IVE_UK_SAOS_Brochure_Web_Mar2026 Final

IMPROVEVETERINARYEDUCATION.COM
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NEW
SMALL ANIMAL
ORTHOPAEDIC
SURGERY
Where Precision Meets
Orthopaedic Innovation
ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate and
Postgraduate Certificate Qualifications
The Most Practical Small
Animal Orthopaedic Surgery
Certificate Programme
What’s New in 2026?
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10 Practical Training Days
Problem Oriented Medicine Framework
Mentorship & Personalised Feedback
Case-based Active Learning Activities
Advanced AI Medical Simulator
12-Month Training Programme
for Veterinary Surgeons
Accredited by:

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NEW
SMALL ANIMAL ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY
Blended Learning Certificate Programme
ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)
Operate with greater precision and confidence
The NEW Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery Certificate Programme goes beyond
mastering techniques. It develops confident clinicians who think critically, plan
methodically, and perform decisively in real-life orthopaedic practice.
Orthopaedic cases are rarely straightforward. Fractures, joint disease, and mobility
challenges require structured decision-making, sound clinical reasoning, and
clear communication. This redesigned programme equips you with the practical
skills and judgement needed to manage complexity and deliver consistently high
standards of care.
Built for foundation to intermediate development
Designed for surgeons building confidence at foundation to intermediate level,
the course emphasises safe case selection, reproducible techniques, and
decision-making aligned with general practice realities. You will strengthen core
foundations through thorough orthopaedic examinations, differential diagnosis,
joint arthrocentesis, and fundamental surgical techniques.
A practical, immersive approach to orthopaedic training
Blending expert-led online learning with case-based activities, realistic surgical
scenarios, and structured wet labs supported by OSATS-style assessment, the
programme focuses on performance as well as knowledge.
Practical training includes uncomplicated diaphyseal long-bone fracture repair,
routine cruciate surgery, and selected joint procedures. You’ll receive realtime
feedback on planning, implant selection, execution, and complication
management—refining both technical precision and clinical judgement.

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What Makes This Programme Different?
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9 Expert-Led Online Modules:
Interactive content designed to
strengthen clinical thinking, focus,
and surgical decision-making.
10 Practical Wet-Lab Sessions:
Delivered in 3 immersive attendance
blocks, with cadaver and simulatorbased
training.
OSATS-Based Skills Assessment:
Structured evaluations focused on
surgical precision, tissue handling,
and technique.
Integrated Interdisciplinary Training:
Work alongside internal medicine,
imaging, and anaesthesia specialists
in case-based simulations.
Advanced AI Medical Simulator:
Enhance communication in complex
scenarios with realistic client
interactions and feedback.
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Decision-Making & Resilience
Training: Build essential
non-technical skills including risk
communication, emotional regulation,
error management, and operating
room leadership.
Expert Mentorship & Support:
One-to-one mentor feedback
and full-time coordinator access
throughout the programme.
Europe’s Leading Surgical Training
Centre: Learn in the best environment
with direct access to top veterinary
specialists.
Collaborative Learning Community:
Connect with peers, share real
cases, and build lasting professional
relationships online and in person.
Engaging, Multi-Format Learning:
Enjoy interactive presentations, detailed
notes, quizzes, surgical videos, and real
case-based discussions.
More than Technique
A Transformation in Surgical
Thinking, Precision, and Purpose

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Real Progress, Faster Than You Think
FOR YOU:
FOR YOUR PRACTICE:
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Confidently perform a wide range
of orthopaedic procedures
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Expand in-house surgical capabilities
and reduce referrals
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Make better decisions in complex
surgical cases
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Improve outcomes, client satisfaction,
and clinical efficiency
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Communicate clearly in high-stakes
client conversations
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Strengthen team communication
and collaboration in theatre
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Lead with greater resilience
in theatre and clinical teams
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Gain a competitive edge with advanced
surgical expertise
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Earn a globally recognised ISVPS
General Practitioner Certificate
(GPCert) with the opportunity to
further progress to the RCVS Advanced
Practitioner status and a Postgraduate
Certificate (PgC)
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Boost morale, mentoring, and revenue
through upskilled staff
Real returns on your investment
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Advance your career and open new
professional opportunities
Modules
01. Foundations of Small Animal Orthopaedic
Surgery
02. Musculoskeletal Trauma — Principles &
Complications
03. Internal & External Fixation
04. Foundation Skills/ Fracture Patient
Assessment Score and Introduction to
Internal Fixation
05. Fracture Patient Assessment Score/
Fracture Planning/ Internal Fixation
06. Internal Fixation / Assessment of Fracture
Healing/ Pelvic Fractures
07. Perioperative Management
08. Forelimb Conditions
09. Perioperative Management / Fracture
Repair with External Skeletal Fixation
10. External Skeletal Fixation /Internal Fixation
11. Forelimb Surgical Focus: Key Procedures
Practical
12. Hindlimb Conditions
13. Neurology for the Orthopaedic Surgeon
14. Soft-Tissue Injuries, Osteoarthritis &
Polyarthritis
15. Miscellaneous & Juvenile Orthopaedics
16. Hindlimb Surgical Focus: Key Procedures
Practical
17. Hindlimb and Soft Tissue Injuries
18. Miscellaneous Disease / CSF Tap and
Complications of Healing/ Consolidation
19. Selection of Imaging Techniques, Neoplasia,
Osteoarthritis, Fractures of Growing Animal /
Consolidation
20. Bonus Module: The Art of the Surgical
Consultation
Practical session

