Feline Practice

ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)

Feline Practice Online Learning

A comprehensive Feline Practice program offering a structured route for vets aiming to pursue a postgraduate qualification in feline practice.

This program is a completely online and offers invaluable insights and practical tips from our expert tutors, enhancing your clinical approach to feline medicine. With 16 diverse modules delivered through a world-leading interactive platform, you’ll gain new knowledge and skills while engaging with an online community that shares your passion for advancing feline care in practice.

This innovative global program has been developed by a team of registered specialists, who are available throughout the program to support you on your journey.

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

  • 16 Varied Modules covering key clinical feline 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: Samantha Taylor BVetMed (Hons) CertSAM 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 Feline Practice)
  • RACE Accredited: 192 CPD points
Feline Practice
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Learning Modules

February 2026

Key learning objectives:

  • Perform an orthopaedic examination and be familiar with the presentation of osteoarthritis in the cat
  • Understand the value of radiography, synoviocentesis, muscle and nerve biopsies
  • Apply first aid techniques to fracture patients
  • Explain the principles of orthopaedic surgery and the approach to the repair of common fractures

 

Module Speaker:

James Grierson BVetMed Cert VR CertSAS CertVR DipECVS CertMedEd FHEA FRCVS

March 2026

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Consolidate your understanding of normal cat behaviour
  • Understand the clinical causes of feline behavioural problems
  • Formulate an approach to common problems such as inappropriate toiletting, spraying, aggression and compulsive disorders
  • Review and apply strategies for improving core territory security

 

Module Speaker:

Christos Karagiannis DVM MSc Dip. ECAWBM(BM) MRCVS

April 2026

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand the normal feline eye and use readily available diagnostic equipment and disposables in feline ophthalmic cases
  • Perform common surgical procedures pertinent to feline ophthalmology
  • Approach the medical management of ophthalmic patients
  • Know when to refer a patient

 

Module Speaker:

Kat Manchip BVSc BSc(Hons) PGDipVCP DipECVO MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon Diplomate Ophthalmology

May 2026

Key learning objectives:

  • Apply knowledge gained to surgical asepsis and theatre protocol
  • Rationally utilise antibiotics in surgical patients
  • Be familiar with suture materials and patterns, surgical instruments and tissue handling
  • Plan surgery, apply haemostatic techniques and manage crises
  • Approach the management and reconstruction of wounds

 

Online Anaesthesia component:

  • Describe a range of parenteral and inhalational anaesthetic regimes
  • Understand the pharmacokinetics of different anaesthetics and monitoring techniques available

 

Module Speakers:

Jonathan Bell BVM&S CertSAS DipECVS MRCVS

Maria Angeles Jimenez Lozano DVM CertVA DipECVAA MRCVS

June 2026

Key learning objectives:

  • Formulate a differential diagnosis, investigation plan (including laboratory investigations) for common dermatological presentations including alopecia, pruritus, infectious and auto-immune conditions, allergic skin disease and neoplasia
  • Have knowledge of treatment strategies for common dermatological presentations including alopecia, pruritus, infectious and auto-immune conditions, allergic skin disease and neoplasia
  • Be aware of and be able to recognise dermatological manifestations of systemic disease

 

Module Speaker:

Mandy Burrows BSc BVMS MANZCVS FANZCVS

July 2026

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand the clinical relevance of tumour biology and be able to discuss the most common neoplasms of the major organ systems

 

Module Speaker:

Owen Davies MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS(SAM) DACVIM(Oncology) MRCVS RCVS & American Specialist in Veterinary Oncology

September 2026

Key learning objectives:

  • Develop a thorough knowledge of sampling techniques, the limitations of technology and equipment and the factors that can generate artefacts or abnormalities
  • Interpret results and propose further investigations
  • Understand the methodology involved in the generation of haematology, biochemistry and cytology profiles
  • Have an awareness of the various diagnostic tests for endocrine and infectious diseases ( viral, parasitic- including heartworm- and bacterial) the techniques used and their interpretation
  • Recall the cytology of haemic and non-haemic cell populations, both reactive and neoplastic, and have the ability to trace or plot maturation and degeneration pathways in blood, fluid and tissue smears

