Oncology Online Learning Program

ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)

Oncology Online Learning Program

Broaden your perspectives on veterinary oncology with this online learning program.

Oncology is one of the fastest-growing fields in small animal practice. Scientific advances and newly-available treatments have provided more options for compassionate cancer care and quality of life for your patients.

This online veterinary CPD program is designed by boarded Specialists and will help you to develop an evidence-based, clinical approach to cancer patients. Rather than following generic protocols, the Oncology Online Learning Program allows you to develop individual case plans and become confident in your investigations and treatment of cancer to give your patient the best outcomes.

The online learning materials are designed to provide a logical approach to the main concepts of oncological disease, starting with an understanding of the biology of cancer. The latest information on diagnosis, staging and oncology therapy will also be covered. Module topics are consolidated by interactive case studies. The course also includes an eBook copy of the Improve International Manual of Oncology (Oncology OL).

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.

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

  • 12 Varied Modules covering key clinical oncology 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: Owen Davies MA VetMB MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine) MVETMED DipACVIM 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 Oncology)
  • RACE Accredited: 144 CPD points
Oncology Online Learning Program
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Learning Modules

April 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Owen Davies MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS(SAM) DACVIM(Oncology) DECVIM-CA(Oncology) MRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Define the hallmarks of cancer
  • Explain how genetic and epigenetic changes contribute to a cancer
  • Explain how environmental effects can contribute to a cancer
  • Describe specific examples of cancers in veterinary patients caused by chronic inflammation and viral infection
  • Compare and contrast the differences between the vasculature, immune surveillance and cellular energetics between tumour tissue and benign tissue
  • List the steps in the metastatic process
  • Describe the pathophysiology behind common paraneoplastic diseases
  • Describe common histopathological parameters involved in the grading of malignancies and give examples of grading systems for common cancers
  • Compare and contrast staging methods for round cell tumours, carcinomas and sarcomas
  • Give examples of different types of pain associated with cancer and give examples of how different types of pain can be managed pharmacologically
  • Define cancer cachexia and outline treatments to ameliorate it

May 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Audrey Petite DrMedVet, DVDI, DipECVDI, MRCVS, EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

Key learning objectives:

  • Describe how to take high quality radiographs of the thorax, limbs and oral cavity in the diagnosis and staging of cancer
  • Explain the benefits given by computed tomography over conventional radiography in the diagnosis and staging of cancer
  • Describe what sentinel lymph node mapping is, and why it is beneficial
  • Compare and contrast the use abdominal ultrasonography to abdominal computed tomography in the staging of cancer
  • Compare and contrast the needs of staging solid tumours from round cell tumours
  • Compare and contrast different techniques for identifying cancer infiltration in liver and spleen
  • Give examples of risks or complications from the use of image-guided fine needle aspiration or biopsy
  • Describe optimal combinations of imaging modalities for the staging of different cancers
  • Describe the basics of interpreting MR images in the diagnosis of CNS neoplasia
  • Outline the benefit of techniques for example PET-CT over conventional contrast CT scanning

June 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Oriol Jornet Rius Dip.ECVCP, EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology

Key learning objectives:

  • Explain how to identify whether a cytology sample is of adequate diagnostic quality
  • Describe cellular features of malignancy in the context of the cells in question
  • Be able to identify the cytological appearance of common benign and malignant skin tumours
  • Be able to identify mast cell tumours cytologically and comment on their degree of cellular differentiation
  • Explain the criteria for classifying a lymph node cytology smear as “lymphoma” versus “reactive hyperplasia”
  • Describe the use of different fine needle aspiration techniques to obtain diagnostic samples from different tumours
  • Explain the criteria used for the cytological diagnosis of a sarcoma and comment on features which may differentiate the type of sarcoma
  • Explain the cytological features of common carcinomas
  • Explain how flow cytometry works and why it is of value in the diagnosis of lymphoid malignancies
  • Describe examples of different PCR-based tests available for diagnosis of canine cancers and comment on the limitations of these tests

July 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr James Elliott BVM&S CertSAM DECVIM-CA (Oncology) DACVR (RO) MRCVS, American Specialist in Veterinary Radiation Oncology,  European Specialist in Small Animal Oncology, RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Oncology

