Diagnostic Imaging
This highly practical programme will bring together ultrasonography, radiology and CT/MRI in a series of interactive modules.
The fundamental principles of all the imaging modalities including their applications will be covered in detail. Case based material will feature strongly throughout the programme. The modules will assist you in consolidating your knowledge of the key imaging modalities and in choosing the most clinically appropriate diagnostic method.
This programme can only be booked as a full programme and not taken as individual modules.
Your learning options:
The Diagnostic Imaging programme is provided by Improve International in collaboration with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and Harper Adams University.
Complete the one-year programme (all modules) and achieve the General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) by passing the required assessments with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
Continue on to the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) that combines the GPCert clinical studies, plus reflective practice, and successful completion of the Advanced Practitioner Module with Harper Adams University. The PgC represents Masters Level 7 within the Quality Assurance Agency’s framework for higher and further education. It provides 60 transferable academic credits.
After successfully completing your PgC, you may apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status. This is subject to meeting all of the other entry requirements set out by the RCVS in the Applicant Guidance Notes.
The Programme Tutor will discuss which learning option you wish to progress and advise the necessary requirements to support you.
Attendance on the taught modules is:
Day 1 – 9.30am – 5.00pm
Day 2 – 9.00am – 4.30pm
Inclusive learning support
A subscription to Harper Adam’s online e-library providing access to 1,000s of scientific articles and abstracts
Access to our online learning management system: Moodle – This provides access to course notes, discussion forums and other study resources, including surgical videos and webinars
A dedicated Programme Tutor will support every individual during their programme to ensure a rewarding and successful learning journey
Places on the programme are limited to ensure the best possible learning experience
Kindly sponsored by

Venue: Sheffield
Start date: 9 February 2021
PgC/GPCert Diagnostic Imaging
16 Dec 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
Postgraduate Certificates
If coming from a non-European country – how would face to face module attendance work?
- Delegates attending from outside of Europe may require Visas in order to participate in our face to face programmes. Please note that the Student Tier 4 Visa is not applicable to Improve International delegates as a result of us being a private education provider. Further guidance on your entry requirements should be checked with your local embassy.
- Improve International does not provide support in obtaining Visas but can provide supporting documentation to support your application if requested.
What is a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)?
The PgC is a university qualification which provides 60 academic credits. The qualification is positioned at Masters Level 7 within the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) framework for higher and further education. The 60 credits can be used towards achieving a Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) which represents 120 credits and 180 credits respectively. The PgC is a recognised academic qualification which will demonstrate that you have achieved a certain standard in that subject.
What is the criteria for enrolment?
All applicants must:
- Hold a veterinary qualification
- Have spent a minimum of one year in veterinary practice
- UK-based applicants must also be on the RCVS Home Practising Register, whilst applicants based outside the UK must hold a qualification that would entitle them to register as a member of the RCVS
Additionally, UK-based veterinary surgeons who qualified from 2007 onwards must have completed the RCVS Professional Development Phase (PDP) before they can enrol.
Over what time period can I take the taught modules?
You can take up to 3 years to spread your taught modules.
Are Improve’s Postgraduate Certificates academically equivalent to the RCVS CertAVP and other postgraduate certificates?
Yes. Each PgC is a recognised higher education qualification as validated by Harper Adams University. The qualification represents Level 7 (Masters) within the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It provides 60 transferable academic credits at this level. The qualifications are therefore, by definition, academically equivalent.
I have previously achieved a GPCert. Can I use this towards a PgC?
You are able to “upgrade” from a GPCert to a PgC within 5 years of the GPCert exam date. Please contact ISVPS for further information – ISVPS.
Is my practice suitable for studying towards a postgraduate certificate?
As a guide we suggest you consider the following when deciding whether you think the facilities and equipment and your role in the practice will support your studies:
The practice
- Number of patients, species distribution and range of conditions seen should allow student to gain experience across the whole syllabus during the study period
- Either a manual or computerised system of patient records, allowing accurate recording, storage and retrieval of information
- Facilities to hospitalise patients and arrangements for OOH care
- Equipment and facilities to conduct radiographic examinations and ultrasound should be available within the practice or on referral. Access to CT/MRI equipment is not a requirement
- Suitable equipment for administration of oxygen and safe maintenance of anaesthesia
- Disinfection and sterilisation procedures in place which are suitable for the work undertaken
- Medicines are stored, prescribed and dispensed appropriately.
