Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care

This online course focuses on emergency and critical care (ECC) of the dog and cat.

The course will cover both the fundamental pathophysiological and clinical aspects of ECC.In this way, the course will provide the theory required for preparation of the ANZCVS ECC membership examinations.

Passing of ANZCVS ECC membership examinations are a mandatory requirement before a veterinarian is able to sit specialty veterinary examinations within Australia and thus the course will be of assistance to those entering into a residency position in this area.Specifically this course leads to the ability to identify and address life threatening conditions such as, but not limited to, major trauma, toxicities, sepsis, acute abdomen, cardiac failure, respiratory and ventilatory failure, renal failure and urethral obstruction.

Students will develop knowledge in the techniques necessary to perform emergency and critical care procedures and develop knowledge in the monitoring of these patients.Students completing this course will gain understanding and confidence when dealing with ECC patients through didactic course work, use of realistic case studies and assessment that provides feedback and re-enforcement of material.The Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care consists of four mandated subjects worth 12.5 points each.

A prerequisite for the course is to have a veterinary degree that is recognised by the University of Melbourne.

Course structure

The Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care will comprise of four mandatory 12.5 credit point subjects:

Entry requirements

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed;

1. An entry-to-practice veterinary degree that is recognised by the University of Melbourne

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• Prior academic performance

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 6.5.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the degree.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Student Equity and Disability Support Team: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate;

• Understanding of the pathophysiological principles that relate to ECC
• The ability to apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and therapy in order to successfully management of systems derangement including; cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal gastrointestinal, renal, urinary tract, reproductive, metabolic, endocrine, haemo-lymphatic, neurologic, musculo-skeletal, ophthalmic, integumentary and nutritional
• The ability to rapidly and accurately assess the emergency patient in order to prioritise a patient’s problems based on principles of triage
• Understanding of global conditions such as SIRS, DIC, sepsis, trauma, hyperthermia, toxicities and anaphylaxis and demonstrate effective assessment and management of such conditions
• Knowledge of the principles of anaesthesia and analgesia as they apply to the emergent or critically ill patient
• Knowledge of surgical emergencies including techniques and complications
• Knowledge of pharmacology required for successful management of ECC conditions including the dose, indications, mechanism of action, contraindications and drug interactions
• Understanding of the use of fluid and transfusion therapy including uses, limitations, and risks
• Ability to interpret various tests and monitoring parameters used in ECC
• Ability to interpret ultrasound and radiographic images as they related to common emergency scenarios
• Knowledge of the current CPR guidelines and to be able to describe effective CPR
• Knowledge of techniques, monitoring and procedures commonly used in emergency and critical care