Your Successful & Happy Career in Vet Medicine

'So You're A Vet... Now What?' exists because we believe being a vet can and should be the best job ever. But we also know that the challenges you face in practice each day can take their toll and leave you feeling burned out or disenfranchised. The reality is that being a vet is also a hard job and the clinical training you received at vet school is simply not enough to ensure a great career.

In fact, there is another skill set that is so much more important. The non-clinical skills (or life skills as we call them) are things like emotional intelligence, the smarts to say the right word and the right time, and the ability to manage your time. These, and many besides are the skills that will provide you with the foundation for a happy and healthy career as a vet.

So You're A Vet... Now What teaches these skills exclusively. But this is so much more than an educational platform. This is a toolkit where you will have access to templates, frameworks and worksheets to help you build and execute your plan. Plus you'll be part of a global support network - a place of positive encouragement. 

And finally, you'll be learning in a RACE and Vetted accredited community where you can get 12 hours of structured education credit.

What You'll Learn

So You're A Vet... Now What combines teaching, practical tools and community support into one experience so you can develop your skills effectively and safely with your peers. At the heart of the So You're A Vet... Now What program are our outstanding non-clinical skills training modules and associated toolkits. These training modules build consecutively to teach you the tools, mental judo and skills essential to your success and happiness. You can find the full training schedule below.
Join Today

Member Benefits

As a So You're A Vet... Now What community member you'll receive

  • Accredited Training Modules

    There are over 15 hours of world-class training modules with RACE & VetEd accreditation which tackle subjects in easily manageable chunks.

  • Templates and Worksheets

    Each module comes with a supporting tool, framework and quiiz to help you to easily implement the strategies you learn. So you can start winning immediatly

  • Peer Support

    Through our online Facebook group, you'll access community support to keep you on track to meet your goals, celebrate the wins and help overcome your struggles.

