Cardiology

ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)

Cardiology Online Learning

A comprehensive online CPD program covering all aspects of veterinary cardiology.

The Cardiology Online Learning Program will address the fundamentals of underlying cardiac disease, discuss the presentations of cardiac disease and thoroughly review current diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. You will learn the latest about commonly utilised diagnostic procedures, practical electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, film reading and hands-on echocardiography.

Providing a logical approach to even the most complex cases, the structured content is designed and delivered by registered specialists, via a world-leading online learning platform. The comprehensive teaching materials and interactive format allow you to gain knowledge, skills and build an informed clinical approach to your patients.

Please note you will be joining a global program run out of the United Kingdom, giving you the opportunity to network with peers from around the world.

Gain a Postgraduate Qualification

This program is accredited with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) meaning you can work towards the following globally-recognised qualifications while you study:

General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) 

By attending the full online structured program and following successful assessment, including an exam, you can gain a General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) awarded by the ISVPS.

Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) 

A route to a PgC is available through our partnership with Harper Adams University (HAU). The PgC is a recognised higher education qualification demonstrating that you have achieved the required standard within a designated subject. Additional assessments will be necessary to apply for this route.

Please note that ISVPS registration and examination fees are not included in the course fees.
For all enquiries about ISVPS requirements, contact [email protected].

Course Highlights

  • 14 Varied Modules covering key clinical cardiology topics
  • Specialist Support from your module tutor (a registered specialist in their field)
  • Discussion Forum: Ask questions and discuss cases with your specialist tutor and peers from around the world
  • Course Director: Kieran Borgeat BSc BVSc MVetMed CertVC DipACVIM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS oversees the program
  • Dedicated Program Coordinator: To help you every step of the way
  • 100% Online: Interactive and engaging modules include presentations, written notes, case studies, interactive quizzes and exercises test your knowledge
  • Regular Assessments: To track your progress and reflect on your learning
  • ISVPS Accredited: Work towards a globally-recognised postgraduate qualification (GPCert in Cardiology)
  • RACE Accredited: 140 CPD points
Cardiology
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Learning Modules

May 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Yolanda Martínez Pereira DVM CertVC DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) SFHEA MRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Recall and understand cardiovascular anatomy
  • Revise the embryological development of cardiac structures and how developmental defects can lead to common congenital abnormalities
  • Integrate your knowledge of the cardiac cycle, excitation-contraction and control of cardiac output into your understanding of the cardiovascular system
  • Improve your comprehension of haemodynamics
  • Discover the intricacies of cardiac action potentials

June 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Yolanda Martínez Pereira DVM CertVC DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) SFHEA MRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Explore the topic of human perception of health-related quality of life of cardiac patients
  • Appreciate the importance of the best standard of care in veterinary cardiology
  • Collect a directed and targeted patient’s history
  • Recognise clinical signs associated with cardiovascular disorders
  • Become familiar with cardiovascular examination with a particular emphasis on chest percussion techniques and cardiac auscultation

July 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr João Neves DVM MRCVS DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology)

Key learning objectives:

  • Review how to obtain thoracic radiographs of diagnostic quality
  • Develop a systematic approach to the interpretation of thoracic radiographs
  • Improve your ability to recognise radiographic signs of congestive heart failure
  • Review non-cardiac radiographic abnormalities of the thorax and common artefacts
  • Explore selective and non-selective angiography as an investigative tool

September 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Pedro Oliveira DVM MRCVS DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology)

Key learning objectives:

  • Perfect your ability to acquire and analyse electrocardiograms
  • Recognise tachyarrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias and their clinical significance
  • Understand anti-arrhythmic therapy and your pharmacological options
  • Familiarise yourself with pacemaker therapy
  • Consider electrophysiological studies and radiofrequency ablation

October 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Lance Visser DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Key learning objectives:

  • Develop your understanding of echocardiographic imaging and basic machine settings
  • Familiarise yourself with M-mode, how to interpret what you see and what it can tell you about your patient
  • Review B-mode and the different images used to assess cardiac function at different levels of the heart
  • Explore 3D acquisitions and how they can advance your skills in echocardiography