Where are the taught programmes held?
Our Medicine and Surgery programmes are held at various locations in the UK; Swindon, Hatfield and Sheffield. We have excellent wet-lab facilities in Swindon and Sheffield, with state-of-the-art practical training equipment and technology.
Our Clinical Postgraduate Programmes are held at our Swindon and Sheffield training centres, see the individual programmes for venue information.
To find out more about our venues, click here: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/venue/
How are Improve’s PgC programmes different to other providers?
Improve’s modular training programmes have been developed over a period of 20 years and are taught by world-renowned experts in their field. They successfully blend theoretical lectures with hands-on practical sessions where appropriate and delegates also have access to valuable online learning components.
How many hours will I spend on my certificate?
A PgC comprises 600 hours of notional study. This is typically made up of the following:
- 100 hours of taught sessions and ten hours of practical experience for Small Animal Medicine
- 70 hours of taught sessions and 48 hours of practical experience for Small Animal Surgery
- 82-94 hours preparing for and reflecting on the taught sessions. This includes pre and post course online evaluation and self-reflection
- 200 hours of independent study, including the preparation and writing of assignments
- 200 hours preparing for final examination
How will I be assessed?
At the beginning of the programme, you will receive a syllabus and specific learning objectives for all of the taught modules.
During the programme, you will be required to document your current knowledge and skills prior to each module and undertake an informal short multiple-choice exercise. After the module, you will then undertake a further multiple choice exercise to reflect on the knowledge gained and implement a strategy to address any outstanding knowledge and skills gaps via independent study.
ISVPS provide the GPCert assessments and HAU provide the PgC assessments. The GPCert assessments include a case report and a final written examination including a multiple-choice paper and a case-based scenario spot test. The PgC assessments include a case diary and a reflective essay.
Delegates studying towards a PgC in Cardiology, Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging, Emergency Medicine & Surgery, Exotic Animal Practice, Endoscopy & Endosurgery, Feline Practice and Ophthalmology additionally undertake the distance learning Advanced Practitioner module with HAU which is assessed via a portfolio.
The final examination takes place yearly covering the course syllabus. You must have attended all modules to be entered for the final exam.
What resources will be available to support me through the PgC?
All delegates will receive a subscription to Harper Adam’s online e-library providing access to 1,000s of scientific articles and abstracts.
Medicine delegates will be provided with Improve International’s Manual of Small Animal Medicine Vol 1 and 2 and Surgery delegates with Improve International’s Manual of Small Animal Surgery Vol 1 and 2.
The Improve Learning Management System (LMS) provides access to a notes library, discussion forum and other study resources including webinars.
A dedicated Programme Tutor will support every individual during their PgC programme to ensure a rewarding and successful learning journey.
More information can be found on our Learning Support page.
ISVPS will provide support with assignments.
Will Improve’s PgCs enable me to apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status?
After you have successfully obtained your Postgraduate Certificate you can apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status. This is subject to meeting all of the other entry requirements set out by the RCVS in the Applicant Guidance Notes.
The following programmes are recognised PgCs enabling you to apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status:
Small Animal Medicine, Small Animal Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Feline Practice, Exotic Animal Practice, Cardiology, Dentistry & Oral Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging and Emergency Medicine & Surgery.
* Currently the RCVS does not list Endoscopy & Endosurgery as a designated Advanced Practitioner subject so it is not possible to apply for the Advanced Practitioner Status.
For Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery, there is an additional requirement for evidence of Professional Key Skills CPD, access to this will be provided at the end of your programme. There will be an additional fee to complete this with Harper Adams University, please contact us for more information.
For further information please see RCVS website.
How can I fit a modular CPD programme into my busy life?
Our PgC programmes are flexible to try to enable you to fit study in to busy practice life. With our Clinical PgCs, we have tried to ensure two modules are offered back-to-back for the duration of the course to reduce your travel time and costs and make the learning experience more immersive. With our Medicine and Surgery PgCs, these are run every month from 2-8pm, therefore reducing the amount of time out of practice.
I want to register on a modular course but I may be away for some of the modules. Does this mean I will miss out?
No. We understand that you are busy professionals and aim to be as flexible as possible.
