical and surgical management of dystocia;
      • List risk factors for eclampsia;
      • Describe how to diagnose, manage, and prevent eclampsia;
      • Explain how to assess the neonate and treat common neonatal emergencies including hypovolaemia, respiratory distress, cardiac abnormalities, hypoglycaemia, and sepsis.

    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Emergencies Associated with Labour and Delivery Interactive Lesson
    • Click the icon above to begin the lesson. Please note that lessons will open in a new browser tab, so if your browser asks you to accept pop-ups, please approve. Once you've engaged with the lesson you can close the tab and you'll be brought back to this page. Your progress will be saved so you can return to the lesson should you wish.

  • Exotic Animals

    • Microchips, Implants, Catheters & Feeding Tubes

      In this lesson we will be covering some of the more basic surgical interventions. We will start with microchip implantation, which is hardly a surgical procedure, but one which is commonly required, and we will also include other forms of surgical implants, including therapeutic and telemetry devices.

      The next section of the lesson will focus on gaining vascular access through the placement of intravenous and intraosseous catheters – some of which require surgical cut-down techniques. The use of irrigation and suction cannulae will also be covered with air sac cannulae receiving more detail as it’s a critical skill in avian medicine and surgery. The final section focuses on the different feeding tubes and includes naso-oesophageal, gastrostomy, and my favourite, oesophagostomy tubes.

      By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

      • State the common sites for microchip placement in exotic taxa;
      • Briefly describe three types of therapeutic or telemetry implants;
      • List two practical intravenous catheterisation sites in birds, reptiles, and small mammals;
      • List at least one practical intraosseous catheterisation site in birds, lizards, chelonians, and small mammals;
      • Compare and contrast naso-oesophageal, oesophagostomy and gastrostomy feeding tubes;
      • Briefly describe the placement of the following devices: a central venous catheter, intraosseous catheter, irrigation or suction cannula, air sac cannula and an oesophagostomy feeding tube. 

    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Microchips, Implants, Catheters & Feeding Tubes Interactive Lesson
    • Click the icon above to begin the lesson. Please note that lessons will open in a new browser tab, so if your browser asks you to accept pop-ups, please approve. Once you've engaged with the lesson you can close the tab and you'll be brought back to this page. Your progress will be saved so you can return to the lesson should you wish.

  • Feline Practice

    • Pleural Effusion

      By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

      • Describe different ways of identifying pleural effusion based on physical examination;
      • List the steps involved in performing emergency stabilisation of a cat with pleural effusion;
      • List the different types of effusion, how to differentiate between them and the differential diagnosis for each;
      • Describe how to treat a cat with pyothorax or chylous effusion.

    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Pleural Effusion Interactive Lesson
    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Case Study 2: Squishy Interactive Lesson
    • Click the icon above to begin the lesson. Please note that lessons will open in a new browser tab, so if your browser asks you to accept pop-ups, please approve. Once you've engaged with the lesson you can close the tab and you'll be brought back to this page. Your progress will be saved so you can return to the lesson should you wish.

  • Neurology

    • Neuroanatomical and Pathophysiological Basis of Seizure Activity

      By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

      • Recall the neuroanatomical and pathophysiological basis of seizure activity.



  • Oncology

    • Oral Tumours I

      In this lesson we will be learning about oral tumours. It is important to be able to recognise the signs of oral tumours and how to diagnose them. Additional testing for staging is also necessary as animals with more advanced disease can have different treatments and prognosis from animals with minimal disease.

      By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

      • Describe different clinical signs of oral tumours;
      • Explain how to diagnose oral tumours;
      • Recognise the different staging tests and when to use them.

    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Oral Tumours I Interactive Lesson
    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Case Study 2: Bryan Interactive Lesson
    • Click the icon above to begin the lesson. Please note that lessons will open in a new browser tab, so if your browser asks you to accept pop-ups, please approve. Once you've engaged with the lesson you can close the tab and you'll be brought back to this page. Your progress will be saved so you can return to the lesson should you wish.

  • Ophthalmology

    • Congenital and Developmental Conditions of the Orbit and Acquired Traumatic Injuries

      In this lesson, we will discuss congenital, developmental and acquired orbital disease, illustrated with clinical examples.

