Training Centers

Summary of Requirements and Approval Process

Purpose

Training centres are institutions (e.g. veterinary schools or private clinics) approved by ECAR to deliver formal residency training in animal reproduction.

Requirements for Training Centres

1. Facilities & Equipment

A training centre must have:

• Adequate clinical and laboratory facilities, including:

  • Exam rooms.

  • Ultrasound equipment (transrectal and transabdominal).

  • Semen collection and reproductive surgery rooms.

  • Labs for:

    • Gamete analysis & biotechnology.

    • Reproductive endocrinology.

    • Embryo transfer techniques.

• Access to a scientific library with:

  • Current veterinary and life science books and journals.

  • Some materials in English.

  • Internet access.

2. Clinical Case Load

• Must have a sufficient and varied clinical caseload to cover required species and procedures.

• If a centre lacks certain cases or techniques, externships at other approved institutions are encouraged.

3. Sub-specialisation Options

Training centres can be approved for one or more of the following fields:

• (a) Small animal reproduction.

• (b) Equine reproduction.

• (c) Ruminant reproduction and herd health.

• (d) Porcine reproduction and herd health.

• (e) Reproductive biotechnology.

4. Supervision

• Must provide direct supervision by an ECAR Diplomate or approved equivalent.

• Supervisor must:

  • Oversee resident progress.

  • Hold monthly review meetings.

  • Submit annual progress reports.

• One Supervisor can train up to three Residents (or part-time equivalents).

Approval Process for Training Centres

How Centres Are Approved?

• Centres must apply for approval by the ECAR Board.

• The Education and Residency Committee defines the criteria and monitors compliance.

• Approval includes:

  • Evaluation of facilities, case load, staff, and training plan.

  • Documentation of supervision and resources.

• Centres are subject to recertification at regular intervals.

Ongoing Responsibilities

• Must notify ECAR immediately about major changes, such as:

  • Change or absence of the Supervisor.

  • Loss of clinical caseload or equipment.

• If a programme is inactive for more than 24 months, it must be reviewed before reactivation.

• Failure to maintain standards can lead to:

  • Probation status.

  • Loss of approval.

Key Takeaways

• ECAR training centres must meet strict clinical, academic, and supervisory standards.

• Approval is granted by the Board, with guidance from the Education and Residency Committee.

• Regular monitoring and recertification ensure ongoing quality and compliance.

List of accredited training centres

A list of approved training centres can be found here.