Clinical Programs

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!

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

For VEGgies aspiring to be credentialed veterinary technicians (i.e. VEG veterinary nurses), the Credential Support Program will help you through the process! Get support and resources for enrollment in Penn Foster College’s vet tech program, tuition reimbursement for another vet tech program, VTNE support, and more.

Full-time VEGgies who have been at VEG for at least 3 months (90 days), with a career path that includes becoming a credentialed veterinary technician (i.e. VEG veterinary nurse), are eligible to participate.

Program Offerings

Penn Foster College Enrollment Through VEG *

• 100% of your Penn Foster College, Veterinary Technician Associate of Science program tuition paid up-front

Tuition Reimbursement *

• Self-enroll to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree through an AVMA CVTEA accredited program in Veterinary Technology or Veterinary Nursing, either in-person or distance learning

• Up to $1,500 per semester completed, with a lifetime maximum reimbursement of $6,000

VTNE Support

• Virtual VTNE Trivia Nights

• VTNE Prep Course registration fees covered

• VTNE registration fees covered

Other Credentialing Support and Mentorship

• Internal chat groups

• 1:1 mentorship from VEGgie graduates of the Penn Foster College program

• Loaner laptops for coursework and taking the VTNE

• VEG exclusive Large Animal Fast Tracks*

• State/province credentialing fee reimbursement

Items marked with an asterisk are only eligible for US VEGies only

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

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.

At VEG, we don't just hire sonographers—we develop them. Our New Emergency Sonographer Training (NEST) program is designed to grow the next generation of emergency veterinary sonographers through structured, didactic, and hands-on learning. NEST provides a clear pathway for passionate VEG nursing team members, who want to expand their clinical skills and transition into emergency sonography—reinforcing our commitment to investing in our people and creating meaningful career growth opportunities from within.

Who's Eligible: VEG Veterinary Nurses and Assistants with 1+ years of tenure at VEG
Training Format: In-person, one-on-one instruction with experienced VEG Sonographers and Radiologists as well as independent didactic work.
Location: Available across the U.S. in many of our VEG markets.

Program Length: 9-12 months