Course Duration: 1 Day
User Skill Level: Beginner*
Time: 8 am – 4 pm
Location: miEducation Training and Resource Centre, Guelph ON
Upcoming Dates:
June 14, 2026
Nov. 8, 2026
January 24, 2027
April 4, 2027
June 6, 2027
September 12, 2027
October 24, 2027
December 5, 2027
* There are no prerequisites for this course; it is suitable for DVMs and RVTs in general practice settings.
About this one-day workshop:
Essential Skills for the Veterinary Team: A day of Intro to VPOCUS and Companion Animal Abdominal Ultrasound
Fast. Focused. Foundational.
Get Ready for a Mini-Bootcamp!
Rapid clinical decisions can make all the difference in a fast-paced veterinary setting. This hands-on course equips DVMs and RVTs with the skills to perform a focused Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) exam, an essential tool for assessing sick or unstable patients.
You’ll learn how to systematically scan the chest and abdomen to detect free fluid or free air—vital information that can help steer your diagnostic and treatment decisions with confidence. The course includes a step-by-step lecture followed by a practical wet lab, allowing you to build your skills in real time.
You’ll also receive an introductory overview of abdominal ultrasound, helping you understand key landmarks and image acquisition techniques. While further training is required to master full abdominal studies, this course provides the perfect launchpad to begin your ultrasound journey.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to sharpen your diagnostic edge, this course offers a practical, approachable way to bring ultrasound into everyday practice.
Who should attend?
This course is intended for DVMs and RVTs that are new to ultrasound and want to learn more about it. Previous scanning experience is not necessary, however, general knowledge of small animal abdominal anatomy and clinical pathologies is helpful.
Meet your instructor:
Carolyn Bennett graduated from the 2-year Veterinary Technician program at Centralia College in 1982. After graduating, she worked at various veterinary hospitals in Ontario. In 2002 she began working in the Diagnostic Imaging department at the Ontario Veterinary College. In her role as a DI technician, she performed small animal ultrasound, small and large animal radiographs as well as small and large animal CT. She perfected her ultrasound skills with the guidance of board-certified radiologists. She took numerous courses to perfect her imaging skills including travelling to Milwaukee to become proficient at CT. Carolyn became the lead hand of the DI department, assuming other administrative and supervisory roles while continuing in her technician duties.
During her time at OVC she did some part-time weekend work going into clinics to teach ultrasound and hands-free radiology. She has lectured at the OAVT conference and McMaster University.
For the past 12 years she has worked for MiEducation. Originally the work was as an ultrasound instructor at bootcamps. After leaving OVC in 2021, she became more involved with MiEducation and now travels across Canada teaching ultrasound, created the Beginners Guide to Ultrasound lecture which is now part of the MiEducation curriculum, assists with FAST and hands-free radiology as well as being the Education Coordinator for MiEducation.
In her spare time Carolyn enjoys tennis, golf, and gardening. She is an avid birder and is actively involved with bird conservation groups. Her happy place is in a forest with a pair of binoculars in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What to know, where to stay, and what to bring once you’ve signed up for a course or workshop with miEducation…
We urge all of our attendees coming for one or more days to Guelph to book their stay at the Stone Road Delta Inn and Conference. Enjoy a convenient, comfortable stay at the miEducation Corporate Rate. Please see our Amenities page under the Contact tab for more information and to reserve your room.
Most of our workshops and multi-day courses begin at approximately 8:30 or 9:00 am. Expect each day of wet-labs to end at around 3:30 or 4 pm. A full course agenda is always sent a week or two ahead of your course date. If you don’t receive one, please email us!
If you don’t wish to rent a car from the airport, Uber, Lyft (ride share apps) and good old fashioned airport taxis are readily available once you land. If you opt for Red Car Service, this must be booked directly a head of time. Once in Guelph, transportation via ride share apps, taxis or public transit are good options. Our facility is easily accessible by Hwy 6 and is a short drive up from highway 401.
Yes, there will be light breakfast foods such as muffins, pastries, fresh fruit salad and yoghurt available when you arrive in the morning for your course. included in your course fees are lunches, served buffet style, during your time in the classroom. This will range from hot meals to sandwiches and wraps. If you have any special dietary requests due to allergies, lifestlye or religious observances, please let us know via email ahead of time. We are happy, and able to, accomodate
What should you bring with you to an miEducation course or workshop? Just yourself and an eagerness to learn! We provide course material, booklets and pens for note taking. If student material is in electronic format, you will recieve it via email 24 hrs prior to the course. With downloaded material, you also recommend bringing your laptop, or tablet to follow along with. All information on course material and information is sent out in emails – if you do not see an info email from us, please let us know.
During the wet labs, wear what you are most comfortable working in. Crocs, clogs or comfortable footwear are a good idea! Scrubs are fine during ultrasound labs, but not necessary due to the nature of the scan labs. If you are attending a surgical or dental course, scrubs are definitely a good idea. We also provide gowns, gloves and masks as needed.
Most miEducation courses and workshops offered at the training facility have been approved by RACE and OAVT. You will receive a personalized CE certificate before you leave at the end of the course.