Whilst we need advance notice if you are going to be unable to attend a particular module, we will make every effort to find you an alternative venue and date. If the alternative dates don’t suit, you can attend the missed module when the programme runs the following year. The only restriction is that you need to attend all of the taught modules before you can sit the relevant ISVPS examination.
Ultrasound Scanning
How are dogs sourced for ultrasound courses?
We have striven to make it as attractive as possible for people to bring dogs for scanning by offering a very generous £100 per dog ‘cashback’. This money is given as a bank transfer not as a discount to your practice off the course, or in vouchers (unless requested).
We have approached practices local to our venues and have mail dropped local residential areas seeking pets belonging to the general public and many of our staff allow their dogs to be scanned multiple times a week and month.
Ideally, we would like delegates to bring dogs with them – you are welcome to bring a friend or colleague’s dog so not owning one does not preclude earning the £100. We are happy to look after these dogs for you during the lectured component of the course and all of our venues are dog-friendly when overnight accommodation is required.
Some of the dogs (including our own staff dogs) are used very frequently due to our issues with supply. Some dogs just have an off day for no obvious reason. It benefits us hugely if these dogs have a positive experience during these courses so would politely remind all delegates that they deserve kind and patient handling at all times.
Will the dogs be sedated?
These dogs are not being scanned for any diagnostic purpose and consequently, it would be unethical to sedate them.
Will the dogs have any abnormalities?
We are only able to provide dogs that are ‘normal’ for scanning courses since the scanning does not take place in a veterinary clinic with appropriate facilities. We believe that being able to accurately identify normal ultrasonographic appearance is the most important part of learning how to scan dogs with abnormalities.
Are the dogs clipped?
We are very grateful to the owners of dogs who allow their dogs to be used. They are made aware of the benefit of clipping these dogs for scanning, but we cannot clip them without permission and sometimes have to choose between not accepting a dog for scanning where permission to clip has been denied and not having enough dogs for the scanning session. Many of the dogs who are return visitors have clipping declined on subsequent visits due to clipper rash after a previous visit. We find using plentiful amounts of water enabling the ultrasound gel to soak in by applying in advance allows non-clipped dogs to be used.
Are cats used for any of the ultrasound courses?
We consider it inappropriate to provide cats for ultrasound scanning due to the stress of transportation and restraint without sedation. We will not be providing live cats for any of our scanning courses/modules.
Kindly sponsored by

Venue: Sheffield
Start date: 9 February 2021
PgC/GPCert Diagnostic Imaging
16 Dec 2021
Ultrasonography I: Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging Modalities (Module 1 & 2 theory elements)
15 Feb 2021 | SwindonThis module will focus initially on understanding how to get the most out of your ultrasound machine and will familiarise you with the machine controls and probes required for optimal image acquisition. In addition, you will learn how to identify and use (if useful) or eliminate (if unhelpful) artefacts.
The remainder of the day will be dedicated to ultrasound of the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract with a focus on appreciation of the normal sonographic appearance. The course material will be put in practice with practical ultrasound scanning ensuring you are comfortable scanning the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract.
Key learning objectives:
- Apply the physics and principles of ultrasound
- Become familiar with machine settings and controls and be able to optimise image quality and avoid artefacts
- Review the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract
- Revise using ultrasound to identify abnormalities of the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract
This module also involves a practical scanning session.
Luís Mesquita
DVM, DipECVDI
Academic Qualifications:
- Veterinary Degree
Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal
Date: 2008
- European Diploma in Veterinary Diagnostic imaging
European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
Date: 03/02/2018
Postgraduate Experience:
- February 2017- present
Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service, Solihull, UK
Diagnostic imaging clinician
- February 2015 – February 2017
Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK Lecturer in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging
- September 2011 – January 2015
Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
Resident in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
- September 2010 – April 2011
Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
Intern in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging (Leonardo da Vinci Scholarship)
- 2009 – 2010
Vetlamaçães (Braga, Portugal)
Small animal first opinion practitioner
Research:
Presented Abstracts:
- 2013 Mesquita L, Lam R, Lamb C, McConnell
Computed tomography findings in 15 Dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. ECVDI Congress, Cascais, Portugal
Publications:
- 2017 – Mesquita L, Mortier J, Ressel L, Finotello R, Silvestrini P, Piviani M.