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This course sets a new standard in
postgraduate orthopaedic training —
combining structured skill development, expert
mentorship, and authentic surgical experience.
Kevin Parsons Course Director
Clinical Area Lead for Small Animal Surgery, EBVS® European Specialist in Small
Animal Surgery, RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery
At the heart of the programme is a dedicated Course Director
who is with you every step of the way, providing:
• Personalised coaching
via 1:1 video feedback
• Individual progress
tracking
• Guidance on clinical
reasoning and performance
• A clear sense of direction
and accountability
ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate
Postgraduate Certificate (60 Academic Credits)
START DATE:
June or November 2026
CPD HOURS:
200 Hours Taught Modules
Plus 400 Hours Self Study
MODULES:
9 Online Theory Modules
+ 1 Bonus Module
10 intensive, practical wet-lab sessions
supported by engaging and informative
small group seminars and case-based
discussions
LOCATION:
Online | Swindon or Sheffield
COURSE LENGTH:
12 Months
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Qualified veterinary surgeons
with a minimum of 1 year
postgraduate experience
LEARNING RESOURCES:
• E-book of the Improve International
Manual of Small Animal Surgery, Volume
2: Orthopaedics
• Access to our online Small Animal
Orthopaedic Surgery video library
• Access to the RCVS Knowledge Library
Prices start at: £10,595 + VAT *
FIND OUT MORE
BOOK NOW

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TRAINING CENTRES
High Tech Equipment, High Quality Teaching
Our training facilities in Swindon and
Sheffield feature the latest technology
and materials, allowing you to practise
a wide range of techniques and
procedures under the guidance of our
expert speakers.
In partnership with:
The best practical training
Discover the future of veterinary
training at our state-of-the-art
Clinical Excellence Centre in Swindon.
Designed for hands-on learning, the
centre features modern equipment
and immersive training spaces built for
veterinary professionals.
Delta 1200
Delta Business Park,
Swindon, SN5 7XZ
Swindon
START VIRTUAL TOUR
Sheffield
Benchmark House
Smithy Wood Drive,
Sheffield, S35 1QN

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The practical sessions have been invaluable,
and the guidance and ‘real world’ tips. An
excellent, well-balanced programme which I would
wholeheartedly recommend to my colleagues.
Colin Dickson BVMS CertAVP GPCert SAS MRCVS
Small Animal Surgery Delegate
Real-life examples of
how you could benefit
This has benefited my career and how I work as a vet,
enabling me to offer a wider variety of surgical procedures
in practice, and has given me solid foundations to continue
to develop my capabilities with more advanced procedures.
I would recommend the course to vets who really want
to step up their surgical knowledge and skills and invest
in themselves for the future.
Jonny Faire BVetMed PgC(SAS) MRCVS
Small Animal Surgery delegate
Overall, the programme exceeded my expectations. It has certainly
improved the care I provide to my patients but it has also helped
my practice to become more profitable because we are now
undertaking many more surgical cases. We are also managing our
medical supplies more cost-effectively, reducing the time our
patients need to be hospitalised and increasing client satisfaction.
Andreas Manousoudakis DVM
Small Animal Surgery delegate

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Smarter surgery
Stronger outcomes
Join the next generation
of confident vets
CALL US
01793 759159
EMAIL US
enquiries@improveinternational.com
ImproveVetEducationUK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
improveveterinaryeducation.com
* Payment plans available. Prices may vary, please check the website for the latest pricing.
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