Small Animal Internal Medicine PGCert

Why choose Central CPD for your PGCert?

Flexible course duration: Complete your PGCert in either one or two years, tailored to your schedule.

Blended learning: Benefit from a flexible mix of online learning and practical attendance sessions.

Expert-led training: Learn from leading veterinary specialists and benefit from 1-1 clinical mentorship sessions.

Comprehensive resources: Access an extensive range of materials through our On-Demand portal.

Convenient location: Easily accessible Central London venues.

Career-boosting qualification: Gain a PGCert that provides a career boosting qualification

Personalised support: Enjoy small group sizes for tailored guidance and support throughout your learning journey.

Course content

The course comprises two modules and is delivered in a blended learning format, combining self-paced online learning with in-person collaboration and eight expert-led teaching sessions at our central London venues. You’ll have the freedom to complete the online learning activities at your own pace and in the order that works best for you, allowing you to build on your strengths and focus on areas you want to improve.

Module I (20 credits/200 hours of study)
Key principles in Small Animal Internal Medicine

This module contains 23 units, covering the following core small animal internal medicine topics:

• Endocrinology
• Haematology
• Urology – Kidney
• Urology – Lower Urinary Tract
• Medical Ophthalmology
• Respiratory
• Cardiovascular
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Pathology
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Medical Neurology
• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Critical Care
• Clinical Nutrition

You’ll complete a final summative assessment at the end of Module I, which includes case-based MCQs testing core knowledge and its practical application.

Module II (40 credits/400 hours of study)
Case study portfolio

You’ll need to submit four reflective case studies, showcasing a range of clinical topics and demonstrating a logical approach to cases. Clinical mentorship evenings will be available for you to book to discuss your case studies and gain feedback.

A dedicated online training programme will also open throughout the cohort, focusing on ethical considerations within Module II, including how to approach difficult conversations such as poor prognosis, as well as antibiotic stewardship and patient welfare.

The pass mark is 50%, with scores rounded to the nearest whole number.

Course outcomes

The PGCert (SAIM) is validated by the University of West London and is placed at master’s Level 7 within the Quality Assurance Agency’s higher education framework.

It aims to provide vets with practical training to diagnose and manage complex medical cases commonly encountered in practice. Through the programme, you’ll refine your problem-solving skills and develop a logical, methodical approach to clinical challenges, enhancing your diagnostic capabilities. By completion, you’ll be able to assess, manage, and treat internal medicine cases with greater expertise and assurance.

Course duration

You can choose to complete the PGCert in either one or two years. Both the one-year and two-year course options lead to the same qualification, with the same total study hours. The difference is simply in how the time is spread across the duration.

• For the one-year pathway you will need to complete two clinical topic per month (either two online training programmes, or one online training programme and one attendance lecture)
• For the two-year pathway you will need to complete one clinical topic per month (either one online training programme, or one attendance lecture)
• Online training programmes (15 clinical topics)
  • You have the flexibility to choose the order in which you complete these topics, allowing you to prioritise areas relevant to your current caseload of areas of interest.

• Attendance lectures (eight clinical topics)
  • Scheduled on specific dates to facilitate collaboration and direct engagement with lecturers. See the cohort calendar under the Course Overview for dates.
  • For the two-year pathway, you will be given all the dates for year 1 lectures, but you may choose to attend lectures in your second year if you prefer.

Eligibility

• Applicants must hold a veterinary qualification (i.e. BVM&S, BVetMed, BVSc, BVMSci, VetMB)
• Applicants must be registered as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS)
• Applicants must have spent a minimum of one year in veterinary practice and should have completed the RCVS Professional Development Phase of Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (veterinary surgeons graduating before 2007 are exempt)
• Applicants must be currently practicing veterinary surgeons, as the course involves case-based learning that requires access to clinical cases
• As the course is taught and assessed in English, applicants are required to be proficient in the English language (6.5 – minimum 5.5 in each individual element)

If you are an international vet interested in the PGCert, please contact us for more information.

Lecturers

The lecturers for the PGCert (SAIM) and clinical mentors for the course are all recognised veterinary specialists- RCVS, ECVS or board certified ACVIM Diplomates – and hold specialist qualifications in the small animal internal medicine field or a specific unit topic. The course is led by Rebecca M Littler.

• Rebecca M Littler
• Fiona Adam
• Nathaniel Whitley
• Jon Wray
• Freddie Allan
• Nic Ilchyshyn
• Marie-Aude Genain
• Hannah Walker
• Jennifer Good
• Sarah Stewart
• Florence Vessieres

Fees

The fees are £10,700 +VAT, which includes:

• Attendance at each of the in-person sessions and associated course notes
• Access to over 2,000 veterinary videos and associated documents via Central CPD On-Demand, as soon as you register
• All online modules
• Case discussion sessions
• Assessments
• Academic and pastoral support
• Registration with The University of West London
• One year’s free Central CPD Membership as soon as you register – which gives you free and discounted access to our attendance CPD courses

Payment can be made via credit card or invoice. Please contact us if you would like to discuss payment by instalments.

FAQs

How many hours of study is the PGCert?
The PGCert requires you to undertake 600 hours of study through 15 online units, eight attendance sessions in London and additional hours spent working up cases, reading, revision and conducting research for your case study portfolio.

How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed via in-person MCQs and a case study portfolio.

Can I use the PGCert to apply for Advanced Practitioner status?
We encourage you to consult with the RCVS for specific guidance on how this qualification can be used in your application for RCVS Advanced Practitioner status.

How long is the course?
You can choose from the following cohort lengths:
– One-year
– Two-years

How much is the course?
The PGCert costs £10,700+VAT which includes all fees and assessments.

Read our full list of FAQs, get in touch at enquiries@centralcpd.co.uk or give us a call on 0207 585 1692 if you you have any other questions or would like any further information.