Neoplastic pleural effusion and intrathoracic metastasis of a scapular osteosarcoma in a dog: a multidisciplinary integrated diagnostic approach. Veterinary Clinical Pathology.
- 2013 – Mesquita L, Lam R, Lamb C, McConnell
Computed tomography findings in 15 Dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound.
Seminars given:
- 2017 – Illuminating density and echogenicity, a practical guide to abdominal CT and US (Seminar for referring veterinarians, Willows Veterinary Hospital and Referral Centre, Solihull, UK)
- 2016 – Basic principles of CT, General applications of CT, The use of CT in oncological patients (OneVet Group Seminar, EUVG, Coimbra, Portugal).
- 2014 – What can CT contrast tell us? (SATH – University of Liverpool internal seminar for residents and lecturers).
- 2013 – Abdominal imaging: CT vs US (SATH – University of Liverpool internal seminar for residents and lecturers).
- 2012 – Incidental findings in diagnostic imaging (SATH – University of Liverpool internal seminar for residents and lecturers).
Meetingsseminars attended:
- 2015 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
- 2014 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
- 2013 EVDI Conference, Cascais, Portugal
- 2012 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
- 2012 Radiation safety seminar, SATH – University of Liverpool, UK
- 2012 FRCR – Medical physics course. Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, UK
- 2011 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
- 2009 AE ICBAS Congress, Emergencies and Critical Care, Oporto, Portugal
- 2009 Hospital Veterinario Montenegro Congress, Gastroenterology in Small Animals, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
Radiography, CT & MRI: Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging Modalities
3 Mar 2021 | SwindonKey learning objectives:
- Explain the principles of conventional and digital radiography
- Evaluate and improve image quality
- Understand the basis of radiographic interpretation
- Become familiar with the principles, strengths and limitations of CT and MRI
- Appreciate the requirements for radiation protection in the workplace including knowledge of the Ionising Radiation Regulations
- Select appropriate contrast agents
This module may include a film reading activity.
Micheál Ó Cathasaigh
MVB DipECVDI MRCVS
Micheál qualified from University College Dublin in 2012 with an honors degree in Veterinary Medicine, after which he moved to Canada where he worked in a 24 hour emergency and general practice. After 2 years, Micheál started a rotating internship with the University of Calgary and the CARE Centre in Calgary, Canada.
He joined the Queens Veterinary School Hospital of the University of Cambridge as Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Diagnostic Imaging in 2015, passing the ECVDI theoretical examination in January 2018, completing the residency in June 2018, and passing the ECVDI practical examination in January 2019, becoming a European board certified Veterinary Radiologist. Following a short spell as a clinical radiologist in the University of Cambridge, he joined Dick White Referrals where he is now a consultant radiologist. Recent publications include a prospective research project entitled “Blood concentration of bupivacaine and duration of sensory and motor block following ultrasound-guided femoral and sciatic nerve blocks in dogs” and a number of case reports. Current research involves the prevalence of hiatal hernias in brachiocephalic breeds and the benefit on contrast enhanced CT in its diagnosis.
×Abdominal Radiology and CT
4 Mar 2021 | SwindonKey learning objectives:
- Recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the abdomen
- Interpret radiological changes associated with diseases of the abdominal wall, peritoneal cavity, retroperitoneal space, liver, spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, urogenital and gastrointestinal systems
- Understand the value of contrast studies in the evaluation of the urogenital and gastrointestinal systems
- View CT images demonstrating the normal appearance of the abdomen
- Consider when to choose CT as a diagnostic modality in abdominal conditions
This module may include a film reading activity.
Micheál Ó Cathasaigh
MVB DipECVDI MRCVS
Micheál qualified from University College Dublin in 2012 with an honors degree in Veterinary Medicine, after which he moved to Canada where he worked in a 24 hour emergency and general practice. After 2 years, Micheál started a rotating internship with the University of Calgary and the CARE Centre in Calgary, Canada.
He joined the Queens Veterinary School Hospital of the University of Cambridge as Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Diagnostic Imaging in 2015, passing the ECVDI theoretical examination in January 2018, completing the residency in June 2018, and passing the ECVDI practical examination in January 2019, becoming a European board certified Veterinary Radiologist. Following a short spell as a clinical radiologist in the University of Cambridge, he joined Dick White Referrals where he is now a consultant radiologist. Recent publications include a prospective research project entitled “Blood concentration of bupivacaine and duration of sensory and motor block following ultrasound-guided femoral and sciatic nerve blocks in dogs” and a number of case reports. Current research involves the prevalence of hiatal hernias in brachiocephalic breeds and the benefit on contrast enhanced CT in its diagnosis.
