Ultrasound Bootcamp Part 1:
Introduction to Companion Animal Ultrasound
Course Duration: 3 Days
User Skill Level: Beginner*
Time: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm (Friday)
8:00 am to 4:00 pm (Sat. & Sun.)
Location: miEducation Training and Resource Centre, Guelph ON
Upcoming Dates:
All 2026 dates – FULL
Jan 8-10, 2027 – Full
Feb 5-7, 2027
Mar 12-14, 2027
Apr 9-11, 2027
Apr 30-May 2, 2027
Oct 1-3, 2027
Don’t want to miss out on new course dates when they are released? Check your inbox or join our Email List and stay in the loop.
Remember…early registration is highly recommended.
*There is no prerequisite for Bootcamp Part 1, however, strong knowledge & understanding of organs and structures within the abdominal region of cats and dogs is highly recommended.
Note: We strongly recommend a minimum of 8 – 12 weeks between attending Part 1 and Part 2 of Ultrasound Bootcamp.
About this course:
Are you ready to master abdominal ultrasound and enhance your diagnostic skills? Ultrasound Bootcamp Part 1 provides a balanced approach of didactic learning and hands-on practical training, helping you perform a full abdominal ultrasound, including the liver, spleen, urogenital system, gastrointestinal tract, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes.
Through instructor-guided tutorials, you will gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art phantom learning tools and live patient scans in a clinical setting. The course also covers the principles and techniques for ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration and biopsies, with dedicated practice sessions in our wet lab.
Designed for all skill levels, our fast-paced, hands-on Bootcamp ensures you develop a solid foundation in performing and documenting a complete ultrasound examination for submission to a radiologist. You will also gain a clear understanding of the indications and limitations of abdominal ultrasonography.
Ultrasound Bootcamp program is divided into Part 1 (Introduction to scanning and indications for ultrasound) and Part 2 (Ultrasound interpretation and scanning practice), allowing you to build on your skills at your own pace. Do not miss this opportunity to elevate your expertise and improve patient care—contact us today to learn more!
*There is no pre-requisite for Bootcamp Part 1. See below for details.
Note: We strongly recommend a minimum of 8 – 12 weeks between attending Part 1 and Part 2 of Ultrasound Bootcamp.
Who should attend this course?
Animal health care clinicians and technicians wishing to begin or further their journey into general abdominal imaging in cats and dogs. No past experience or courses are required prior to enrolling in Ultrasound Bootcamp Part 1, however, a strong understanding of companion animal abdominal anatomy is highly recommended.
Meet your instructors:
Dr. Stephanie Nykamp (DVM, Dip ACVR) is a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph and has been a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiologists since 2003, following completion of a residency at Cornell University. While on faculty at the Ontario Veterinary College she was involved in training and mentoring DVM students and numerous diagnostic imaging residents as well as residents on other specialties. Dr. Nykamp is currently a teleradiology consultant.
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.