Accelerated Emergency Program

ISVPS Certificate in Emergency & Critical Care (CertECC)

Accelerated Emergency Program

Take advantage of our end of financial year offer and make the most of your CPD Budget. Pay 50% by 30 June 2026 and pay the 50% balance by 31 July 2026. Limited-time offer! T&Cs apply*.

Gain confidence in your management of emergency cases and take your ECC skills and knowledge to the next level.

This industry-leading veterinary CPD program has been developed by a team of ECC specialists and covers the latest diagnostic tools and up-to-date treatment guidelines, allowing you to confidently manage your emergency patients.

Each of the 15 modules unpacks key veterinary emergency topics that are relevant and applicable to the everyday clinical setting. Covering topics like blood gases and acid-base analysis, triage, ophthalmological emergencies, and intoxications, this in-depth program will help to further develop your skills and knowledge in ECC.

Who is it for?

Whether you’re a GP vet who wants to feel more confident with afterhours cases or you’re looking to transition into emergency practice, this program will help you to gain the foundation emergency skills to approach your patients with confidence and competence.

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:

Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care (CertECC) 

By attending the full online structured program and following successful assessment, including an exam, you can gain the Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care awarded by the ISVPS.

All ISVPS registration and examination fees are included in the course fees. For all enquiries about ISVPS requirements, contact [email protected].

Course Highlights

  • 15 Varied Modules covering key clinical emergency topics
  • Developed by ECC Specialists: Created by ANZCVS Members and Fellows
  • Four ECC Specialists seminars throughout your program
  • Dedicated Program Coordinator: To help you every step of the way
  • 12 months program access: Work through the content at your own pace
  • 100% Online: Interactive and engaging modules allow you to study when you want
  • Enrol Anytime: Join at a time that suits you – no waiting for the next program intake!
  • ISVPS Accredited: Work towards a globally-recognised postgraduate qualification (CertECC)
  • RACE Accredited: 80 CPD points
Accelerated Emergency Program
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Learning Modules

Modules

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • Outline the steps involved in the identification and interpretation of acid base disorders
  • Identify one of four primary disorders and any compensatory mechanisms or secondary disorders.
  • List the causes of respiratory acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis
  • Calculate the anion gap and use it to identify causes of metabolic acidosis
  • Describe the management of acidaemia and alkalaemia.
  • Discuss the physiology of lactate production, its use as a marker of perfusion and the relationship to base excess (BE).
  • Describe the pathophysiology underlying the two main types of hyperlactataemia and other potential causes
  • Outline oxygenation in terms of arterial blood oxygen (PaO2), ventilation, perfusion and V/Q mismatch
  • Recall the physiological causes of low blood oxygen (hypoxaemia) and disease processes causing hypoxemia.
  • Calculate the adequacy of oxygenation using the P:F ratio and A-A Gradient
  • Describe the assessment of ventilation in relation to PCO2 and the 120 rule

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this modules students should be able:

  • Define shock and the physiological causes
  • Explain circulatory shock in terms of hypovolemic, cardiogenic, distributive, obstructive shock
  • Outline findings in the stages of shock – compensatory, decompensatory, end-stage
  • Describe the principles of fluid therapy – including the glycocalyx, Starlings law & formation of interstitial oedema.
  • List the goals of fluid therapy in terms of perfusion parameters, dehydration correction and treatment of circulatory shock
  • Demonstrate how to assess the degree of dehydration
  • List the types of intravenous fluids and their indications for use
  • Construct a fluid plan to correct hypovolaemia, dehydration, ongoing losses and maintenance
  • Explain indications for bolus and shock fluid rates
  • Describe monitoring and perfusion end points for fluid therapy.
  • List the potential complications of fluid therapy
  • List considerations in perioperative fluid therapy

Learning Objectives

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • List the main serum electrolytes which need to be monitored and clinically managed
    • sodium
    • calcium
    • potassium
    • phosphate
  • Recall normal reference ranges for each electrolyte
  • Recall the common causes of abnormal decreases in each electrolytes
  • Recall the common causes of abnormal increases in each electrolytes
  • Describe the common clinical signs and pathological changes seen with derangements of each electrolytes
  • Recognise severity of clinical signs in relation to extent of electrolyte derangement
  • Discuss hypernatremia and hyponatremia in terms of volume status
  • List the appropriate management and treatment for the common electrolyte disturbances
  • Recall the specific calculations used in the management and treatment of sodium disorders

Learning Objectives

At the end of this module the student should be able to:

  • Differentiate the various components of a complete blood count
  • Outline the interpretation a complete blood count.
  • Outline appropriate differential diagnoses for abnormalities in the complete blood count.
  • Describe how to perform a blood smear and be able to evaluate findings.
  • Interpret a serum biochemistry profile and outline appropriate differential diagnoses for abnormalities.
  • Identify factors that may affect clinical pathology results in terms of animal breed, sample artefact and laboratory artefact
  • Describe aFAST and tFAST techniques.
  • Outline the abdominal fluid scoring system
  • Describe and outline the VetBLUE including the acoustic windows
  • Identify lung ultrasound signs – A lines, B lines, glide sign
  • Describe likely disease processes from VetBLUE using the regionally based respiratory pattern
  • Describe focused echocardiography and it’s uses

Learning Objectives

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • Outline the pathophysiology of the pain pathway and describe the main neurotransmitters
  • Recall the three types of pain.
  • Identify how to assess pain in terms of the physiological signs and behavioural signs
  • Recall use of pain scales in the dog and cat.
  • Define multimodal analgesia and pre-emptive analgesia
  • Describe the basic pharmacology for commonly used analgesics, their advantages and disadvantages and important considerations.
  • Select appropriate analgesic agents for different trauma situations.
  • Outline the advantages and disadvantages of two common sedatives and their important considerations.
  • List the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used anaesthetic agents.
  • Recall considerations for anaesthetic drugs based on common emergency presentations and surgeries.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • Identify the important components of a triage assessment
  • Explain the primary triage survey in the initial assessments and stabilisation of cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological parameters
  • Discuss life sustaining interventions and use of point of care diagnostics
  • Explain the secondary triage survey and the assessments required after initial stabilisation
  • List the clinical signs of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA)
  • Explain basic life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Describe CPR and recommended techniques for chest compressions and ventilatory support
  • Describe monitoring devices used in advanced life support and explain the importance of the main parameters in CPR
  • Identify shockable and non-shockable rhythms in CPR and how to treat these.
  • Expand upon the indications and doses of common medications administered during CPR.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • Explain the cell-based model of coagulation
  • Describe the pathophysiology of primary haemostasis
  • Recall the main disorders of primary haemostasis
  • Identify the clinical signs associated with primary haemostatic disorders
  • Discuss the diagnostic tests and treatments for primary haemostatic disorders
  • Recall the three pathways involved in the coagulation cascade.
  • Identify the clinical signs associated with secondary haemostatic disorders
  • Discuss the diagnostic tests for and treatment of secondary haemostatic disorders
  • Outline the primary mechanisms of anaemia
  • Describe the clinical signs of anaemia, diagnostic tests and the treatment of anaemia.

Learning Objectivves

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • Briefly explain the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure in relation to the common cardiac diseases of the dog and cat
  • Describe the common clinical signs seen with cardiac disease
  • List the diagnostic tests used to evaluate and assess patients with suspected cardiac disease
  • Outline the medical treatments and therapeutic procedures used in the emergency management of a cardiac patient
  • Explain the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) and its importance in maintenance of blood pressure
  • Describe the common clinical findings seen with hypertension in dogs and cats
  • Describe the common clinical findings seen with hypotension in dogs and cats
  • List the diagnostic tests used to assess and evaluate blood pressure
  • Outline the medical treatment options for hypotension and hypertension in dogs and cats
  • Outline the aetiology, diagnosis and management of FATE (Feline Aortic Thromboembolism)

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • Define hypoxaemia , the common causes, relevance in respiratory physiology
  • Define hypoxia , causes and relevance in terms of respiratory physiology
  • Describe the difference between ventilation and oxygenation measures and explain V/Q mismatch
  • List relevant measures for assessment of ventilation and oxygenation including PaO2, SpO2, PaCO2, FiO2
  • Explain the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve
  • Explain the PF ratio in terms of lung function assessment
  • Detail a diagnostic approach for a patient presenting in respiratory distress
  • Detail a treatment plan for a patient presenting in respiratory distress
  • List a range of common disease states of the respiratory system that can present as emergencies

Learning Objectives

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • Describe the regulation systems of potassium homeostasis
  • List the causes and consequences of hyperkalemia
  • Discuss the treatment and management of hyperkalemia
  • Discuss the causes and consequences of uroabdomen
  • List the tests and procedures used in the diagnosis of uroabdomen
  • Discuss the management and treatment options for uroabdomen
  • Discuss Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)including the causes, clinical signs and diagnosis
  • Describe the treatment options for FLUTD
  • Discuss acute kidney injury in terms of kidney functions and pathophysiological changes
  • List the veterinary staging systems for acute kidney injury
  • Describe the differential diagnosis for acute kidney injury in terms of pre-renal, renal and post-renal causes
  • Discuss the treatment, management and monitoring of acute renal injury