×Ultrasonography II: Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging Modalities (Module 1 & 2 practical elements)
12 Apr 2021 | SwindonThis module will focus initially on the basic principles of echocardiography with particular focus on how to acquire the standard views to make diagnoses of common cardiac diseases. Practicals on image acquisition and on measurements will further increase your confidence with basic echocardiography.
The second half of the module will focus on ultrasound of the urogenital tract with particular focus on appreciation of the normal sonographic appearance. An overview of interpretative principles of abdominal ultrasound with many examples of pathology will improve your confidence in making diagnoses.
Key learning objectives:
- Learn how to obtain the standard echocardiographic views
- Review the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the reproductive tract and urinary tract
- Perform ultrasonography of the reproductive tract and urinary tract
- Obtain the useful ultrasonographic measurements needed to make diagnoses
This module also involves a practical scanning session.
Luís Mesquita
DVM, DipECVDI
Academic Qualifications:
- Veterinary Degree
Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal
Date: 2008
- European Diploma in Veterinary Diagnostic imaging
European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
Date: 03/02/2018
Postgraduate Experience:
- February 2017- present
Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service, Solihull, UK
Diagnostic imaging clinician
- February 2015 – February 2017
Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK Lecturer in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging
- September 2011 – January 2015
Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
Resident in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
- September 2010 – April 2011
Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
Intern in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging (Leonardo da Vinci Scholarship)
- 2009 – 2010
Vetlamaçães (Braga, Portugal)
Small animal first opinion practitioner
Research:
Presented Abstracts:
- 2013 Mesquita L, Lam R, Lamb C, McConnell
Computed tomography findings in 15 Dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. ECVDI Congress, Cascais, Portugal
Publications:
- 2017 – Mesquita L, Mortier J, Ressel L, Finotello R, Silvestrini P, Piviani M.
Neoplastic pleural effusion and intrathoracic metastasis of a scapular osteosarcoma in a dog: a multidisciplinary integrated diagnostic approach. Veterinary Clinical Pathology.
- 2013 – Mesquita L, Lam R, Lamb C, McConnell
Computed tomography findings in 15 Dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound.
Seminars given:
- 2017 – Illuminating density and echogenicity, a practical guide to abdominal CT and US (Seminar for referring veterinarians, Willows Veterinary Hospital and Referral Centre, Solihull, UK)
- 2016 – Basic principles of CT, General applications of CT, The use of CT in oncological patients (OneVet Group Seminar, EUVG, Coimbra, Portugal).
- 2014 – What can CT contrast tell us? (SATH – University of Liverpool internal seminar for residents and lecturers).
- 2013 – Abdominal imaging: CT vs US (SATH – University of Liverpool internal seminar for residents and lecturers).
- 2012 – Incidental findings in diagnostic imaging (SATH – University of Liverpool internal seminar for residents and lecturers).
Meetingsseminars attended:
- 2015 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
- 2014 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
- 2013 EVDI Conference, Cascais, Portugal
- 2012 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
- 2012 Radiation safety seminar, SATH – University of Liverpool, UK
- 2012 FRCR – Medical physics course. Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, UK
- 2011 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
- 2009 AE ICBAS Congress, Emergencies and Critical Care, Oporto, Portugal
- 2009 Hospital Veterinario Montenegro Congress, Gastroenterology in Small Animals, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
Abdominal Ultrasonography I
12 May 2021 | SwindonLectures will aid you in gaining confidence in distinguishing between pathology and normal variation in organs such as the liver and spleen. A significant amount of time will be spent improving your practical ultrasonographic skills. Case examples will allow you to put your new ultrasound interpretation skills to practice and guidance is given on what to record in an ultrasound report.
Key learning objectives:
- Set up the machine and record images
- Recognise commonly seen artefacts
- Recognise the normal anatomy and ultrasonographic appearance of the abdomen
- Appreciate the ultrasonographic changes and common diseases of the abdominal wall, peritoneal cavity, retro-peritoneal space, liver and spleen
This module includes a practical scanning session.