Key learning objectives:

  • Outline the limitations and complications possible with surgical or needle-core biopsy of solid tumours
  • Describe, compare and contrast different methods for assessing completeness of excision
  • Explain the difference between palliative and definitive radiation therapy, and give examples of cancers appropriate for each
  • Explain the 4 Rs of radiation therapy
  • Explain the difference between acute and delayed adverse effects of radiation therapy
  • Describe the principles and limitations of maximum tolerated dose chemotherapy
  • Describe the principles and limitations of metronomic chemotherapy
  • Describe the principles and limitations of small molecule inhibition
  • Give examples of the use of immunotherapy in veterinary oncology and the challenges it faces
  • Discuss pertinent considerations in counselling of a client whose pet is being considered for chemotherapy treatment

September 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Jocelyn Holkham DipECVIM-CA (ONC)

 

Key learning objectives:

  • Compare and contrast the presentation of lymphoma in cats and dogs
  • Describe the means of diagnosis of lymphoma
  • Compare and contrast the utility of diagnostic tests to confirm or subtype lymphoma between dogs and cats
  • Explain the value of the information gained from staging a case of lymphoma
  • Describe important prognostic factors for canine and feline lymphoma
  • Describe appropriate treatments and prognoses for different types of canine lymphoma
  • Describe appropriate treatment for different presentations of feline lymphoma
  • Discuss the evidence base for the treatment of canine indolent lymphomas
  • Describe prognostic factors and treatment for chronic and acute lymphoid leukaemias in dogs and cats
  • Describe the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment for multiple myeloma in dogs and cats

October 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Chiara Penzo DVM PhD Dip.ECVIM-CA(Oncology) MRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • List important prognostic factors for canine mast cell tumours, from history, physical examination and histopathology
  • Discuss the relative independence of one prognostic factor versus another, and outline the strongest indicators of prognosis
  • Explain how to use immunohistochemical labelling appropriately
  • Describe practical methods of staging mast cell tumours depending on their location on the body
  • Describe appropriate use of surgical treatment for a mast cell tumour
  • Describe options for treatment of an incomplete surgical excision
  • Explain when to use chemotherapy for mast cell tumours
  • Explain when to use tyrosine kinase inhibitors for mast cell tumours
  • Describe appropriate circumstances for the use of intralesional tigilanol tiglate.
  • Explain prognostic factors and outline treatment for feline cutaneous, intestinal and visceral mast cell tumours

November 2026

Module Speaker:

Key learning objectives:

  • Explain a pragmatic approach to the investigation and treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous masses in dogs
  • Describe the prognostic factors for soft tissue sarcomas
  • Describe the surgical approach to canine soft tissue sarcomas
  • List the options for treatment of soft tissue sarcomas where excision with appropriate margins is not possible
  • List the options for treatment of soft tissue sarcomas where surgical excision is incomplete
  • Describe appropriate chemotherapy treatments for metastatic or high-grade soft tissue sarcomas
  • Describe the causal factors and clinical presentation of feline injection site sarcomas
  • Explain how and when to investigate a cutaneous / subcutaneous mass on a cat
  • Describe appropriate treatment of a feline injection site sarcoma
  • Describe appropriate means of minimizing the risk of feline injection site sarcomas

January 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Kasia Purzycka DVM, MVetMed, MRCVS, DipACVIM (Oncology)

Key learning objectives:

  • Describe important risk factors for the developing of a canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)
  • Describe means of diagnosis of a canine TCC (and the associated limitations)
  • Describe the behaviour and prognosis for canine TCCs
  • Describe appropriate treatments for canine TCCs
  • Explain the differences between canine and feline TCCs
  • Explain important causal factors in the development of a canine prostate tumour
  • Outline the biology, treatment and prognosis of the transmissible venereal tumour
  • Describe the prognostic factors for canine mammary tumours and outline the strongest prognostic factors
  • Describe the prognosis for feline mammary tumours and outline the strongest prognostic factors
  • Explain the evidence base for the medical treatment of canine and feline mammary tumours

February 2027

Module Speakers:

Dr Owen Davies MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS(SAM) DACVIM(Oncology) DECVIM-CA(Oncology) MRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Describe important risk factors for the developing of a canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)
  • Describe means of diagnosis of a canine TCC (and the associated limitations)
  • Describe the behaviour and prognosis for canine TCCs
  • Describe appropriate treatments for canine TCCs
  • Explain the differences between canine and feline TCCs
  • Explain important causal factors in the development of a canine prostate tumour
  • Outline the biology, treatment and prognosis of the transmissible venereal tumour
  • Describe the prognostic factors for canine mammary tumours and outline the strongest prognostic factors
  • Describe the prognosis for feline mammary tumours and outline the strongest prognostic factors
  • Explain the evidence base for the medical treatment of canine and feline mammary tumours

March 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Rachel Venable DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)

Key learning objectives:

  • Outline the important differential diagnoses for oral tumours in dogs and in cats
  • Describe an appropriate and pragmatic investigation for an oral mass
  • Describe treatment options and treatment options for common oral tumours in dogs and cats
  • Outline the important differential diagnoses for gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tumours in dogs and in cats
  • Describe an appropriate and pragmatic investigation for a gastrointestinal or hepatobiliary tumour
  • Describe treatment options and treatment options for common gastrointestinal or hepatobiliary tumours in dogs and cats
  • Describe the epidemiology, clinical presentation and investigation of anal gland and perianal tumours in dogs
  • List important prognostic factors for anal gland tumours in dogs
  • Describe treatment options for both advanced and early anal gland tumours in dogs

April 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Owen Davies MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS(SAM) DACVIM(Oncology) DECVIM-CA(Oncology) MRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Explain methods of predicting the diagnosis of a splenic mass based on signalment and clinical presentation, and the accuracy of these techniques
  • Describe pragmatic approach to spontaneous haemoabdomen in dogs
  • Outline the differential diagnoses and prognosis for spontaneous haemoabdomen in cats
  • Explain the pathology of haemangiosarcoma, in relation to its behaviour and paraneoplastic disease
  • Describe prognostic factors for canine haemangiosarcoma
  • Describe appropriate treatments for canine haemangiosarcoma, with and without gross disease
  • Describe the biology, pathophysiology, epidemiology and prognostic factors for canine
  • Describe appropriate treatments for different presentation of histiocytic sarcoma
  • Outline the management of less-common splenic malignancies

May 2027

Module Speakers:

Dr Jocelyn Holkam DipECVIM-CA (ONC)

Key learning objectives:

  • Describe the pathophysiology of common tumour-related endocrinopathies of the adrenal, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid glands and beta cells of the pancreas
  • Choose appropriate diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of the above endocrinopathies
  • Describe appropriate management of the above endocrinopathies
  • Outline definitive treatment for the above tumour-related endocrinopathies
  • Describe the clinical presentation, pathologies, and imaging findings in different neurological tumours
  • List the challenges in the diagnosis of neurological tumours
  • Describe the treatment options for neurological tumours and the factors which influence response to treatment
  • Outline important benign and malignant ocular tumours
  • Describe treatment options and prognosis for ocular tumours

*Please note: Module order may be subject to change

Course Speakers

Dr Audrey Petite
Dr Audrey Petite
DrMedVet, DVDI, DipECVDI, MRCVS
Chiara Penzo
Dr Chiara Penzo
DVM PhD Dip.ECVIM-CA(Oncology) MRCVS
James Elliott
Dr James Elliott
BVM&S CertSAM DECVIM-CA (Oncology) DACVR (RO) MRCVS
Jocelyn Bisson
Dr Jocelyn Holkham
DipECVIM-CA (ONC)
Kasia Purzycka
Dr Kasia Purzycka
DVM MVetMed MRCVS DipACVIM (Oncology)
Rachel Venable
Dr Rachel Venable
DVM MS DACVIM (Oncology)
Dr Owen Davies
MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS(SAM) DACVIM(Oncology) MRCVS RCVS & American Specialist in Veterinary Oncology
Dr Sarah Mason
BVSc BSc PhD Cert AVP (SAM) PGCEd Dip ECVIM-CA (Oncology) (add Rad Oncol) FHEA MRCVS
Dr Oriol Jornet Rius
Dip.ECVCP, EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology

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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