 

Module Speaker:

Nic Ilchyshyn BSc BVSc FRCPath Dip.ECVCP MRCVS European Veterinary Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology

October 2026

Key learning objectives:

  • Perform triage, assess patients and prioritise cases
  • Undertake emergency monitoring and stabilisation
  • Understand the effects, clinical signs and treatment for common toxicities including insecticides, molluscicides, rodenticides, herbicides, household preparations and plants
  • Be familiar with critical therapeutics including fluid and electrolyte therapy, transfusion medicine cardiovascular and respiratory support, analgesia and CPR

 

Module Speaker:

Kerry Doolin BSc BVSc MVetMed DACVECC MRCVS American Recognised Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care

November 2026

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand the causes of renal dysfunction, the presentation and diagnostic tests utilised in cats with clinical signs of renal disease (including acute/ chronic renal insufficiency, glomerular disease, neoplasia and inherited diseases)
    Describe the causes and emergency treatment of acute renal failure
  • Explain the pathophysiology of renal dysfunction and the importance/ significance of hyperphosphataemia, anaemia, proteinuria and hypertension
  • Apply knowledge of the International Renal Interest Society staging scheme for chronic renal disease to patient prognosis
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the available treatments for CRI including phosphate binders, ACE inhibitors and dietary modification
  • Recall the neuroanatomy of the lower urinary tract and the differentiation of upper motor neuron/ lower motor neuron defects
  • Approach diseases of the lower urinary tract including FLUTD, urolithiasis, urinary tract infections and neoplasia and understand their differentiation, risk factors, treatment and dietary management

 

Module Speaker:

Susana Silva (DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine)

January 2027

Key learning objectives:

  • Be able to recognise the clinical signs associated with neurological disease
  • Perform a neurological assessment using appropriate tests and intepret the results
  • Describe how to localise lesions and the value this provides to the clinician
  • Plan a neurological investigation and list the major feline neurological diseases on the basis of localisation
  • Define a diagnostic approach for abnormalities including seizures, spinal cord and cranial nerve abnormalities and peripheral neurological diseases
  • List the common feline neurological diseases including their presentation, diagnosis and treatment

 

Module Speaker:

Mark Lowrie MA VetMB MVM DipECVN RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology

February 2027

Key learning objectives:

  • Know how to investigate and manage common medical conditions affecting the feline oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver and pancreas
  • Describe the various tests used in the diagnosis of liver and pancreatic disease and the management options for the common hepatic medical disorders
  • Approach the nutritional management of disorders of the liver, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract

 

Module Speaker:

Samantha Taylor BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MANZCVS FRCVS

March 2027

Key learning objectives:

  • Approach the common presentations of respiratory disease including nasal discharge, epistaxis, coughing, stertor, stridor, sneezing and reverse sneezing
  • Diagnose and treat upper respiratory tract diseases, both acute (infectious) and chronic (inflammatory or infectious or neoplastic in origin)
  • Formulate an approach to allergic lower respiratory tract disease including differential diagnoses, investigation and treatment of allergic airway disease, parasitic disease and pulmonary fibrosis
  • Understand pleural space disease including differential diagnoses, investigation and therapeutics

 

Module Speaker:

Kerry Rolph BVM&S CERTVC PHD FANZCVS DIPECVIM-CA MRCVS RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine, European Specialist in Companion Animal Medicine

April 2027

Key learning objectives:

  • Recognise the importance of a detailed history and clinical examination of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in the diagnosis of cardiopulmonary diseases
  • Review and understand the common causes of heart disease in cats
  • Consolidate your understanding of the central importance of blood pressure in the pathophysiology of cardiac disease in cats and know how to discriminate the causes of hypertension in this species
  • Define the crucial role of high quality imaging modalities (especially ultrasonography and radiology) in the differential diagnosis of feline cardiopulmonary diseases

