Growing a veterinary practice goes far beyond clinical skills. Today’s veterinary leaders must also master team dynamics, effective communication, strategic thinking, and sustainable business practices to build high-performing clinics where professionals thrive and patients receive exceptional care. The Veterinary Leadership & Business Courses, developed in partnership with the Veterinary Leadership Academy, are designed specifically to equip veterinary professionals with the leadership and business tools needed to achieve these outcomes.

Whether you are an aspiring leader stepping into your first managerial role or a seasoned practice owner seeking sustainable growth, this suite of courses offers structured guidance, practical frameworks, and coaching support — all tailored to the unique needs of veterinary workplaces.

Leadership Training Built for Veterinary Teams

The Veterinary Leadership & Business Courses are delivered by the Veterinary Leadership Academy, founded by Dr. Dave Nicol — a global authority in veterinary leadership, bestselling author, and experienced clinician-owner. His vision was born from first-hand experience managing veterinary teams, and a desire to solve pervasive challenges such as burnout, workplace drama, communication breakdowns, and high turnover.

Drawing on behavioural psychology and tested in real veterinary settings, these courses blend actionable leadership strategies with proven coaching methods. The result is a development journey that supports behavioural change and improved results, not just theoretical learning.

Developing Leaders: Core Skills for Emerging Veterinary Leaders

This course is ideal for those beginning their leadership journey — including lead technicians, head nurses, new managers, and other emerging leaders. It lays the foundation of leadership skills, focusing on:

Building confidence and clarity in leadership roles

Enhancing team communication and trust

Navigating difficult conversations with professionalism

Inspiring collaboration and positive workplace dynamics

Content is delivered in flexible, on-demand modules to fit busy clinical schedules, complemented by weekly live group coaching sessions that promote accountability and practical application.

Strategic Leaders: Advanced Leadership for Practice Growth

Designed for practice owners, senior managers, and those responsible for strategic decision-making, this course goes deeper into advanced leadership thinking and business fundamentals. Participants learn how to:

Set clear strategic direction without micromanaging

Delegate effectively and empower team members

Drive sustainable growth and improve clinic performance

Build a thriving workplace culture with low drama and high retention

Weekly group coaching sessions with Dr. Dave Nicol and a global cohort of veterinary leaders reinforce learning and provide a supportive environment to test ideas, overcome challenges, and stay on track with long-term goals.

Tools and Resources That Enable Real-World Impact

Both courses include practical toolkits, templates, exercises, and frameworks that help translate learning into action. These resources have been developed specifically for veterinary workplaces, with a focus on real-world applicability rather than abstract leadership theory.

The combination of expert instruction, peer coaching, and immediately usable tools helps veterinary leaders improve team performance, reduce workplace stress, and transform clinic culture from reactive to proactive and positive.

Global Reach and Proven Outcomes

Veterinary Leadership Academy’s programs are used by clinics across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and beyond, and trusted by private practices, consolidator groups, and specialty hospitals alike. Clinicians praise the curriculum for its balance between actionable insights and deeper mindset work, and many report measurable improvements in team happiness, communication, and even profitability after applying what they’ve learned.

Testimonials from course participants emphasize changes not only in leadership effectiveness but also in overall clinic wellbeing and operational performance — making this more than a leadership course, but a transformation pathway for veterinary businesses.

Exclusive Nova Vet Family Member Benefits

Nova Vet Family members receive exclusive discounts on both Developing Leaders and Strategic Leaders courses, giving clinics access to advanced leadership frameworks and group coaching at a reduced cost. In addition, members gain access to complimentary quarterly webinars hosted by Dr. Dave Nicol, covering topics like leadership mindset, team culture, and business success strategies — insights designed to elevate clinics beyond the training room and into daily practice.

Elevate Your Clinic’s Future

In an era of rising expectations, changing workforce dynamics, and increasing complexity in veterinary care, strong leadership and business acumen are critical drivers of clinic success. The Veterinary Leadership & Business Courses provide a structured path for veterinary professionals to grow their influence, strengthen teams, and achieve sustainable performance improvements. Investing in leadership development ultimately strengthens not only the culture of the clinic but the quality of care provided to patients and the long-term wellbeing of the entire team.