MICRO-CREDENTIAL short course

ADVANCED ECG

For Veterinary Nurses
2-3 Hours self paced
$147
2 CPD Points
Online Study

Take the guesswork out of complex ECGs and build your clinical skills

Our Advanced Veterinary Nursing: ECG micro-credential is an online short course designed for vet nurses who want to feel more confident, more capable and more in control when interpreting ECGs. Whether you’re working in a busy small-animal practice or supporting a specialist cardiology team, this course will help you perform ECGs with clarity, accuracy and purpose.

Developed by our own AVT experienced veterinarians, and with input from local Specialist Veterinarians, this micro-credential breaks ECG interpretation into simple, practical steps you can apply immediately in practice. 

Online course overview

Flexible learning for busy schedules

Delivery & Assessments

  • Online Self-Paced Course

    Learn when and where it suits you, no classroom attendance needed

  • Easy Access

    Access your studies anytime through our Online Learning Platform, featuring procedure demonstrations, resources and assessments

  • Assessments

    Includes online quizzes and short answer questions

Completion Time

  • Expected Completion Time

    CPD: 2-3 hours
    As a general guide, students who study around 1 hour per week typically complete the course within 1 month. This includes approximately 2-3 hours of theory, plus time to complete and have your practical task signed off

  • Course Duration

    You’ll have up to 12 months to complete the course, allowing flexible study around work and clinical commitments

Practical Expectations

Learning that goes beyond theory

Our micro-credentials are thoughtfully designed by experienced veterinary professionals who understand the realities of clinical practice. Our content is intentionally comprehensive – thorough where it needs to be – and created to develop genuine competence, not just surface knowledge.

That’s why each course integrates theory with practical application, including short workplace assessments signed off by your supervising veterinarian.

Who is this ECG course perfect for?

Designed for Nurses in Practice

  • Experienced veterinary nurses in GP, ECC or referral practice included those regularly involved in anaesthesia or monitoring hospitalised patients pre and post operatively.

  • Veterinary nurses seeking to increase their value within a practice by confidently using ECG equipment and accurately analysing ECG waveforms.

No prior ECG experience is required, just a willingness to learn.

AVT's ECG short course for vet nurses

What skills will you learn in this ECG micro-credential?

You’ll complete three core chapters designed to build your understanding from the basics through to confidently assessing complex waveforms. You also have the option to complete our Equine-specific chapter. 

Chapter 1 - Back to Basics: Anatomy, Physiology & ECG Fundamentals
  • How electrical activity is generated in the heart
  • The conduction system and what each segment of the ECG represents
  • Understanding how cardiac physiology produces the waveforms you see
Chapter 2 - ECG Equipment & How to Use It
  • Essential components of veterinary ECG machines
  • Correct electrode placement for small animals
  • Troubleshooting common artefacts and setup errors
  • Tips for obtaining clean, diagnostic-quality tracings
Chapter 3 - Analysing ECG Waveforms
  • Understanding normal ECG morphology
  • Identifying common arrhythmias
  • Distinguishing normal vs pathological findings
  • Recognising patterns linked to clinical conditions
Optional Equine Chapter

For those working in mixed or equine practices, you’ll also have access to an optional module exploring the unique features of equine ECG interpretation.

Why does it matter?

Why advanced ECG skills are so important

Not only do our micro-credential help you to build confidence and deliver better patient outcomes, you will also:

  • Improve your understanding of the anatomy of the cardiac conduction system
  • Troubleshoot machine setup to avoid errors
  • Respond effectively to abnormalities
  • React to emergencies or critical care situations calmly and with confidence
  • Communicate findings clearly with veterinarians
ECG short course for Vet nurses

Fees

Limited time only: $147
Introductory launch price (save $78)

*Published price: $225, limited time only $147 micro-credential fee, inclusions are subject to change. If you decide to withdraw from study for any reason, refunds are not issued. Please see our policies page for full details.

"The trainers and assessors are experienced professionals in the industry and they pull from first-hand experience along with always being updated to the gold standards of the practice. They are continuously updating their references and teaching materials as the industry expands."