November 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Elizabeth Bode BVSc PhD DipECVIM-CA(Cardio) FHEA MRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Familiarise yourself with the progressive model of heart failure
  • Transform your understanding of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system
  • Revise activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system
  • Understand alterations in the peripheral vasculature
  • Develop your knowledge of the complexity of myocardial remodelling and reversed remodelling

January 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Hannah Stephenson BVMS (Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand the classification systems of heart failure in veterinary cardiology
  • Recognise clinical manifestations of acute and chronic heart failure
  • Improve your management of acute heart failure cases
  • Maximise longevity with better management of chronic heart failure
  • Advance your ability to manage refractory heart failure patients

February 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Simon Swift MA, VetMB, CertSAC, DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology), MRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand the aetiology, pathophysiology and diagnosis of chronic myxomatous valve disease (MMVD)
  • Improve your skills in staging patients with MMVD
  • Advance your clinical management of MMVD
  • Develop your knowledge of the aetiology, pathophysiology and diagnosis of infective endocarditis
  • Become familiar with the clinical management of infective endocarditis

March 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Ilaria Spalla DVM PhD MRCVS MVetMed DACVIM DECVIM

Key learning objectives:

  • Enhance your understanding of the aetiology and breed predisposition of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
  • Consolidate your knowledge of the clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of canine DCM
  • Become familiar with the clinical management of occult and overt canine DCM
  • Understand the pathophysiology and management of canine tachycardiomyopathy
  • Improve your familiarity with the aetiology and management of myocarditis

April 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Simon Swift MA, VetMB, CertSAC, DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology), MRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand the complexity and limits of feline cardiomyopathy (CM) classification
  • Review the pathophysiology of feline CM
  • Become familiar with clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of feline CM
  • Transform your management of feline CM and arterial thromboembolism in your clinic

May 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Brian Scansen DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Key learning objectives:

  • Review the pathophysiology and clinical management of patent ductus arteriosus
  • Understand pathophysiology and clinical management of pulmonic and aortic stenosis
  • Develop your understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical management of mitral and tricuspid dysplasia
  • Perfect your clinical management of ventricular and atrial septal defects by fully comprehending the pathophysiology of these conditions
  • Become familiar with advanced techniques for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac congenital defects

June 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Silvana Mariela Gomez DVM CSAVP-Cardiology MRCVS Referral Clinician in Cardiology & Diagnostic Imaging

Key learning objectives:

  • Develop your understanding of Doppler studies (CW, PW, HPRF, Colour)
  • Consolidate your ability to obtain the conventional echocardiographic views
  • Recognise the potentials and pitfalls of echocardiographic assessment

July 2027

Module Speakers:

Dr Sid Sudunagunta BVetMed CertAVP(VC) AHEA DipECVIM-CA(Cardiology)

Key learning objectives:

  • Review the classification and clinical presentation of intracavitary and extracavitary cardiac tumours
  • Become familiar with the management of primary cardiac tumours
  • Revise the anatomy and physiology of the pericardium
  • Understand the aetiology and pathophysiology of pericardial effusion and tamponade
  • Transform your ability to manage clinical cases of pericardial effusion

September 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr João Neves DVM MRCVS DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology)

Key learning objectives:

  • Differentiate syncope from other causes of falling
  • Understand and manage episodic falling and “exercise-induced collapse”
  • Successfully investigate fainting patients
  • Become familiar with available diagnostic techniques and therapies for fainting
  • Pathophysiology and management of:
    • Systemic hypertension
    • Pulmonary hypertension

