Overview

If you are experiencing difficulty registering for the Return to Work Program, please email education@ava.com.au and include your full name, contact number, AVA ID (if relevant/known) and what you would like to be registered for, i.e. full program or specific modules. If you are not an an AVA member the AVA will be in contact with you to organise payment. The Return to Work program is AVA's online self-paced learning program consisting of 5 clinical modules, 4 non-clinical modules and a practical skills guide. The program is recommended for veterinarians who wish to return to clinical practice after a career break or period of leave, or veterinarians in practice and industry who are seeking a refresher. It is also recommended for veterinary students. Getting back to work and keeping up to date is important for building self-confidence, increasing social connections, recovering from an illness or injury, and for financial reasons. Work is beneficial to mental health and overall well-being. It's a place to develop skills and enjoy a sense of purpose and identity. Returning to work is not without its challenges. Therefore, this program is designed to help you plan your return and re-enter the workforce with renewed confidence.

The non-clinical modules and practical skills guide are suitable for all veterinarians (AVA members and non-members), and the clinical modules are targeted at the small animal veterinarian (AVA members and non-members) only. Student members are also welcome to register and undergo the modules.

Clinical modules

Module 1: Perform Medical and Diagnostic Techniques

Display a good understanding of general diagnostic principles, consultation procedures including vaccinations, and therapy for most diseases diagnosed.

Module 2: Provide Anaesthesia and Critical Care

Understand the effects of anaesthesia on physiology, stages of anaesthesia and recovery, use of common anaesthetic agents and pain control in animals.

Module 3: Perform Surgery

Understand various surgical techniques including common daily "routine" surgeries and soft tissue procedures.

Module 4: Undertake Clinical Pathology Testing

Understand techniques required for in house pathology testing, sample collection for external testing and interpretation of test results.

Module 5: Provide Medications and Therapeutic Interventions

Understand drug classes and mechanism of action, interactions and side effects.

Non-clinical modules

Module 1: Getting Ready: Self-Reflection and Priority Setting

In this module you will explore your reasons for returning to work, techniques for building confidence, and use simple tools to help you plan your re-entry.

Module 2: Getting Ready: Practical Actions

This module takes a deeper look at the personal preparation required to get ready to resume your career.

Module 3: Finding and Applying for Veterinary Positions

This module focuses on the practical steps for finding and applying for veterinary positions.

Module 4: Settling into Practice Life

This module explores practical tips for managing your time and priorities, setting into a new job and team and negotiating workplace conflict.

Practical Skills Guide

The practical skills guide, which is a companion to the program, encourages participants to seek supervised, practical training opportunities at a convenient clinic, and incites reflection on professional goals.

If you are experiencing difficulty registering for the Return to Work Program, please email education@ava.com.au and include your full name, contact number, AVA ID (if relevant/known) and what you would like to be registered for, i.e. full program or specific modules. If you are not an an AVA member the AVA will be in contact with you to organise payment.

The cost to register in the entire Return to Work program (all 9 modules) is $990.00 and includes a complimentary copy of Practical Skills Guide. If you wish to pick and choose specific modules, the cost is $110.00 per module. You’re welcome to complete this complimentary self-assessment to view a list of clinical modules you should consider completing.

Registration for the Return to Work program is currently FREE for AVA members, to assist in supporting the veterinary profession during the current vet shortage.  If you’re interested in becoming a member, visit the AVA website for membership options and fees or to join today.

This page on the AVA website provides more information about the program, a link to the self-assessment as well as FAQs.