International Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Practice

Pre Masters Programme for Veterinarians in Asia and other countries outside Australia.

About the Programme

This course opens in 2009!
Admission to the course is in Semester 1 only; applications close 30th December.

This International Postgraduate Certificate has been designed specifically for veterinarians working in small animal practice in the Asia-Pacific and other tropical and subtropical locations outside Australia. We recognise that such veterinarians are seeking a level of excellence with continuing education that specifically addresses the challenges and demands of these geographic regions. This Postgraduate Certificate will provide the motivated veterinarian with practical, focused training and expertise in small animal medicine and surgery which can be readily applied in private practice.

The entire course is delivered on-line. Learning materials comprising on-line notes, images and useful web links are accessible, and printed Readers, DVDs and other materials containing up-to-date information on the diseases and conditions discussed are sent to each student. This course uses the latest on-line delivery technology including live classroom and chat rooms where students and tutors can meet to discuss cases and review teaching materials.

This course is open to any qualified veterinarian with an acceptable proficiency in English (refer to University’s TOEFL guidelines), internet access and who has attended an introductory workshop. A veterinary degree registrable in Australia is not required; veterinarians with such a degree who seek further postgraduate training are encouraged to enrol in the Master of Veterinary Studies (MVS) programme.

Once the postgraduate certificate has been successfully completed, candidates may wish to continue their studies by taking a further 12-point course for the award of Master of Veterinary Studies (MVS).

Proud Supporter of the Pre-Master’s programme and Murdoch University

Programme Structure

The programme requires 4 units of study (16 points).

There are three compulsory units: Diagnosis (VET 688), Surgical Principles (VET 689), and Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (VET 629) (4 points each). In addition, students may choose one of the core MVS units (Medicine 1 (VET 625), Medicine 2 (VET 626), Surgery 1 (VET 623) or Surgery 2 (VET 624)) for the last 4 points.

The four unit course can be completed in one year, subject to availability; however we recommend students who are also working a full time job take one unit per semester, completing the course in two years. A variety of assessment types are used in each unit.

Description of Required (Compulsory) Units

Diagnosis (VET688)
Unit Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Peter Irwin

This unit teaches the theory and practice of diagnosis of medical and surgical disorders in companion animals. The unit design encourages a problem-orientated approach to the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases affecting different body systems of dogs and cats.

Surgical Principles (VET689)
Unit Co-ordinator: Professor Rick Read

This unit teaches the basic science and practice of veterinary surgery as it applies to small animal practice. Students will learn the principles of sterilisation, disinfection and aseptic surgery, haemostasis, wound healing and wound management, and soft tissue surgery.

Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (VET629)
Unit Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Peter Irwin

This unit reviews diagnosis and treatment of the major infectious and parasitic diseases of companion animals with an emphasis on the organisms of greatest importance in the Australian and Asian regions. Zoonotic diseases and the principles of infectious disease control are also discussed.

Description of MVS Core Units to choose from

Medicine 1 (VET625)
Unit Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Peter Irwin

In this unit we consider endocrinology, urinary tract diseases and medical neurology. The principle objective is for you to gain a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology associated with diseases of these organ systems and to use this knowledge to improve both your diagnostic and treatment skills.

Medicine 2 (VET626)
Unit Co-ordinator: Dr Caroline Mansfield
This unit incorporates the basic investigative techniques and pathophysiology of diseases of the alimentary, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Each body system is evaluated individually with a problem-oriented approach and common diseases are discussed in more depth. The main objective is to expand the base of knowledge required to accurately diagnose and treat commonly encountered problems in these body systems in general practice.

Surgery 1 (VET623)
Unit Co-ordinator: Professor Rick Read

In this soft tissue surgery unit we explore surgical problems involving the gastrointestinal, urogenital and cardiorespiratory systems, after an introductory section in which we review wound healing and wound management, plastic and reconstructive surgery (including hernia repair) and the principles of oncologic surgery.

Surgery 2 (VET624)
Unit Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Mark Glyde

This unit will deal with common small animal orthopaedic principles and disorders in a problem-oriented approach. The first section involves principles and methods of fracture repair. In the second section we consider common joint diseases. Specific learning objectives are outlined in each section. Generic objectives are to develop a problem-based approach to clinical cases, develop skills in information technology and develop skills in critical thinking.

Introductory Workshop

Murdoch University organises Introductory Workshops in regional centres in Asia. These workshops comprise a four day course of seminars and tutorials that aim to develop sound clinical examination and diagnostic skills. A variety of surgical skills and techniques are also taught during these workshops in wet labs, demonstrations and small group tutorials. Attendance at one of these workshops is an essential prerequisite for the course, although exemptions may be given for candidates with appropriate experience outside Asia. Details and venues for the workshops can be obtained from email: pgcsap@murdoch.edu.au

Further Study - Masters of Veterinary Studies (MVS)

Students may wish to continue their studies by taking just a further 3 units (12 points) for the award of a Master of Veterinary Studies. In such cases, students who have successfully completed the International Post Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Practice take 12 credit points towards the MVS and must select one additional core unit (whichever they did not select before), plus the case reports unit and one elective of their choice, as shown below

Master of Veterinary Studies

Core Units
Case Reports (required)
Medicine 1 (VET 625)
Medicine 2 (VET 626)
Surgery 1 (VET 623)
Surgery 2 (VET624)

Elective Units
Diagnostic Imaging (VET 620)
Dermatology (VET628)
Clinical Pathology (VET621)
Anaesthesia & Critical Care (VET627)

Fees

The International Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Practice is available to overseas students with a veterinary degree not registrable in Australia. In 2008 the cost of each unit is A$4,458. The cost of the Introductory Workshop is separate.

Admission Requirements

Veterinary undergraduate degree
An acceptable proficiency in the English language
Internet access
Completion of Introductory Workshop (or equivalent experience)

English Language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competency in the English language. This requirement can be met by achieving the following scores in these English language proficiency tests:

IELTS*                   6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0)
TOEFL **              550 (with the Test of Written English 5) (paper based)
TOEFL                   213 (with the Test of Written English 5) (computer based)

* International English Language Testing Service
** Test Of English as a Foreign Language

For Further Information

For detailed course information contact:
pgcsap@murdoch.edu.au

OR

Chair, International Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Practice
School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Murdoch University
South Street
Western Australia, 6150

Telephone: 61 8 9627 4809
Facsimile: 61 8 9310 5090

International students
Email: P.Irwin@murdoch.edu.au

For updated unit listings please visit the Murdoch International website
www.murdoch.edu.au/international

CRICOS Provider Code: 00125J