Online CPD

e-CPD courses

e-CPD courses at the RVC allow veterinarians from around the world to participate in interactive and in depth online learning. The courses offered in 2012 cover a range of topics relevant to companion animal, farm animal and equine clinical practice – many old favourites which we have offered for several years, as well as some exciting new courses. The courses are moderated by expert clinical staff. Depending on the course topic, they consist of a mixture of case presentations and assessment, radiographs, downloadable reference sources (notes, text book references and relevant journal articles), quizzes, weblinks and online asynchronous discussions.

There is no need to log on at any particular time of the day or night so the courses can be completed in your own time. However, you do need to be able to spend at least six hours each week on the course and log on several times throughout each week to get maximum benefit. There are tasks to complete each week and usually deadlines to meet midweek and at the end of the week. For each e-CPD course veterinarians can earn up to 36 hours formal CPD in 2012 and another 10 hours informal CPD as permitted by the RCVS. Nurses can earn up to 33 CPD hours. This means that you can exceed your yearly CPD requirement in one course! At a cost of less than £20 per CPD hour they are one of the most cost effective independent CPD forums in the UK.

The courses are internet based so no special software or computer skills are required – you don’t have to be a computer geek to enjoy and participate fully! The unique feature of the RVC e-CPD courses is that they are much more than just an online information delivery mechanism. Interactive activities occur throughout the course, tutor input is extensive and integral to the participants’ learning, and veterinarians can share their clinical experiences with, and learn from, a diverse group of colleagues. Veterinarians and veterinary nurses participate from all parts of the UK and abroad including Australia, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Dubai, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Trinidad, the United Arab Emirates and the USA.

The format of e-CPD is not for everyone. They do not suit everyone’s learning preferences, they require commitment and self discipline and they can be challenging to fit into a busy life. You also have to make your own coffee. But for those who like to learn at their own pace, at times convenient to their work, family and social life, have time to reflect on their learning, be part of an active discussion forum, have the flexibility to explore topics in greater depth or simply if you wish to avoid having to travel and be away from home or work to participate in CPD, e-CPD is an ideal CPD format. Course numbers are limited to enhance participants’ learning experience and in 2011 most courses were fully booked. So it is wise to book early to avoid disappointment.

You can get a taste for what our e-cpd courses involve by going to www.ble.ac.uk and logging in using the following details:

Username: ecpdguest
Password: Roya1vet

A guide for e-CPD courses.

What past participants said about RVC e-CPD courses in 2011...

“I prefer e-CPD since I feel that I retain more than from day sessions. Not having to travel and to be able to manage your own timetable is another plus.”
“Worth every penny.”
“Much prefer (e-CPD). I like the interactive nature and having to read and understand things, not just listen. The discussion boards for this course were fantastic.”
“I learnt far more than I would in lecture/seminar.”
“I have really enjoyed the course, it has made me think LOTS and changed the way I approach my cases.”
“I have seldom so much enjoyed doing CPD! The interactive and peer based method you apply really works for me. The course has been very well conceived and executed.”
“Better, brighter, and altogether shinier in every way...You have to engage with it actively, and therefore don't fall asleep over it, and therefore haven't wasted your hard-earned money on it. You don't have to waste hours travelling, or spend time in hotels you'd rather spend walking the dog or talking to your family. You don't have any hassle attached to it, such as finding someone to look after the dog, the cats, and the hens while you're away... or swapping work or worse, losing work. And perhaps most importantly, you not only have access to One Who Knows and can therefore answer all those questions that never get answered during the traditional lecture format, but you can go over the materials several times before asking your questions. Even if you're not the kind of person who views conferences primarily as a social occasion, the amount learnt there does not even begin to compare to the amount learnt here. As I said... better, brighter, shinier...”
“This peer based/derived learning was so refreshing and amazing and well managed/guided.”
“When you compare the price per CPD point with other CPD courses, this course was excellent value for money.”

Webinar Plus courses

An exciting new development in our online course portfolio for 2012 is the introduction of our Webinar Plus courses. A hybrid of our themed webinar series and e-CPD courses, each Webinar Plus course will provide a rich learning experience over four weeks. Less intense than e-CPD but with greater learning support than webinars alone, each course is worth 16 CPD hours and will involve a mixture of webinars, online case assessment exercises, supplementary reading material and discussion forums involving the tutors and veterinary colleagues from around the world.

There will be a two hour webinar each week which participants can attend ’live’ or view the recorded version if the day or time does not suit their schedule. In addition, participants will have access to our web-based virtual learning platform where there will be a variety of learning resources available to support the topic of each week including comprehensive course notes, supplementary reading material and cases and/or radiographs to assess.

There will be discussion forums for interaction with fellow participants as well as tutor moderated Q&A sessions each week so all of your concerns and queries about the topic can be aired and discussed. Approximately four hours CPD per week should be planned for in your schedule. At less than £20 per CPD hour, the Webinar Plus courses are fantastic value for superb flexible tutor-guided CPD.

Click here to view our Webinar Plus courses for 2012.

A guide for Webinar Plus courses.

The 2012 Webinar Plus courses are part of the RVC/Pfizer e-learning partnership

Recorded webinars

Another convenient and flexible way to earn some CPD hours without leaving home is to select webinars to view from our extensive library of recorded webinars. Priced at £30 for a two hour webinar they are great value for busy practitioners seeking quality CPD at a time of their choice. Participants will receive a handout (slides and/or notes) to support their viewing session and a certificate for two CPD hours. Participants gain access to the webinar for two weeks which allows them to view it at their leisure and convenience as well as review aspects as needed to enhance their learning. Members of the BVA Young Vets Network receive a 50% discount on our recorded webinars (subject to availability – ten discounted places available per webinar per year).

What our participants said about RVC webinars in 2011…

“I’m booking the next one! Worked really well for me trying to fit in work, children and cpd.”
“Very impressed with the technology and ease of use.”
“Easy to organise and attend from own home. Clear lecture notes and sound.”
“Interesting cases, engaging lecturer.”
“The recorded lecture is very useful for quickly running back/rewinding to where I had to suddenly leave due to short interruptions.”
“Easy to follow presentation with handout. Content relevant and practical for 1st opinion practice.”