Abdominal Ultrasonography II
13 May 2021 | SwindonBy the end of these two modules, you will be expected to be able to practically locate the area of the pancreas, the biliary tract, the adrenals, the medial iliac and jejunal lymph nodes and the great vessels and have more confidence in distinguishing between pathology and normal variation in anatomy.
Key learning objectives:
- Appreciate the ultrasonographic changes and common diseases of the pancreas, biliary tract, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, urogenital and gastrointestinal systems
- Perform elementary Doppler techniques
- Practise ultrasound guided biopsy and aspiration using a phantom
This module includes a practical scanning session
Thoracic Radiology I
3 Jun 2021 | SwindonThese modules will consist primarily of practical film reading sessions, concentrating on pleural and mediastinal disease, followed by group discussion. Emphasis will be placed on adopting a logical approach to radiographic interpretation, and communicating this information in a structured radiological report. The theoretical part will include tips on optimising thoracic radiography, normal thoracic radiographic anatomy (including some of the many breed variations encountered) and examples of many pathological conditions of the pleural cavity and mediastinum.
Key learning objectives:
- Revise appropriate radiographic techniques in the thorax
- Recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the thoracic wall, pleural cavity, diaphragm and mediastinum
- Interpret radiological changes associated with diseases of the thoracic wall, diaphragm, pleural space and mediastinum
- Have the knowledge to perform and interpret contrast studies of the oesophagus
This module includes a film reading session and case discussion.
Kate Bradley
MA VetMB PhD DVR DipECVDI MRCVS
Kate graduated from Cambridge in 1993. Following a period in general practice, she obtained a Wellcome Trust Clinical Training Scholarship, and spent the next 5 years working towards a PhD and the RCVS and European Diplomas in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. Following a period of self-employment offering radiology services to general practitioners, she returned to Bristol University in 2002 as a lecturer, and subsequently a Senior Clinical Fellow in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging.
×Thoracic Radiology II
4 Jun 2021 | SwindonAs part of this module you will have the opportunity to bring in any interesting cases from your own practice, which can be used as part of the group discussions.
Key learning objectives:
- Utilise appropriate radiographic techniques in the thorax to obtain diagnostic radiographs of the heart, lungs and vasculature
- Recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the heart, lungs and vasculature
- Interpret radiological changes associated with disease of the heart, lungs and thoracic vasculature
- Understand when to choose CT as a diagnostic modality in thoracic conditions
This module includes a film reading session and case discussion.
Kate Bradley
MA VetMB PhD DVR DipECVDI MRCVS
Kate graduated from Cambridge in 1993. Following a period in general practice, she obtained a Wellcome Trust Clinical Training Scholarship, and spent the next 5 years working towards a PhD and the RCVS and European Diplomas in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. Following a period of self-employment offering radiology services to general practitioners, she returned to Bristol University in 2002 as a lecturer, and subsequently a Senior Clinical Fellow in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging.
×Radiology and CT of the Skeletal System
13 Oct 2021 | SwindonKey learning objectives:
- Recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the forelimb and hindlimb and identify changes associated with common diseases
- Classify fractures and interpret stages of fracture healing and complications
- Discuss the radiographic signs and differentiation of infection and neoplasia
- Diagnose various metabolic and nutritional bone diseases
- Perform arthrography
- View CT images demonstrating the normal appearance of the skeletal system and understand when to choose CT as a diagnostic modality in musculoskeletal conditions
This module includes a film reading session.
Paddy Mannion
BVM&S, CertVR, DVDI, DipECVDI, MRCVS
Paddy qualified from Glasgow in 1989 having wanted to be a vet since she was 4. She is committed to providing high quality diagnostics with a patient orientated ethos and remains very aware that imaging is only one part of the diagnostic work up for any patient. Paddy has two dogs – Norman a gorgeous Norfolk Terrier who’s a bit low to the ground and Dorcas a delightful Springer Spaniel with rubbish elbows. She has two cats Camilla and Madge Mae who are red tabbies.