Course curriculum

  • 1
    So You're A Vet...Now What? - Welcome to the course!
  • 2
    1. Planning Your Career & Smashing F.E.A.R
  • 3
    2. How To Be A Healthy Happy Vet. Avoid Burnout And Build Resilience
  • 4
    3. The Secret Equation To The Art Of Persuasion
  • 5
    4. The Matrix Is Real - How To Create Time And Use It Wisely
  • 6
    5. Breaking Bad - Why Ego is Your Enemy
  • 7
    6. Emotional Intelligence 101
  • 8
    7. Take Charge of Your Happy – Positive Psychology and How it Can Help You
  • 9
    8. Negotiation - how to get what you want and keep everyone happy
  • 10
    9. Becoming A Great Clinical and Personal Leader
  • 11
    10. Money Mastery - beat the debt monster
  • 12
    11. Find Your Home – how to find and get the right job for you.
  • 13
    12. Personal brands in practice and how building one might help you.
  • 14
    The Mentor Vault
  • 15
    Guest Lectures
  • 16
    So You're A Vet...Now What? Extra Awesome Bonuses!
  • 17
    Inspiration Station: Resources and Reading
  • So You're A Vet...Now What? - A Welcome by vet, course creator and book author, Dr Dave Nicol A User Guide to the So You're A Vet...Now What? Course The So You're A Vet...Now What? Community Values
  • Planning Your Career And Smashing The F.E.A.R - Synopsis and Learning Objectives Planning Your Career And Smashing The F.E.A.R. Part 1: Human Needs. What We Need To Be Happy. Planning Your Career And Smashing The F.E.A.R Part 2A: Goal Setting and Values. How To Achieve The Career You Always Wanted. Planning Your Career And Smashing The F.E.A.R Part 2B: Goal Setting And Values - How You Achieve Your Dreams Planning Your Career And Smashing The F.E.A.R Part 3: The Imposter, The Perfectionist And The FEAR Planning Your Career And Smashing The F.E.A.R Part 4: F.E.A.R. = False Evidence Appearing Real My Career Plan Toolkit Planning Your Career And Smashing The F.E.A.R Quiz
  • Avoiding Burnout & Build Resilience - Synopsis & Learning Objectives How To Be A Healthy Happy Vet, Part 1A: What is Burnout? How To Be A Happy Healthy Vet, Part 1B: Story Telling How To Be A Happy Healthy Vet, Part 1C: Crazy Humans How To Be A Happy Healthy Vet, Part 2: Signs Of Burnout How To Be A Happy Healthy Vet, Part 3A: Happy Healthy Vet How To Be A Happy Healthy Vet, Part 3B: Happy Healthy Vet continued How To Be A Happy Healthy Vet, Part 4: Emotional Firefighting Techniques Beat Your Inner Imposter & Resilience Builder Toolkit How To Be A Happy Healthy Vet Quiz
  • The Secret Equation To The Art Of Persuasion - Synopsis and Learning Objectives The Secret Equation Of The Art Of Persuasion, Part 1A: The Top 4 Mistakes Vets Make The Secret Equation Of The Art Of Persuasion, Part 1B: Identify Your Vet Persona The Secret Equation Of The Art Of Persuasion, Part 2: Humans Of Veterinary Medicine aka Whats On The End Of The Leash The Secret Equation Of The Art Of Persuasion, Part 3A: The 7 Elements To A Perfect Appointment. Building Rapport. The Secret Equation Of The Art Of Persuasion, Part 3B: The 7 Elements To A Perfect Appointment Elements 1&2 The Secret Equation Of The Art Of Persuasion, Part 3C: The 7 Elements To A Perfect Appointment Elements 3 - 7 The Secret Equation Of The Art Of Persuasion, Part 4: Playtime Your Exam Room Technique Toolkit & Workbook The Secret Equation To The Art Of Persuasion Quiz
  • The Matrix Is Real. How To Create Time And Use It Wisely - Synopsis & Learning Objectives How To Create Time And Use It Wisely Part 1: The Matrix Is Real The Matrix Is Real, Part 2: Unplug. Create More Space For The Good Stuff. The Matrix Is Real, Part 3: Reboot - 5 Habits To Change Your Life The Matrix Is Real, Part 4A: Create More Time With In Clinic Tactics The Matrix Is Real, Part 4B: In Clinic Tactics continued My Time Management Toolkit The Matrix Is Real Quiz
  • Breaking Bad - Why Ego Is Your Enemy - Synopsis & Learning Objectives Breaking Bad - Why Ego Is Your Enemy, Part 1: Ego. A Gigantic Pain In The Butt Breaking Bad - Why Ego Is Your Enemy, Part 2: The Disease Of Ego. Problem Points - Dreams, Success, Failure. Breaking Bad - Why Ego Is Your Enemy, Part 3: Antidotes To Ego- How Do You Keep It Under Control? Manage Your Ego Toolkit Breaking Bad - Why Ego Is Your Enemy Quiz
  • Emotional Intelligence 101 - Synopsis and Learning Objectives Emotional Intelligence: Part 1 - What is EQ? Emotional Intelligence: Part 2 - Improving Your EQ Emotional Intelligence: Part 3 - Practical Ways To Improve Your EQ Emotional Intelligence: Part 4 -Improving Your Access To The Most Useful Emotions Emotional Intelligence Toolkit Emotional Intelligence 101 Quiz
