programs we offer
Whether you want to hone your ER skills, master new tools and techniques, or work toward a vet med certification, we have a program to support you. Our clinical education opportunities offer the learning and mentorship you need to level up in your career.
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ER Certificate Program
A first-of-its kind program for experienced VEG vets who want to take their skills and knowledge to the next level. Through case presentations, intensive hands-on workshops, teamwork, and face-to-face opportunities with mentors and instructors, our veterinarians learn new tools and techniques for everything from critical case management to emergent procedures—all while building competence and confidence in the ER.
Who’s Eligible: ER veterinarians with 1.5-2 years of experience, who have been at VEG for at least six months
Modality: Hybrid: Phase one: asynchronous distance learning, Phase two: in person, Phase three: synchronous distance, Phase four: in person
Location: Online and occasional travel to Vegas training center
Program Length: Six months
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Phase 1: Self-paced modules
Sessions cover key emergency medicine topics, such as shock, sepsis, trauma, fluid therapy, imaging, and more.
Phase 2: Lab and lecture sessions
These sessions apply concepts through case challenges. VEGgies develop critical care and radiology skills, working with teammates to build clinical team foundations for success in emergency settings.
Phase 3: Interactive lessons
Hands-on lessons solidify core concepts, such as medical safety and teamwork, with an emphasis on M&M rounds for shared learning in a supportive environment.
Phase 4: Assessment and graduation
Participants take an assessment to demonstrate knowledge, refine skills, and clarify questions. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony to celebrate our VEGgies’ achievements!
Cultivate
Whether you’re an experienced veterinary nurse or new to the field, Cultivate provides the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of VEG nursing care. Covering everything from vital sign monitoring and triage to nursing care for critical cases and advancement procedures, vet nurses work one on one with trainers and team members to gain the skills they need to do ER best.
Who’s Eligible: All full- and part-time nursing team members with no employment time constraint
Modality: Hybrid
Location: VEG hospitals
Program Length: Varies depending on nursing experience
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Cultivate consists of four levels, each focusing on different ER nursing skills. VEGgies enter at the level that fits their current skills and knowledge, and each level builds on the previous one. Once a VEGgie reaches 90% completion of a given levels' skills, they are eligible to advance to the next level. Completion of Cultivate can be seen as a stepping stone to preparation for a VTS for VEG veterinary nurses.
Levels: Overview
Level 1: You are entry-level and may have basic knowledge in consumer-level animal care. You may have had previous exposure as a kennel assistant or CSR, +/- experience as a VA.
Examples of skills: Set up for a variety of procedures, cleaning surgical instruments
Estimated time to complete: 3-6 months
Level 2: You may be an AVMA graduate veterinary nurse, but you have little to no ER experience, or a veterinary nurse or assistant with some experience in GP but no emergency experience.
Examples of skills: Placement of peripheral IV catheters. abdominal and thoracic radiographs, basic anesthesia monitoring
Estimated time to complete: 6-12 months
Level 3: You are a mid-level veterinary nurse or assistant with approximately 1-3 years of clinical ER patient experience.
Examples of skills: Administer/monitor blood transfusions, independent anesthesia monitoring, placement of nasogastric and nasal oxygen lines
Estimated time to complete: 12-24 months
Level 4:
You are a highly experienced veterinary nurse or assistant with 3-5 years of clinical ER patient experience.
Examples of skills: Placement of central and sampling lines, basic POCUS, advanced anesthesia monitoring
Estimated time to complete: 18-24 months
Credentialing Support
All VEGgies have a path to become veterinary nurses through our credentialing support program! Earn your A.S. in veterinary technology/nursing with VEG’s support, which includes up to $1,500 for the four semester program, VTNE exam and prep course reimbursement, externship mentorship and fees to cover credentialing as a veterinary technician in your state of employment.
Who’s Eligible: After three months of employment, all frontline VEGgies who want to become a credentialed veterinary technicians (a.k.a. VEG Veterinary Nurse)
Modality: Online, self-paced A.S. degree in veterinary technology/nursing; includes two in-person externships
Location: Online + externships at VEG hospitals and other locations
Program Length: Ideally two years; four years if needed
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Phase 1: Written Application
VEG students apply to enroll in the Penn Foster (PF) A.S. in Veterinary Technology program through VEG’s Credentialing Support Program
Phase 2: First semester
Students complete the first semester of the PF program.
Phase 3: Second semester
Students complete the second semester of the PF program, which includes a 150-hour clinical externship performed at their VEG hospital.
Phase 4: Third semester
Students complete the third semester of the PF Program.
Phase 5: Fourth semester
Students complete the fourth semester of the PF Program. This includes a second externship, which can be performed at our VEG hospitals, with the exception of general practice, exotics, and large animal skills, which must be performed outside of VEG. For students who choose the PF Fast Track lab for large animal skill completion, VEG will reimburse students and allow them to use their CE travel stipend for any travel involved.
Phase 6: Graduation and VTNE Exam
VEG graduates apply to their state or the AAVSB directly to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). After passing the exam, they can apply for credentialing in their state.
VTS Mentorship Training
If you’re an experienced veterinary nurse preparing for the VTS certification process, VEG has your back! Our VTS Mentorship Training program includes case preparation, study sessions, focal material review, and more.
Who’s Eligible: Experienced veterinary nurses with 3-5 years of full time emergency and critical care experience attained after state credential attained
Modality: Virtual
Program Length: Two years
Recover Certification
Instructed by VEG veterinary nurses and DVMs who live and breathe RECOVER Basic and Advanced Life Support, this training allows all VEGgies to learn and receive certification in administering evidence-based CPR. All participants will earn certification as RECOVER Certified Rescuers.
Who’s Eligible: ER doctors, veterinary nurses, and veterinary assistants with no employment time constraint
Modality: Hybrid: one day virtual, one day in-person
Location: VEG hospitals
Program Length: Two days
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Phase one: Registration and online course modules
VEGgies fill out a RECOVER registration form and are signed up for BLS/ALS online courses within one week—paid for by VEG! Once registered, they complete online course modules for RECOVER, which provide an understanding of the ins and outs of basic and advanced life support.
Phase two: Workshop and certification
VEGgies put learnings from Phase 1 into practice! Through a six-hour workshop with a high-fidelity CPR simulator, they are provided with a safe space to perfect CPR skills. Completion leads to full RECOVER BLS/ALS Rescuer Status.
