Essential skills for veterinary graduates
This course is designed to support your transition from university to everyday clinical practice, with a clear focus on the essential skills used in real veterinary work.
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Introduction
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General clinical examination
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Clinical examination overview
Learn a structured approach to clinical examination, from preparation and history taking to guiding owners through findings and forming differential diagnoses.
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Client consultation
Develop a reliable consultation routine that strengthens communication, improves information accuracy, and leads smoothly into diagnostics.
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Clinical examination of a dog
Learn how to perform a complete nose to tail examination using a clear, systematic structure that builds confidence in daily clinical work.
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Clinical examination of a cat
Learn how to perform a complete nose to tail examination in cats using a clear, structured approach that improves inspection, palpation, and auscultation in daily practice.
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Blood sampling
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Blood sampling overview
Gain a clear understanding of core venipuncture principles, from patient handling to safe and efficient sampling in real clinical conditions.
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Sampling instruments setup
Confident sampling begins with choosing the correct vein and preparing instruments properly, from site clipping to needle selection.
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Jugular vein blood sampling of a dog
Follow a structured syringe technique that improves jugular sampling through correct restraint, landmark identification, and aseptic preparation.
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Cephalic vein blood sampling of a dog
Learn how to collect a blood sample from the cephalic vein using the syringe technique. This session demonstrates vein raising, site preparation, needle placement, and safe sample collection.
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Jugular vein blood sampling of a cat
Confident jugular venipuncture relies on proper site preparation, clear vein visualisation, and accurate needle placement for safe and efficient sampling.
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Intravenous catheterization
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Intravenous catheterization overview
Get a clear introduction to common IV access points and the reasoning behind vein selection, preparing you for confident catheter placement.
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Catheterization instruments setup
Proper preparation of instruments and site is the foundation for smooth IV catheter placement, ensuring safety and stability before the procedure begins.
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Vena cephalica catheterization of a dog
Learn how to place a cephalic IV catheter using an assisted technique with proper preparation, vein raising, insertion, and secure fixation.
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Vena saphena catheterization of a dog
Learn how to place an IV catheter in the lateral saphenous vein when forelimb access is not possible, including vein localisation, preparation, and troubleshooting.
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Vena cephalica catheterization of a cat
Get a clear approach to lateral saphenous catheter placement with correct preparation, vein visualisation, careful insertion, and steps if access fails.
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Urinary bladder catheterization and cystocentesis
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Urinary bladder catheterization and cystocentesis overview
Learn the key principles of urinary catheter placement in dogs and cats, including the main differences between male and female techniques.
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Urinary catheter instruments setup of a dog
Learn how to prepare the essential instruments and materials for urinary catheter placement in male and female dogs, including antiseptic preparation and catheter selection.
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Urinary bladder cathetrization of a male dog
Get a clear overview of Foley catheter placement in male dogs, including preparation and insertion technique.
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Urinary bladder cathetrization of a female dog
Learn how to catheterise a female dog using the right catheter type, good lubrication, and careful manual guidance to locate the urethral opening safely.
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Urinary bladder cathetrization of a male cat
Learn how to place a urinary catheter in a male dog by exposing the penis, lubricating well, advancing the catheter gently, and confirming correct placement.
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Urinary bladder cystocentesis
Learn how to collect urine safely from the bladder using ultrasound guidance, including probe placement, bladder identification, and correct needle insertion.
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Bandaging techniques
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Bandage techniques overview
Get a clear introduction to common bandaging techniques that form the basis of safe and effective application across different body regions.
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Head bandage technique
Get a concise guide to head bandage application, including wrapping sequence, tension management, and adapting the technique for ear protection.
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Thoracic bandage technique
Improve your thoracic bandaging skills by working through stable torso wrapping, effective shoulder anchoring, and correct use of padding and elastic layers.
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Abdominal bandage technique
Learn how to apply a temporary abdominal bandage for short term compression and understand when to use it safely in clinical practice.
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Front leg bandage technique
This session sharpens your ability to bandage a front leg effectively by guiding you through toe protection, structured wrapping, and proper tension control.
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Hind leg bandage technique
Learn how to apply a full hind leg bandage in a standing patient using safe wrapping, proper tension control, and techniques that prevent skin injury.
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👉 More modules are coming in January 2026
Featured modules: Surgical preparation and basic surgical procedures. You’ll be notified when new content becomes available.