AVA Return to Work Program – Clinical and Non Clinical Courses
1 June, 2026 @ 12:00 am - 31 December, 2030 @ 11:30 pm AEST
Free - $990.00
The Return to Work program is AVA’s online self-paced learning program consisting of 5 clinical courses, 4 non-clinical courses 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.
Who should attend
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. Student members are also welcome to register and undergo the modules.
Learning outcomes
Clinical courses
Course 1: Perform Medical and Diagnostic Techniques
Display a good understanding of general diagnostic principles, consultation procedures including vaccinations, and therapy for most diseases diagnosed.
Course 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.
Course 3: Perform Surgery
Understand various surgical techniques including common daily “routine” surgeries and soft tissue procedures.
Course 4: Undertake Clinical Pathology Testing
Understand techniques required for in house pathology testing, sample collection for external testing and interpretation of test results.
Course 5: Provide Medications and Therapeutic Interventions
Understand drug classes and mechanism of action, interactions and side effects.
Non clinical courses
Course 1: Getting Ready: Self-Reflection and Priority Setting
In this course you will explore your reasons for returning to work, techniques for building confidence, and use simple tools to help you plan your re-entry.
Course 2: Getting Ready: Practical Actions
This course takes a deeper look at the personal preparation required to get ready to resume your career.
Course 3: Finding and Applying for Veterinary Positions
This course focuses on the practical steps for finding and applying for veterinary positions.
Course 4: Settling into Practice Life
This course 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.
Further details
Registration for the Return to Work program is FREE for AVA All Access and Flexi veterinarians. Contact us if you wish to upgrade your membership, or join today to become a member.
You’re welcome to complete this complimentary self-assessment to view a list of clinical courses you should consider completing.
This page on the AVA website provides more information about the program, a link to the self-assessment as well as FAQs.
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