Nurse and Veterinary Technician Advanced Certificates
Advanced veterinary nursing qualifications from ISVPS
The ISVPS Nurse Advanced Certificate (NAdvCert) and Veterinary Technician Advanced Certificate (VTAdvCert) are post-training qualifications for veterinary nurses and veterinary technicians, delivered internationally by our trusted training providers. Candidates develop advanced veterinary nursing skills that lead to enhanced job satisfaction, improved patient care, and greater professional recognition.
The advanced nursing certificates for veterinary technicians and nurses follow the same curriculum and assessments, with the resulting certificate depending on the candidate’s initial qualification. Veterinary nurses who successfully complete the programme are awarded the ISVPS Nurse Advanced Certificate (NAdvCert), while veterinary technicians are awarded the ISVPS Veterinary Technician Advanced Certificate (VTAdvCert).
How to achieve this qualification
ISVPS qualifications are internationally respected for their rigorous assessments, yet the clear pathway and modular structure ensure that this advanced veterinary nursing certification remains accessible and achievable.
Step 1:
To be eligible for the assessments, candidates must complete an accredited modular training programme with an approved training provider. For more details on how the modules are delivered, see the FAQs. Extended reading around the syllabus is also required, and ISVPS strongly recommends that candidates complete the pre- and post-module questions, which support reflection on their progress.
Step 2:
Once the training programme is complete, candidates must then pass the assessments. For the advanced veterinary nursing qualifications (NAdvCert and VTAdvCert) this involves:
- A 90-minute online examination using a variety of question types to assess the application of clinical knowledge
- A case log (a record of clinical cases where the candidate was the primary nurse involved in patient care, demonstrating experience in the chosen discipline and covering a range of procedures from the syllabus)
- A written assessment, normally a literature review based on the candidate’s chosen subject area
Full details of the assessment requirements and deadlines are provided in the MyImprove area once candidates have started the programme and are registered with ISVPS.
On successful completion, candidates are awarded the ISVPS NAdvCert/VTAdvCert with a personalised certificate, and their name is included in the ISVPS Register of Certificate Holders.
Disciplines available
ISVPS Nurse & Veterinary Technician Advanced Certificates are awarded in specific subject areas. They are currently available in the following disciplines:
Whether candidates receive the ISVPS Nurse Advanced Certificate (NAdvCert) or the ISVPS Veterinary Technician Advanced Certificate (VTAdvCert) depends on their initial qualification. Veterinary nurses who successfully complete the programme are awarded the NAdvCert, while veterinary technicians receive the VTAdvCert.
Please note: this list reflects the advanced nursing certificates offered globally by ISVPS. Not all disciplines are available in all countries. For more information, please contact your local training provider.
Eligibility
To enrol for the Nurse Advanced Certificate/Veterinary Technician Advanced Certificate (NAdvCert/VTAdvCert), candidates must be qualified veterinary nurses or veterinary technicians. They must hold a formally recognised qualification in their region and be able to provide evidence of their qualification and licence to practice.
In the UK, NAdvCert candidates must be on the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses and provide their unique registration number as evidence.
Similarly, in the Republic of Ireland, veterinary nurses intending to take the NAdvCert need to be regulated by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and able to provide a unique VCI number.
For candidates outside the UK and Ireland, qualifications can be demonstrated by presenting a certificate when enrolling for the NAdvCert or VTAdvCert.
It is strongly recommended that candidates have completed an ISVPS NCert/VTCert (or an academic equivalent) in a relevant discipline and/or have at least five years of experience in general practice as a qualified nurse or technician. A thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, and how they relate to disease and treatment, is also highly recommended.
Progression
The ISVPS Nurse Advanced Certificate (NAdvCert) or Veterinary Technician Advanced Certificate (VTAdvCert) is the highest-level qualification awarded to nurses and technicians by ISVPS. Upon achieving the NAdvCert, candidates can feel confident in their advanced skills, knowing they hold a qualification that will support both their current practice and future career opportunities.