×Radiology, CT and MRI of the Head and Vertebral Column
14 Oct 2021 | SwindonKey learning objectives:
- Review the normal radiographic appearance and radiographic changes associated with diseases of the head and soft tissues of the neck (thyroid glands and lymph nodes)
- Be able to recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the spine and radiographic changes associated with common diseases of the spine
- Become familiar with the use of myelography and CT myelography
- Have an understanding of the utilisation of CT and MRI in clinical neurology
- Make informed choices in selecting CT or MRI and when to refer cases for these investigative procedures
This module includes a film reading session.
Paddy Mannion
BVM&S, CertVR, DVDI, DipECVDI, MRCVS
Paddy qualified from Glasgow in 1989 having wanted to be a vet since she was 4. She is committed to providing high quality diagnostics with a patient orientated ethos and remains very aware that imaging is only one part of the diagnostic work up for any patient. Paddy has two dogs – Norman a gorgeous Norfolk Terrier who’s a bit low to the ground and Dorcas a delightful Springer Spaniel with rubbish elbows. She has two cats Camilla and Madge Mae who are red tabbies.
×Thoracic Ultrasonography
8 Dec 2021 | SheffieldAt the end of the module you will know how to perform a basic ultrasonographic examination of the thorax excluding the heart. You will be able to identify common intrathoracic diseases like pleural effusion, mediastinal masses and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, pulmonary consolidation and pulmonary masses. You will also learn the technique and perform ultrasound-guided aspirations and biopsies.
Key learning objectives:
- Revise the normal anatomy and ultrasonographic appearance of the thorax excluding the heart
- Appreciate the applications of T-Fast scanning
- Recognise the ultrasonographic changes and common diseases of the mediastinum, pleural space and lungs
- Understand the approach to ultrasound guided biopsy and aspiration techniques
- Review the ultrasound techniques practised in previous modules
This module includes a practical scanning session.
Philip Strom
DVM, DACVR, MRCVS, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Radiology
Ultrasonography of the Skeletal System, Head and Neck Ultrasonography
9 Dec 2021 | SheffieldAt the end of the module you will be familiar with the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the skeletal system along with variations from the normal. You will also learn to scan the structures of the head and neck reviewing normal variations and true abnormalities.
Key learning objectives:
- Recognise the normal appearance and deviations from normal of muscles and tendons. Practical identification and examination of the biceps tendon and common calcaneal tendon.
- Recognise the normal anatomy and ultrasonographic appearance of the thyroid gland, lymph nodes and salivary glands
- Interpret ultrasonographic changes associated with diseases of the thyroid gland, lymph nodes and salivary glands
- Understand the applications of ultrasound in examining the eye
This module includes a practical scanning session.
Philip Strom
DVM, DACVR, MRCVS, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Radiology
Venue: Sheffield
Start date: 9 February 2021
PgC/GPCert Diagnostic Imaging
16 Dec 2021
Diagnostic Imaging Pricing
Payments | Initial Payment |
Total Payable |
|
---|---|---|---|
Payment Options | All prices exclude VAT | ||
PgC/GPCert Programme | £10,495.00 | £0.00 | £10,495.00 |
PgC/GPCert Programme (Deposit and 12 Monthly Payments) | £833.00 | £995.00 | £10,991.00 |
PgC/GPCert Programme (Deposit and Payment in Full) | £9,500.00 | £995.00 | £10,495.00 |
Please note: The fees include ALL registration and exam fees to achieve both a GPCert from ISVPS and a PgC from Harper Adams University |
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This course has already started but you can join part way through and finish any modules you missed during the next course.
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- call us on 01793 759159
- email us at enquiries@improveinternational.com
Payment Terms & Conditions
- Payments can be made by BACS, credit card or Direct Debit
- Direct Debit plans are administered and collected on our behalf by GoCardless Limited
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- In order to confirm your place, we must receive payment in full or the relevant deposit
- In addition, if paying by direct debit, we must receive the completed mandate prior to course commencement.
- Please also see our full terms and conditions on our website. www.improveinternational.com/uk/terms-and-conditions/
Registration Information
- Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
- Improve International reserves the right to close the intake early if the number of applications received exceeds the number of available places.
- Confirmation and enrolment details will then be sent to applicants once we have received a completed application form.
Kindly sponsored by

Venue: Sheffield
Start date: 9 February 2021
PgC/GPCert Diagnostic Imaging
16 Dec 2021
Kindly sponsored by

Venue: Sheffield
Start date: 9 February 2021
PgC/GPCert Diagnostic Imaging
16 Dec 2021