Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care

This 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 lead 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.

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

The graduate certificate in small animal emergency and critical care will comprise of four mandatory 12.5 credit point subjects:

Core subjects

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

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

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• Prior academic performance

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/

This 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.

This course will form a large part of the requirements that allows register as Advanced Practitioners with RCVS.

Graduates of this course will have knowledge and skills in the area of ECC over and above what is expected of the graduate veterinarian. They will be able to prioritise and respond appropriately to life threatening clinical situations and will be able to apply knowledge and skills gain in this course to novel situations. They will gain a level of understanding and expertise that allows them to be able to give sound advice in the field of ECC to other practitioners.

The Melbourne Graduate

The University of Melbourne educational experience prepares well-rounded graduates who are academically outstanding, practically grounded and socially responsible. Melbourne's graduates are distinguished by their broad outlook and openness to different perspectives.

Melbourne's degrees develop research and reasoning skills that equip graduates to be influential citizens with high leadership potential. The University's graduates engage with national and global issues and are attuned to social and cultural diversity. They have high levels of self-awareness and value their personal integrity and well-being.

Academic distinction

A Melbourne degree provides graduates with in-depth knowledge of their specialist disciplines and skills in examining issues with multiple disciplinary perspectives. Melbourne graduates are critical, creative thinkers with strong reasoning skills. They can apply knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems in a range of contexts and are effective oral and written communicators.

The Melbourne educational experience prepares graduates to be entrepreneurial and innovative thought-leaders. Melbourne graduates bring research and inquiry skills to challenges in their workplaces and communities. They are adept lifelong learners who generate bold and novel ideas by critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.

Active citizenship

Melbourne graduates have engaged with contemporary local, national and global issues and developed an appreciation of the Asian region. They have a high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment. Melbourne graduates are aware of the social and cultural diversity in communities and can work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In particular, they have an understanding of and deep respect for Indigenous knowledge, culture and values.

The Melbourne experience supports a commitment to civic service in graduates' lives and careers, equipping them to be active, well-informed citizens who make substantial contributions to society. Graduates have the potential to be leaders in their professions and communities, with the capacity to work effectively across disciplines and cultures. Through advocacy and innovation they are able to lead change for a sustainable future.

Integrity and self-awareness

Melbourne graduates are motivated, self-directed and well-organised, with the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities. They are able to work effectively both independently and in groups. They are also highly self-aware and reflective, with skills in self-assessment, and place great importance on their personal and professional integrity.

The opportunities offered by the Melbourne experience help prepare graduates who are enthusiastic, self-assured and confident of their knowledge, yet flexible, adaptable and aware of their limitations. Melbourne's graduates are willing to explore, experiment and learn from mistakes. They have empathy and concern for the welfare of others and can manage their own well-being.

On completion of this subject students should have developed:

• problem-solving skills
• analytic skills
• increased confidence in tackling unfamiliar problems the capacity to manage competing demands on time

On completion of this course students become part of a cohort that has a bond through the common interest in the field of veterinary ECC.