Improve International

To support delegates interested in the PgC Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery programmes, Improve has created a new dedicated website - www.vetpgc.co.uk. Improve International is one of the UK's leading veterinary training companies with a 17 year track record in providing structured continuing professional development (CPD) to veterinary professionals. Its postgraduate programmes are accredited by the European School of Postgraduate Veterinary Studies (ESVPS) and validated by Harper Adams University. Its Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery programmes, together with several of its other PgC programmes, have recently been added to the list of qualifications conferring eligibility for applications for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner status. Of the 20 clinical modules which make up the two year Small Animal Medicine PgC Programme, six will now be delivered online, allowing delegates to study these modules at a time to suit them. The taught modules take place at Improve's HQ and Training Centre near Swindon and in Hatfield, Manchester and Dublin. In addition, a further two days of practical training have been added to the programme , covering diagnostic techniques, emergency and critical care medicine, plus additional practical components covering neurology, cytology and ophthalmology. Eight further case-based discussion webinars will now be included over the whole course. The Programme Tutor will also support each delegate throughout their learning journey. Commenting on the changes David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director of Improve, said: "We've talked to many of our delegates and it was good to hear that so many of them rated our courses very highly and recommended them to colleagues. "Whilst high quality, face to face teaching in small groups is a very important aspect of our Certificate programmes, many delegates expressed interest in the use of webinars to break up the learning and provide more flexibility. We've taken this on board with the launch of our new 'blended learning' approach. We've also increased the emphasis on practical skills training and enhanced the level of support we provide to delegates, both through the introduction of Programme Tutors and through other measures. We look forward to welcoming our new delegates later this year to this exciting new programme." Improve International was founded in 1998 by veterinary surgeons from across the UK, including a number of recognised experts. Acquired by Benchmark Holdings Plc in February 2015 and based in Swindon, it provides high quality CPD in a range of formats for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, receptionists and practice managers to help them to develop their skills and knowledge, using a combination of review lectures, case-based discussion and where, applicable, hands-on practical sessions.