Learning Objectives

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • Describe how to perform a complete ophthalmic assessment
  • Discuss the ophthalmic assessment in terms of gross examination techniques
  • Discuss the ophthalmic assessments in terms of specialised examination techniques
  • List the required equipment and drugs required for a complete ophthalmic assessment
  • Describe the aetiology and clinical signs of the common ophthalmic emergencies below:
  • Discuss the diagnostic workup of the common ophthalmic emergencies below:
  • List the treatment and management of specific ophthalmic conditions below:
    • Corneal ulcer/laceration
    • Descemetocele
    • Uveitis
    • Glaucoma
    • Horner’s Syndrome
    • Proptosis

Learning Objectives

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • Discuss the functional regions of the brain and their neurological assessments
  • List the localisation of a brain lesion in relation to the assessments and deficits
  • Discuss the functional regions of the spinal cord and their neurological assessments
  • List the localisation of a spinal lesion in relation to the assessments and deficits
  • Describe how to perform a neurological examination
  • Discuss primary and secondary traumatic brain injury including mechanisms of intracranial pressure increases
  • List the clinical assessments for traumatic brain injury including the Modified Glasgow Coma Scale
  • Discuss the tiered and specific treatments of traumatic brain injury
  • List the diagnostic workup of patients presenting with seizures and status epilepticus
  • Discuss the specific treatments of seizures, including status epilepticus
  • List the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected intracranial disease
  • List the specific treatments meningitis or meningoencephalitis and the breeds commonly affected

Learning Objectives

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • List the commonly associated history, clinical signs and examination findings in acute abdomen presentations
  • Discuss the principles of the general diagnostic workup for an acute abdomen presentation
  • Describe the principles of immediate treatment for an acute abdomen presentation
  • Discuss Acute Pancreatitis – the pathophysiology, clinical signs, workup and treatment
  • Discuss Acute Gastroenteritis – aetiology, clinical signs, differential diagnoses, workup and treatment
  • Discuss Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (GDV) – the pathophysiology, clinical signs and diagnostic workup
  • List the initial management and surgical considerations of GDV
  • List the post-operative management and monitoring of GDV patients
  • Discuss Acute Non-Traumatic Haemoabdomen – the pathophysiology, clinical signs, workup and management

Learning Objectives

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • Discuss the pathophysiology of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
  • Describe the clinical signs, work-up and diagnosis of DKA
  • List the common electrolyte, acid-base and fluid derangements see in DKA
  • Discuss the treatment of DKA including insulin regimes, fluid therapy, electrolyte supplementation and monitoring
  • Discuss hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS), the potential causes, how to calculate serum osmolarity and treatment of HHS
  • Discuss the pathophysiology of glucose regulation in the body and causes of hypoglycaemia
  • Describe the clinical signs, work-up and diagnosis of hypoglycaemia
  • Discuss the treatment of hypoglycaemia
  • Discuss the pathophysiology of primary and secondary hypoadrenocorticism
  • Describe the clinical signs and diagnostic work-up of hypoadrenocorticism
  • List the common clinical abnormalities present in hypoadrenocorticism – including electrolyte, clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging and adrenal-axis testing
  • Discuss the emergency treatment and management of patients in ‘Addisonian Crisis’.
  • Discuss Critical Illness Related Corticosteroid Insufficiency Syndrome

Learning Objectives

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • List the preliminary questions asked in phone triage of suspected intoxications
  • Discuss the various decontamination methods including emesis, use of activated charcoal, gastric lavage, dermal decontamination and enhanced elimination
  • Describe the complications and contraindications of the above methods
  • Discuss metaldehyde intoxication including the clinical signs, diagnosis, stabilisation, decontamination, specific treatment and monitoring
  • Discuss synthetic pyrethrin intoxication including the clinical signs, diagnosis, stabilisation, decontamination, specific treatment and monitoring
  • Discuss anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication including the clinical signs, diagnosis, stabilisation, decontamination, specific treatment and monitoring
  • Discuss lily plant intoxication including the clinical signs, diagnosis, stabilisation, decontamination, specific treatment and monitoring
  • Discuss non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intoxication including pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, stabilisation, decontamination, specific treatment and monitoring
  • Discuss chocolate/caffeine intoxication including the clinical signs, diagnosis, stabilisation, decontamination, specific treatment and monitoring
  • Discuss ‘serotonin syndrome’ including the related drugs, the clinical signs, diagnosis, stabilisation, decontamination, specific treatment and monitoring
  • Discuss ethylene glycol intoxication including the clinical signs, diagnosis, stabilisation, decontamination, specific treatment and monitoring
  • Discuss grape and raisin intoxication including the clinical signs, diagnosis, stabilisation, decontamination, specific treatment and monitoring

Learning Objectives

At the end of this modules students should be able to recall

  • Elapid Snake  – list the common venom effects and clinical signs for the major species, diagnosis & specific & supportive management
  • Paralysis Tick (ixodes holocyclus) – list the common clinical signs & specific and supportive management
  • Cane Toad (Rhinella Marina) – list the common clinical signs, diagnosis & specific and supportive management