*Please note: Module order may be subject to change

Course Speakers

Dr Yolanda Martínez Pereira
Dr Yolanda Martínez Pereira
DVM CertVC DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) SFHEA MRCVS
Dr Pedro Oliveira
Dr Pedro Oliveira
DVM MRCVS DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
Dr Hannah Stephenson
Dr Hannah Stephenson
BVMS (Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS
Dr Ilaria Spalla
Dr Ilaria Spalla
DVM PhD MRCVS MVetMed DACVIM DECVIM
Dr Sid Sudunagunta
Dr Sid Sudunagunta
BVetMed CertAVP(VC) AHEA DipECVIM-CA(Cardiology)
Dr Kieran Borgeat
Dr Kieran Borgeat
BSc BVSc MVetMed CertVC FHEA MRCVS DipACVIM DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
Dr Brian Scansen
Dr Brian Scansen
DVM MS DACVIM (Cardiology)
Dr Elizabeth Bode
Dr Elizabeth Bode
BVSc PhD DipECVIM-CA(Cardio) FHEA MRCVS
Dr Joao Neves
Dr João Neves
DVM MRCVS DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
Dr Lance Visser
Dr Lance Visser
DVM MS DACVIM (Cardiology)
Dr Simon Swift
Dr Simon Swift
MA VetMB CertSAC DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS
Dr Samantha Gomart
MRCVS, PhD, DVM, DACVIM (cardiology)

Payment Options

FAQ

All applicants must:

  • Hold a qualification that allows you to practice as a veterinary surgeon
  • Have spent a minimum of one year in veterinary practice, with a clinical caseload

Please note: It is each delegate’s responsibility to ensure you meet the program entry criteria.

You can enrol directly via the Improve Veterinary Education website. The Team will invoice you for the program and once agreed fees are paid, you will be able to join the program. You can reach out to the Team at [email protected] if you have any questions on how to do this.

You will spend on average 3-4 hours per week, working through the supplied online content and materials at your own pace. Some candidates spend significantly more, if they are engaging on the forums and reading and researching additional content. 

In working towards the General Practitioner (GPCert) or Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) qualifications for the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS), additional time will be required for assessments.

The full OL program must be completed within 12 months of the final module being delivered. For example, in a two-year program, you will have 3 years of access in total. 

Candidates for the ISVPS Certifications are able to complete their assessment requirements and sit for the qualifications for a set time, after program completion with Improve Veterinary Education. Contact ISVPS directly for these guidelines on [email protected].

The Online Learning Programs are designed to be worked through at your own pace and time. For each program module, a specialist is available to answer questions on the discussion board.

The specialist is available for the month their module runs and this interaction is one of the most valuable parts of the program.  You are strongly encouraged to participate if possible and ask questions, even if you have not fully completed the module, to take advantage of the ‘live’ board.

All the discussion boards Q&A are available to review after the module is complete and for the length of the program. Candidates are also encouraged to discuss cases and ask their colleagues questions on earlier modules, if they have not had the opportunity to ask the specialist.

Any deferral requests are considered on a case by case basis by the Improve Veterinary Education Team administering the Program.  If deferral is agreed, it will include additional administration fees and charges. Specific modules of the program can not be deferred.

Yes, we do accept limited late admissions (subject to availability). If you join late, you will be required to catch up on the module content that you have missed. Please be aware that although discussion forums can be access after the module is finished, the Specialist Tutors are only available for questions during the month their module is being delivered.

The GPCert is a middle-tier postgraduate qualification awarded to veterinary surgeons who successfully complete a dedicated modular training programme accredited by International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and sit the associated ISVPS assessments, including online examinations.

Only registered veterinary surgeons who have been qualified for a minimum of one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.

To find out more about the ISVPS assessments please contact the team at [email protected] or visit the ISVPS website for more detail www.isvps.org.

The PgCert is a further postgraduate qualification that can be achieved either during or after your study for your GPCertificate.

Yes, there are additional assessment criteria from both ISVPS and Harper Adams University (HAU). There are also additional fees for the PGCert. Contact ISVPS directly at [email protected] for further information on how to achieve your PGCert.

Yes. Location of study does not affect/change this global program. We can accept delegates across Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific region, and you will join the same global program. Additionally, all program content is pre-recorded so can be viewed at any time of day (i.e. time zone differences will not impact your access to content). 

As this program is accredited by ISVPS, you are also eligible to obtain the GPCert or PgCert qualifications.

Registration is made directly to ISVPS (for the GPCert) and HAU (for the PgC)once you are enrolled in the Online Learning Program.  You will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration forms and pay additional fees as required.

ISVPS registration fees are NOT included in the program fee.  GPCert registration are fees payable are made directly to  ISVPS – you will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration form. 

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