 

Module Speaker:

Samantha Taylor BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MANZCVS FRCVS

May 2027

Key learning objectives:

  • Define the clinical signs of feline endocrine diseases and understand their pathogenesis – including hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, hyperaldosteronism, hyperadrenocorticism and parathyroid disorders.
  • Describe the principles of key diagnostic tests and their application for the above feline endocrine diseases
  • Understand the management of common feline endocrine diseases and know how to approach complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and unstable diabetes

 

Module Speaker:

Nick Bexfield BVetMed PhD DSAM DipECVIM-CA PGDipMEdSci PGCHE FHEA MRCVS

June 2027

Key learning objectives:

  • Describe health and safety concerns and precautions relating to zoonoses
  • Understand the legislation and regulations relating to infectious diseases
  • Design and implement vaccination and preventative parasitic programs
  • Approach the pathophysiology, diagnosis and, where appropriate, treatment of common viral diseases including FeLV, FIV and FIP
  • Diagnose and treat Haemoplasma infections

 

Module Speaker:

Stephanie Sorrell  BVetMed(Hons) MANZCVSc DipECVIM-CA MRCVS; RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine

July 2027

Key learning objectives:

  • Explain the diseases of hunting cats including Toxoplasmosis, Pox virus, Mycobacterial disease and Salmonellosis
  • Approach enteric infections of the cat including protozoal disease (Trichomonas foetus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora) and bacterial/ viral disease
  • Understand fungal mycoses
  • Control infectious and zoonotic disease in the home, clinic, shelters and cattery situations

 

Module Speaker:

Stephanie Sorrell  BVetMed(Hons) MANZCVSc DipECVIM-CA MRCVS; RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine

*Please note: Module order may be subject to change

Hear from previous delegates

I have already noticed a vast improvement in my clinical confidence and abilities and now am even more driven to continue learning.
- Jennifer Sinclair BVetMed Postgraduate Certificate in Feline Practice MRCVS

Course Speakers

James Grierson
Dr James Grierson
BVetMed Cert VR CertSAS CertVR DipECVS CertMedEd FHEA FRCVS
dr-kerry-doolin
Dr Kerry Doolin
BSc BVSc MVetMed DACVECC MRCVS
Kerry Rolph
Dr Kerry Rolph
BVM&S CERTVC PHD FANZCVS DIPECVIM-CA MRCVS
Dr Mandy Burrows
Dr Mandy Burrows
BSc BVMS MANZCVS FANZCVS
Dr Maria Angeles Jimenez Lozano
Dr Maria Angeles Jimenez Lozano
DVM CertVA DipECVAA MRCVS
Dr Mark Lowrie
Dr Mark Lowrie
MA VetMB MVM DipECVN
Dr Nic Ilchyshyn
Dr Nic Ilchyshyn
BSc BVSc FRCPath Dip.ECVCP MRCVS
Dr Samantha Taylor
Dr Samantha Taylor
BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MANZCVS FRCVS
Dr Stephanie Sorrell
Dr Stephanie Sorrell
BVetMed(Hons), MANZCVSc, DipECVIM-CA, MRCVS; RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine
Christos Karagiannis
Dr Christos Karagiannis
DVM, MSc, Dip. ECAWBM(BM), MRCVS
Dr Owen Davies
MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS(SAM) DACVIM(Oncology) MRCVS RCVS & American Specialist in Veterinary Oncology
Dr Kat Manchip
BVSc BSc(Hons) PGDipVCP DipECVO MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon Diplomate Ophthalmology
Dr Nick Bexfield
BVetMed PhD DSAM DipECVIM-CA PGDipMEdSci PGCHE FHEA MRCVS
Dr Jonathan Bell
Dr Jonathan Bell
BVM&S CertSAS DipECVS MRCVS
Dr Susana Silva
Dr Susana Silva
DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS

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 program 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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