Global Seminars

Presented by Dr Claire Sharp BSc BVMS MS DACVECC 

Presented by Dr Kerry Doolin

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

Presented by Dr Rob Webster BVSc (Hons) FANZCVS (Emergency & Critical Care)

Presented by Dr Kerry Doolin

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

 read more

*Please note: Module order may be subject to change

Hear from previous delegates

Dr Elli Michaelidou

Being a recent graduate I sometimes found myself being intimidated when it came to dealing with emergency cases. That all changed when I came across the Accelerated Emergency Program! The fun and easy-to-follow modules thoroughly covered various subjects, and during the course we were provided with all necessary theory, alongside supporting videos, to prepare us for each week’s new module. By the end of the program I was able to collectively organise all my knowledge in such a way which allowed me to be more confident in managing any kind of emergency that would come through the door. I honestly cannot recommend it enough!

Dr Tiffany Yung

I would highly recommend the Accelerated Emergency Program because it is a great stepping stone into the ECC field of work. All the tutors are very knowledgeable and cover theory based questions as well as real cases, which definitely helps consolidating what I’ve learnt from each module. I am wanting to be more confident in handling emergency cases as a recent graduate and this has definitely helped.

Dr Nada Blagojevic

I came to my current role straight from university, and the Accelerated Emergency Program went beyond theory to cover material applicable to the cases I see day-to-day. I learned about physiology as well as medicine, which is invaluable as an emergency veterinarian.

Dr Brittany Malzard

I use my notes from the Accelerated Emergency Program every single day in clinical practice.

Dr Sally Whitwell

The Accelerate Emergency Program provides a full spectrum of information in a simple to understand format and access to fantastic mentors who know the content very well. Although it is targeted for emergency, as a primarily GP vet I still have found this resource incredibly valuable. I feel I have a more in depth understanding of these topics and am much less stressed in the workplace. Highly recommend for those in the emergency and GP field.

Program Developers

Dr Amelia Allen
Dr Amelia Allen
 BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Emergency and Critical Care)
Dr Danielle Huston
 BVSc (Hons) MVS (Small Animal Practice) MANZCVS (Emergency & Critical Care)
Dr Emily Ireland
BVSc MANZCVS (Emergency & Critical Care)
Dr Oriana Leong 
BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Emergency and Critical Care)
Dr Philomena Kwong
 BVSc (Hons) MVS (Small Animal Practice)
Dr Sara West
BVSc BAppSc (Vet Tech) MANZCVS (Emergency & Critical Care)
Dr Rob Webster
Dr Rob Webster
BVSc (Hons) FANZCVS
Dr Gerardo Poli
BVSc (Hons Class 1) MVS (Small Animal Practice) MANZCVS (Emergency & Critical Care)

Payment Options

FAQ

To enrol in the full program and work towards your Certificate in Emergency & Critical Care you must be a graduated Veterinary Surgeon. It is the responsibility of the delegate to ensure you meet the program entry criteria.

Please call our team on (07) 3244 1650 or email [email protected] if you are unsure, and we can help assess your suitability for the program.

You can enrol at any time throughout the year. Just click on the “Enrol Now” button at the top of this page, pay your invoice and you will receive your online logins.

You should allocate approximately 4 hours for each of the modules. Some may require more time, and some will require less. You can work through the 15-module program at your own pace throughout your 12 months full program subscription.

The 15 online modules are released weekly, meaning the full program is released over 15 weeks. You can move onto specific modules without completing the prior modules (if there are certain topics you want to upskill in). Please see the “Modules Tab” at the top of this page for more information on each module.

Throughout your 12-month subscription you will be invited to four live Specialist Global Webinars. Each of these will cover a different foundational emergency topic and are additional content to the Accelerated Emergency Program. There will be opportunity to ask questions and engage with the presenters.

All the live Webinars will be recorded and be made available on the learning platform within five days of completion. You will be able to access and view these at any time during your 12-month subscription. You also have access to a library of past specialist webinars.

The Accelerated Emergency Program is the accredited training for the Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care (Cert(ECC)) awarded by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).

The Certificate is achieved by fully completing the Accelerated Emergency Program and by successfully passing the designated ISVPS assessment.

All the program modules – including pre and post module assessments, viewing of the platform materials and reading of content notes, are a requirement for eligibility to sit the ISVPS examination for the Certificate. Attendance and viewing of the Global Webinar sessions are not a requirement.

ISVPS examination fees are included in your program fees.

The examination and assessments are managed by the team at ISVPS. If you have specific questions about the certification process please reach out to the ISVPS team by emailing [email protected] or by visiting their website www.isvps.org

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