Description
SAVC and AVNAT Approved Course
This flexi CPD course is aimed at vet nurses and vet technicians in general practice and is available on-demand with unlimited lifetime access. Each module consists of a tutorial, quiz and further reading articles
Module 1
Vascular Access
- Indications for IV placement
- Different types of IV catheter
- Different placement techniques
- IV catheter management
- Complications
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- List the indications and contraindications for IV catheter placement
- Understand the difference between peripheral and central venous catheterisation
- Describe the different IV catheter options currently on the veterinary market and their placement technique
- Discuss how to manage IV catheters – both peripheral and central
- Describe the common complications associated with IV catheters and how to minimise them
Module 2
Urinary Catheters
- Indications for placing urinary catheters
- Different types of urinary catheters
- Placement of urinary catheters
- Urinary catheter management
- Complications
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- List the indications and contraindications for urinary catheter placement
- Describe the different urinary catheter options currently for veterinary use
- Explain how urinary catheters are placed
- Discuss how to manage urinary catheters in practice
- Describe the common complications associated with urinary catheters
Module 3
Chest Drains
- When chest drains are placed
- Different types of chest drain
- Different placement techniques
- Chest drain management
- Complications
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- List the indications and contraindications for chest drain placement
- Describe the different chest drain options currently on the veterinary market and their placement techniques
- Explain how to drain the chest drain and what options are available should the patient have a continuous pneumothorax
- Discuss how to manage the chest drain and how to identify a drain that is ready for removal
- Describe the common complications associated with chest drains and how to minimise them
Module 4
Tracheostomy Tubes
- Indications for tracheostomy tube placement
- Different types of tracheostomy tubes
- Placement of tracheostomy tubes
- Management of tracheostomy tubes
- Complications
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- List the indications and contraindications for placing tracheostomy tubes
- Understand the different types of tracheostomy tubes available for veterinary use
- Describe how tracheostomy tubes are placed
- Explain how to manage tracheostomy tubes in situ
- Describe the common complications associated with tracheostomy tubes in practice
The course will be available immediately following purchase, with unlimited lifetime access and will provide a total of:
8 hours of CPD (UK)
8 points (Australia and New Zealand)
8 points (South Africa – SAVC Accreditation Number AC/2762/25)
Release date: Sept 2025
Speakers

Eleanor Haskey BSc(hons), VTS(ECC) VPAC A1, RVN
Senior ECC Nurse, Royal Veterinary College
Eleanor graduated in 2008 from the University of Bristol with an honours degree in Veterinary Nursing and Practice Administration. She worked as a branch head nurse in a mixed practice in the Midlands for 2 years before returning to the University of Bristol as senior ICU nurse, where she was responsible for the day to day running of the intensive care unit, triaging and assessing emergencies and providing care for critical patients. In 2014 Eleanor transferred to the emergency and critical care centre at the Royal Veterinary College. Eleanor gained the VTS(ECC) qualification in 2012, and she particularly enjoys trauma, seizures, ventilator cases and haematological disorders
Speakers

Katy Gray PGCert VE, DipAVN, RVN, FHEA, MNCS
The Ralph Veterinary Referral Hospital
After registering as an RVN in 2012, Katie worked as both a surgery nurse and then an emergency and critical care nurse at the Royal Veterinary College referral hospital, where she spent 6 years as a senior ECC nurse. During her time there, she completed the Advanced Nursing Diploma, a Post Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Education, and the Blue Cross Bereavement Certificate. Katie regularly lectures for VNs, both in the UK and internationally; and has written a few articles, including her own research into sepsis recognition. Since 2019, Katie has been working towards the Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, and in Spring 2022 started working in a supportive role at The Ralph Veterinary Referral Hospital. Outside of work Katie volunteers for StreetVet, and she is on the Veterinary Critical Care Nurse Committee which is part of the British Association of Critical Care Nurses.
CPD Hours
This online course is worth 8 hours of CPD.
A certificate will be available from the ‘My Courses’ section, for you to download and print, once you have completed the course. A permanent record of your total CPD hours will also be recorded in your account section.
AVNAT
Australia and New ZealandÂ
The Australian Veterinary Nurse and Technician (AVNAT) Regulatory Council has allocated 8 AVNAT CPD points to this continuing education activity.
This course is also recognised by the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) as providing 8 CPD points.

SAVC
South Africa
The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) has allocated 8 CPD points to this continuing education activity. Accreditation Number AC/2762/25)
Levels
This course has been listed as ‘Intermediate’Â level
All of our courses are aimed at veterinary nurses in general practice, but everyone who works in the veterinary profession is very welcome to attend, whether you are a clinical receptionist, veterinary surgeon, student nurse or have been a qualified nurse for over 20 years!
The courses are not formally assessed for skill level, so the following CPD levels are just a rough guide to help you decide if a course may be more or less suitable:
Introduction
– maybe most suitable for qualified nurses in general practice approaching a new topic or looking for a refresher course
Intermediate
– maybe most suitable for qualified nurses in general practice along with referral / specialist nurses looking for a refresher course
Advanced
– maybe most suitable for referral / specialist nurses and highly experienced qualified nurses in general practice
Molly S –
Perfect!
Rated: Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice <5 years – UK)