For those seeking further development, candidates may choose to undertake an NCert/VTCert or NAdvCert/VTAdvCert in a different discipline.
FAQs
Who is the ISVPS NAdvCert or VTAdvCert for?
The ISVPS Nurse Advanced Certificate (NAdvCert) or Veterinary Technician Advanced Certificate (VTAdvCert) are designed for qualified veterinary nurses and technicians seeking advanced qualifications to develop and demonstrate expertise in a chosen subject area.
The NAdvCert/VTAdvCert is suitable for all veterinary nurses and technicians, but is particularly beneficial to those in general practice who have already completed a post-training qualification, such as the NCert/VTCert. However, previous study is not a essential, and highly experienced veterinary nurses and technicians may also pursue this advanced nursing certificate. It is equally suitable for nurses working in referral environments, as the NAdvCert/VTAdvCert provides advanced skills and knowledge in the chosen discipline.
How do candidates benefit from an ISVPS NAdvCert/VTAdvCert?
The ISVPS NAdvCert and VTAdvCert are highly respected qualifications designed to advance careers and equip candidates with the knowledge and skills required for clinical confidence in complex cases. The hours of study contribute Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continuing Education (CE) requirements. Candidates also benefit from:
- Advanced practical techniques and the ability to create high-quality nursing care plans for complex medical and surgical cases
- Increased confidence and improved patient care
- Enhanced respect from colleagues and clients, leading to greater job satisfaction
- Critical evaluation and analysis skills supporting evidence-based decision-making
- Valuable transferable skills and a qualification that can support salary discussions and negotiations
As ISVPS qualifications are internationally recognised, candidates take these benefits with them wherever their career may lead.
How do practices benefit when an employee achieves an ISVPS NAdvCert or VTAdvCert?
Supporting an employee to achieve the Nurse/Veterinary Technician Advanced Certificate (NAdvCert/VTAdvCert) is a valuable investment for veterinary practices, offering benefits such as:
- Reduced staff turnover due to increased job satisfaction
- More effective recruitment, demonstrating a commitment to professional development
- Improved patient outcomes and client satisfaction
- The sharing of knowledge within the team, creating a cohesive and informed workforce capable of managing more complex nursing challenges
In many cases, the skills gained also enable practices to keep more cases in-house or introduce new services, increasing overall revenue.
What postnominals can candidates use after achieving the ISVPS NAdvCert/VTAdvCert?
Successful candidates may use the postnominals NAdvCert (with discipline abbreviation in brackets e.g. NAdvCert(E&CC)) or VTAdvCert(E&CC) for veterinary technicians. Postnominals may be displayed wherever appropriate, although candidates are advised to check regional guidance on recognition and use on professionals registers.
What learning options are available for the ISVPS NAdvCert?/VTAdvCert?
The modules for the ISVPS NAdvCerts and VTAdvCerts are taught by ISVPS approved training providers using recognised experts in the subject area. Depending on the subject, modules may be delivered online, face-to-face, or blended – a mixture of both. Many of the ISVPS NAdvCert/VTAdvCert modules are taught entirely online, through a mixture of self-paced modules and live webinars or journal clubs.
For more information, candidates should contact their chosen training provider.
What is the relationship between the NAdvCert and other ISVPS nurse qualifications?
The Advanced Nursing and Veterinary Technician Certificates are the highest nursing qualifications offered by ISVPS. For those seeking a less advanced option, the ISVPS Nurse Certificates (NCerts) may be more suitable. NCerts cover more foundational knowledge, which is why ISVPS recommends – though does not require – that NAdvCert candidates complete an NCert in a related discipline beforehand.
Which countries recognise the ISVPS NAdvCert/VTAdvCert?
ISVPS nursing qualifications are globally peer-recognised and respected. With consistent, rigorous assessments and high-quality training delivered across all countries, these qualifications are held in high regard internationally.
Next Steps
To get started with the ISVPS NAdvCert/VTAdvCert, contact your chosen training provider. Or, if you need more information from us, please register your interest and a member of our team will be in touch.