  • Module Synopsis and Learning Objectives Take Charge Of Your Happy: Part 1 - What Is Positive Psychology? Take Charge Of Your Happy: Part 2- Proof That Positivity Is Good For You (& how to get there) Take Charge Of Your Happy: Part 3A - Steps To Happiness Take Charge Of Your Happy: Part 3B - Steps To Happiness (continued) Postive Psychology Toolkit Take Charge Of Your Happy Quiz
  • Module Synopsis and Learning Objectives The Subtle Art Of Negotiation: Part 1 - What Is Negotiation? The Subtle Art Of Negotiation: Part 2 - Negotiating With Your Boss The Subtle Art Of Negotiation: Part 3 - Negotiating For Resources, With Colleagues And Patients The Subtle Art of Negotiation: Part 4- Negotiations That Are Closer To Home The Subtle Art Of Negotiation: Part 5 - Key Principles For Great Outcomes Negotiate Like A Pro Toolkit Negotiation Quiz
  • Module Synopsis and Learning Objectives Becoming A Great Leader: Part 1 - WTF is Leadership? Becoming A Great Leader: Part 2 - Leadership Principles and Values Becoming A Great Leader: Part 3 - Objectives, Executing The Plan and Trust Becoming A Great Leader: Part 4 - Personas, Blame Culture and Six To Fix Becoming A Great Leader: Part 5 - The Engaged Team Personal Leadership Scorecard Personal Leadership Quiz
  • Module Synopsis and Learning Objectives Money Mastery: Part 1A - Money In Practice Money Mastery: Part 1B - Money In Practice Money Mastery: Part 2 - Personal Budgeting Money Mastery: Part 3 - How To Retire Before 90 Money Mastery: Part 4 - The Final A-HA! Budget Planner Toolkit Money Mastery Quiz
  • Module Synopsis and Learning Objectives Find Your Home: Part 1- Planning Your Career Find Your Home: Part 2A- Human Needs and Finding Your Superpowers Find Your Home: Part 2B - Assessing Your Options and Building Your Practice Avatar Find Your Home: Part 3: Negotiating A Good Deal (For All) Find Your Home Toolkit Find Your Home Quiz
  • Module Synopsis and Learning Objectives Personal Branding for Vets - Why Should You Even Bother? Personal Brands In Practice And How Building One Can Help You Personal Brand Starter Toolkit Personal Branding Quiz
  • How Do I Integrate Goal Setting In A Mixed Practice? How Do I Manage Being A Manager And A Vet? What Happens If I Can't Justify Euthanasia? What Happens If An Owner is Resisting Necessary Euthanasia? What Do You Do When You Don't Know Anything?! (with emphasis on exotics) How Do I Make Sure I Don't Miss Anything Critical? How Do I Correct A Colleague? How Do I Stay On Course To Achieve My Objectives? How Do I Keep My Consult Time Down? How Do I Pick Myself Up After A Bad Day? How Do I Not Bring Cases Home With Me But Continue To Learn? How Can We Improve Communication Between Our Teams? Case Study: Unexpected Death Under Anaesthetic What Happens When There's No Opportunity To Make Things Better With Clients? How Do I Implement Procedure To Minimise Clinical Errors? How Do I Manage Difficulties With My Colleagues? How Do I Get Off To A Good Start In A New Practice? When's The Right Time To Leave My First Job? Do You Have Any Coping Strategies For Putting Down Animals You Are Invested In? What Do I Do If I'm Struggling To Make A Decision? How Do I Go About Getting The Right Job When I Just Want A Job?! I've Done My DISC Profile, Now What? Help! I May Have Spread Myself Too Thin. How Do I Focus On Developing My Skills?
  • Recognising Risk and Reducing Suicide In Veterinary Professionals with Dr Nadine Hamilton Conflict Resolution with Pet Owners - Debra Hamilton Dealing With Imposter Syndrome - Dr Lori Kogan Boundaries and Healthy Habits - Dr Lori Kogan Post COVID-19: Embracing change and fostering optimism - Dr Lori Kogan Staying Positive In Times Of Challenge - PERMA with Joshua French Investing In You - Dr Katie Ford Career Stories: Dr Mary Gardner Career Stories: Dr Sheilah Robertson Career Stories - Managing Dogs and Demons - Dr Steve Noonan Exam Room Skills, Busting The Food Myths And Internet Hype - Dr Marge Chandler How to have a device and keep sane - Be More Snail - Part 1 How to have a device and keep sane - Be More Snail - Part 2 How To Deal With Stress, Anxiety and Manage Your Fear In Times Of Great Uncertainty Time Management - Dr Dave Nicol
  • Improve Your Life as a Vet Ebook Managing Your Debt & Building Your Wealth with Fritz Wood CPA Your Complimentary Digital Copy of "So You're A Vet...Now What?" How To Pay Off Your Student Debt in Five Years with Dr Meredith Bailey Jones
  • The So You're A Vet... Now What Recommended Reading List YouTube To Get You Rockin' Mindfulness Resources And Exercises