      By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

      • Outline congenital, developmental and acquired orbital diseases;
      • Apply previously learned knowledge to understand these diseases;
      • Describe how to manage these diseases;
      • Detail how to manage globe prolapse and facial fractures and apply prognostic indicators.

    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Congenital and Developmental Conditions of the Orbit and Acquired Traumatic Injuries Interactive Lesson
    • Click the icon above to begin the lesson. Please note that lessons will open in a new browser tab, so if your browser asks you to accept pop-ups, please approve. Once you've engaged with the lesson you can close the tab and you'll be brought back to this page. Your progress will be saved so you can return to the lesson should you wish.

  • Small Animal Medicine

    • Dysphagia and Regurgitation

      In this lesson, we will review the pathophysiology, clinical signs and differential diagnoses for dysphagia and regurgitation.

      By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

      • Explain the pathophysiology of dysphagia and regurgitation;
      • Differentiate dysphagia, regurgitation and vomiting in dogs and cats from the history and clinical examination findings;
      • Construct a prioritised list of the common and less common differential diagnoses for conditions of the pharynx and oesophagus in dogs and cats;
      • Target diagnostic tests appropriately to the presenting problem.

    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Dysphagia and Regurgitation Interactive Lesson
    • Click the icon above to begin the lesson. Please note that lessons will open in a new browser tab, so if your browser asks you to accept pop-ups, please approve. Once you've engaged with the lesson you can close the tab and you'll be brought back to this page. Your progress will be saved so you can return to the lesson should you wish.



    • Can you reach a clinical diagnosis for Ellie?

      Click the link below to launch a fascinating case study involving this patient. Have a pen and paper handy to take notes as you work your way through the information provided. 

      Aidan McAlinden, Academic and Content Director


    • Completion
      Students must
      Receive a grade
      H5P icon
      Case Study: Ellie Interactive Content
    • Click the icon above to begin the lesson. Please note that you may take notes digitally within the activity, but they will not save in this demonstration, and will disappear upon leaving the case study. 

  • Small Animal Surgery

    • Surgical Conditions of the Oesophagus

      Surgical conditions of the oesophagus are relatively uncommon in cats and dogs making this an area in which most of us have limited experience. In this lesson we cover some of the basic principles that we should follow when performing oesophageal surgery and we will consider some of the more common surgical diseases of the oesophagus that we are most likely to encounter in general practice in a little more detail.

      By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

      • Describe normal oesophageal function and the basic mechanisms in which this can be affected by disease;

      • List the clinical signs of oesophageal disease and explain these in relation to the underlying pathophysiology;

      • Formulate a plan to investigate suspected disease of the oesophagus;

      • List the indications for performing surgery on the oesophagus;

      • Select the appropriate surgical approach for an individual patient with oesophageal disease;

      • Explain why healing of the oesophagus may differ from the rest of the intestinal tract;

      • Describe surgical technique for oesophagotomy closure to minimise the risk of a postoperative complication.

    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Surgical Diseases of the Oesophagus Interactive Lesson
    • Click the icon above to begin the lesson. Please note that lessons will open in a new browser tab, so if your browser asks you to accept pop-ups, please approve. Once you've engaged with the lesson you can close the tab and you'll be brought back to this page. Your progress will be saved so you can return to the lesson should you wish.



    • Can you reach a clinical diagnosis for Woody and Daisy?

      Click the links below to launch two fascinating case studies involving these patients. Have a pen and paper handy to take notes as you work your way through the information provided.

      Aidan McAlinden, Academic and Content Director


    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Case Study: Woody Interactive Lesson
    • Completion
      Students must
      Complete the activity
      SCORM package icon
      Case Study: Daisy Interactive Lesson
    • Click the icon above to begin the lesson. Please note that lessons will open in a new browser tab, so if your browser asks you to accept pop-ups, please approve. Once you've engaged with the lesson you can close the tab and you'll be brought back to this page. Your progress will be saved so you can return to the lesson should you wish.

  • Ready to take the next step?




    • We hope you have enjoyed discovering our Online and Blended Learning Programmes. 

      Want to know more about our globally accredited courses? Get in touch via our website, phone or email.

        Visit our Website

       Contact our CPD Advisers on 01793 759159

       Email enquiries@improveinternational.com


      Aidan McAlinden, Academic and Content Director


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