The OSCEs task practice is for vets who have passed the first part of the RCVS Statutory Examination and must complete the OSCEs stations to finish the exam and register with the RCVS.
Maximum Number of Participants
This course is limited to 4 participants to make sure everyone has plenty of hands-on time and individual feedback.
Cost
The course fees are 850€ per student.
Dates
Dates for the course are 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 May 2026.
Where Does It Take Place?
The course takes place in the outskirts of Lisbon, in a city called Vila Franca de Xira. We will visit different facilities:
UniVets Global Training Centre
Where we run the small animal stations.
Horse Riding School
Where we run equine stations with live horses.
Local Farm
Where we run equine and production animal stations.
Practical Information
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation and meals are not included, but we will provide you with a list of suitable places for accommodation, as well as shops and restaurants. We will also get all participants together in a WhatsApp group in case you want to look at shared accommodations.
Travel
Travel to Portugal is not included, but we will transport you between the training centre and the farm and stables.
What to Bring
We recommend every participant brings their wellies and jumpsuit overalls, as well as their stethoscope. Travel insurance with accident cover is highly recommended.
Course Organisation
This course is dedicated to practise different tasks that may be asked during the OSCEs and will have live animals, notably dogs, horses and sheep, as well as models.
We will provide you with instructions on how to perform different tasks, as well as our video demonstrations, in advance.
The goal of this course is to allow you to practise and perfect different technical tasks, so you don't stress about them during the OSCEs.
We will only be simulating specific OSCE stations on the final day. The schedule of tasks for each day can be seen below (we may adapt this based on weather conditions).
The day starts at 9am and finishes around 6pm. We will start the morning in the training centre and move to the farm and stables in the afternoon. We can be flexible with this depending on weather conditions and group needs.
Schedule: Days 1 & 2
Day 1 — AM · Training Centre
Small Animal Clinical Skills I – Core Procedures
Focus: Essential day-one examination and therapeutic techniques using models and equipment at the centre.
Systematic Physical Examination techniques
Ophthalmic Examination
Intravenous (IV) Catheter Placement in a dog model
Setting up Intravenous Fluids for small animals
Applying a Canine Forelimb Bandage
Day 1 — PM · Farm
Equine Skills I – Handling & Basic Equine Procedures
Focus: Safe handling and common non-invasive procedures on live horses.
Safe handling: Rugging up a horse, Tying up using a quick-release knot
Common sites for Intramuscular (IM) Injections and technique on live horses
Passing a Nasogastric Tube in a horse (demonstration / simulator)
Day 2 — AM · Training Centre
Small Animal Skills II – Surgical & Anaesthesia Basics
Focus: Foundational skills for the surgical and anaesthetic environment using simulators and equipment at the centre.
Theatre Practice: Surgical Scrub, Hand Drying, Gowning, Closed Gloving and Open Gloving
Surgical Instruments: Instrument Handling and Selection
Fundamentals of Suturing: One-handed tie, Two-handed tie, Instrument Suture knot
Anaesthesia: Anaesthetic Machine Set-up
Anaesthesia: Identifying and checking common Small Animal Breathing Systems (e.g., Bain, Modified Ayres T-piece)
Day 2 — PM · Farm
Production Animal Skills I – Sheep/Goat Handling & Basic Procedures
Focus: Practical handling, examination, and basic procedures with live goats/sheep.
Handling: Safe approach, restraint techniques
Clinical Examination of the Goat / Sheep: Systematic approach
Basic Procedures: Venepuncture, Udder health assessment/CMT
Schedule: Day 3
Day 3 — AM · Training Centre
Small Animal Skills III – Diagnostics
Focus: Common diagnostic procedures using models and lab equipment at the centre.
Diagnostic Imaging: Positioning for BVA/KC Hips and Caudo-cranial Stifle using models