- Amariah P (Google Review) 

How to enrol

Get started

Step 2 - Verification

Your enrolment and payment is processed

Step 3 - Get started

You will receive login details and access to course materials

Why choose an AVT Micro-credential?

  • Learn from veterinary experts

    Our courses are developed by our AVT experienced veterinary professionals in conjunction with industry experts.

  • Build practical, real-world skills

    Gain clinically relevant ECG skills you can use with real patients for your very next shift.

  • Short, focused and achiveable

    We've designed our courses for vet nurses with busy rosters who find it difficult to step away from their responsibilities.

  • A certificate employers recognise

    Receive an AVT Certificate of Completion from one of Australia’s most respected veterinary nursing training organisations.

FAQs

General Information – Microcredentials

An AVT micro-credential is a short online course that allows you to develop specialised skills that are in high demand by animal care and veterinary employers and organisations. We have created our micro-credentials to be short, manageable, and affordable so you can easily fit them into your schedule and budget.

Key features of an AVT micro-credential include:

  • Targeted training for in-demand skills
    Each micro-credential develops competency in a clearly defined area that is relevant to current veterinary and animal care workplaces.
  • Short, intensive and achievable
    Delivered as bite-sized learning experiences, making them suitable for busy vet nurses and animal care professionals who need flexible, focused study.
  • Advanced or emerging topics not included in nationally recognised training
    Some specialised areas of practice fall outside the national training package. Micro-credentials allow you to learn content that is not part of a full qualification but is increasingly important in modern practice.
  • Developed to reflect industry and regulatory expectations
    Our micro-credentials reflect the skills expected in contemporary veterinary settings, including changes introduced by authorities such as the Veterinary Practice Board of WA. As requirements evolve – such as the development of “Advanced Veterinary Nursing – Restricted” roles—our courses support the capabilities needed for these emerging responsibilities.
  • Used for ongoing professional development
    Many professionals complete micro-credentials as part of their continuing education to maintain and enhance specific skills throughout their career, as well as gain AVNAT CPD points.

Qualification requirements
To apply, you’ll need to provide evidence of your Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent qualification).

Current employment
These micro-credentials are designed for qualified veterinary nurses working in clinical practice. You’ll be asked to provide details about your current role and workplace as part of your application.

Workplace access
You’ll need access to a veterinary clinic where you can complete the practical components of the course.

Practical assessment and sign-off
Each micro-credential includes a workplace-based practical component. A veterinarian at your clinic will be required to supervise and sign off on your practical tasks to ensure they are completed safely and to industry standard.

To get the most out of your studies, you’ll need a reliable device that you feel confident using. Throughout your course, you’ll be accessing online learning platforms, submitting assessments, downloading resources and working with standard software, so having the right setup will make everything smoother.

We strongly recommend using a laptop, rather than a tablet, as this will give you the best experience when completing assessments and accessing course materials.

While both Windows and Mac devices can be used, we suggest Microsoft Windows as the preferred operating system, as it offers the smoothest compatibility with the software and platforms used throughout your course.

Recommended device specifications

  • Laptop (preferred over tablet)
  • Screen size of at least 10 inches
  • Battery life of at least 4 hours, and don’t forget your charger if you’re an on-campus student
  • Stable internet connection for online at home study
  • Up to date antivirus protection, where applicable

Required software

  • Microsoft 365, Microsoft Office, or Word 2010 or later
  • Google Chrome web browser

Additional capabilities

  • Built in microphone, or headphones with microphone
  • Wi Fi support

Yes – absolutely. If your clinic is covering the cost of your course, we can issue a tax invoice directly in the practice’s name so they can process the payment through their regular accounts system. Just let us know at the time of enrolment so we can adjust your payment details.

Some conditions may apply for funded qualifications.

Why choose AVT?

100% Focused on Animal Care

Because we specialise in animal care, behaviour and veterinary training - everything you will learn is based on real industry needs and demands!

AVT graduates make a difference in animal care

Real Outcomes You Can Trust

91% of AVT graduates are satisfied with their training experience, and 83% were employed after training (NCVER, 2025).

Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

Support Students Recommend

Students consistently tell us how supported they feel. Our trainers are here to guide you and answer your questions and help you stay on track.

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