Meet Your Mentor

Author of So You're A Vet... Now What?

Dr Dave Nicol

Author of So You're A Vet... Now What?

"The world is never going to change just because you think it should. You are the change, so become what you want to world to be more like"

Why Join So You're A Vet... Now What?

  • Career objectives and planning

  • Positive mindset training

  • Communication skills

  • Supportive global peer network

  • Career success toolkits

What community members say

DVM, USA

Dr Michael Fontano

DVM, USA

"I like [So You're A Vet... Now What] because feel like I still have a network of peers available to me instead of me being on my own."
MRCVS, UK

Dr Charlotte Dawson

MRCVS, UK

"Each area we have covered... has taught me something new I can carry confidently to incorporate at work."
MRCVS, UK

Dr Helen O'Kelly

MRCVS, UK

"Since joining... I feel in a safer and happier place, where I have a mentor and a group of friends for support."

Pricing options

A low cost one-off payment. (we welcome members from all over the world).

FAQ

Your common questions answered

  • How is So You're A Vet... Now What different from other veterinary support services?

    So You're A Vet... Now What is the only place you will find the educational content Dr Dave Nicol has created. It's tailored specifically to the veterinary associates and has helped hundreds, if not thousands of vets like you to enjoy their work. Secondly, So You're A Vet... Now What toolkits and worksheets are the mechanism whereby you take knowledge and put it into practice. This is not some theory-driven course, it's a community that is serious about helping you connect with and love your work. Finally, we offer an easy to access, accredited solution to your challenges all at a great price.

  • Do I get any CE/CPD points for my membership in the community?

    Absolutely. Members can submit a minimum of 12 hours of approved CE/CPD as part of their membership.

  • Can I join at any point in the year?

    Yes, our systems open up access to our monthly non-clinical skills training modules automatically from the date of admission. Plus, on registration, you’ll have instant access to all our back catalogue of recordings and the Facebook community.

  • What happens if I want to cancel my membership?

    All members can try the community risk-free for the first 14 days of their membership. If, during this time, you decide the community does not meet your needs, then just let us know, and we will arrange a prompt refund. After this period has elapsed, a refund is not possible.

  • Can I remain a member if I move jobs or countries?

    We are pleased for you to remain a member regardless of your role or location on planet earth. How this works is very much between the person who pays for the course and you. So, we recommend a discussion with your previous or new employer, so your access is unimpeded. Remember, many practices will happily fund your place in So You're A Vet... Now What as it offers incredible value for money in reaching the required CE/CPD hours. We can be very flexible to meet your needs; email us for help.

  • I’m over five years qualified, is So You're A Vet... Now What still of value to me?

    Yes, yes, yes! We have members who have been vets for more than 30 years! If this is you, then you also have an abundant life experience to share with the So You're A Vet... Now What community, and we would welcome you with open arms. We believe that non-clinical skills, support and networking should be available to all.

  • Do you teach any clinical skills in the So You're A Vet... Now What community?

    No, but the core of the community are the foundational non-clinical or life skills because we believe these to be the determinants of success and happiness in practice.

Bonus material

As a member you'll score this sweet merch!

  • Improve Your Life as a Vet Ebook

    In Dr Dave's ebook, you'll find short, digestible text with some easy-to-implement pointers that will definitely help you improve your life significantly.

  • Managing Debt & Building Wealth Interview

    Listen in as Dr Dave Nicol speaks with Fritz Wood a veterinary CPA and industry expert from the US.

  • How To Pay Off Your Student Debt in Five Years with Dr Meredith Bailey Jones

    In this interview format webinar, Dr Dave finds out how Meredith Bailey-Jones, ER veterinarian and money management expert paid off her student debt in five years.

Join So You're A Vet... Now What Today

Are you ready to make the best investment in your future? Affordable, accredited & accessible.

Sign Up Today