Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

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Home/Australia/Melbourne /University of Melbourne/Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care

University of Melbourne

Australia , Melbourne

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Certificate

Study Type

Part Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Online

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMarch-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 10,992 / year

Next Intake March-2026

Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care

About

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care is a practical course for veterinary professionals seeking to provide more comprehensive treatment to animals in their care.

Covering the fundamental pathophysiological and clinical aspects of emergency and critical care (ECC) of the dog and cat, this is an in-depth professional development program taught by international experts. Additionally, it incorporates most of the theory required for preparation for the ANZCVS ECC membership examinations.

Through course work, realistic case studies, and assessments, students will gain vital understanding and confidence when dealing with ECC patients. You’ll learn to identify and address life-threatening conditions, develop knowledge in the monitoring of patients, and keep up to date with developments in a fast-moving field.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for practising veterinary professionals that are seeking to increase their knowledge whilst gaining a recognised qualification in emergency and critical care.

International students are welcome to study this course. However, please note that this course is not available to international students who require a student visa to study in Australia as it does not meet the onshore study requirements and it is not registered with CRICOS.

Related pathway courses

You may also be interested in the Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Ultrasound (Abdominal).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:

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

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60
CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

English Program Requirements

English language test score requirements

If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0

TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60

CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169

*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

Career

Advance your career and contribute to your continuing professional development

This course is worth 212 CPD points, which are vital to continued professional registration.

Prepare for the ANZCVS ECC membership examinations

Passing of ANZCVS ECC membership examinations is a mandatory requirement before a veterinarian is able to sit specialty veterinary examinations within Australia. This course covers the fundamental pathophysiological and clinical aspects of Emergency and Critical Care, making it a valuable step for those entering into a residency position in this area.

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of the course, you will have:

Understanding of the pathophysiological principles that relate to ECC
The ability to apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and therapy in order to successfully manage systems derangement, including cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal gastrointestinal, renal, urinary tract, reproductive, metabolic, endocrine, haemolymphatic, neurologic, musculoskeletal, 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.