Training Centers

Supervision and progress review

Residents must receive direct supervision from an ECAR Diplomate or an approved equivalent. The supervisor oversees progress, holds monthly review meetings and submits annual progress reports.

One supervisor may train up to three residents, or their part-time equivalents.

Clinical caseload

Centres must provide sufficient case numbers and variety to cover the species and procedures required by the training programme. Where particular cases or techniques are unavailable, externships at other approved institutions are encouraged.

Clinical and laboratory facilities

Required facilities and equipment include:

• Clinical examination rooms.
• Transrectal and transabdominal ultrasound equipment.
• Semen collection and reproductive surgery rooms.
• Laboratory facilities for gamete analysis and biotechnology.
• Facilities for reproductive endocrinology and embryo transfer techniques.

Academic resources

Residents must have access to a scientific library containing current veterinary and life science books and journals, including English-language materials, together with internet access.

Training centres apply for approval by the ECAR Board. The Education and Residency Committee defines the criteria and monitors compliance.

1. Document the proposed training provision. Describe the facilities, equipment, clinical caseload, staffing, supervision arrangements and training plan.
2. Submit the centre for evaluation. Provide the information needed for ECAR to assess the proposed training and available resources.
3. Receive the Board’s decision. Approval is granted by the ECAR Board following evaluation against the training requirements.

Approved centres are subject to periodic review and recertification.

Maintain the training environment

Centres must continue to meet ECAR’s requirements for supervision, clinical experience, facilities and educational resources.

Report significant changes immediately

Notify ECAR of changes that could affect training, including a change or absence of the supervisor, reduced clinical caseload, or loss of essential equipment.

Review before reactivation

A programme that has been inactive for more than 24 months must be reviewed before it restarts.