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OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
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VETERINARY SUPPORT STAFF

    
VSPN CE Course TECH174-0714: Blood Chemistry in the Canine and Feline
Audio and Text: The Real Time Session lecture will be predominantly text with audio used to answer questions.

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INSTRUCTOR(S): Ann Wortinger, BIS, LVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM, Nutrition)
COURSE OPEN: July 2-August 2, 2014
REAL TIME SESSIONS (RTS): Wednesdays, July 9, 16 & 23, 2014; 8:00-9:30pm ET (USA)
Course RTS Times in Your Area: World Clock Converter

Practice Sessions: In order to prepare you for a successful experience in your CE course, we request you attend a Practice Session prior to the first Real Time Session. Please arrive promptly at the start time; each Practice Session is up to 1 hour in length. For more information, please visit the CE Practice Area.

*The instructors for this course will be using audio which will require you to have a headset or speakers to listen. If you have any concerns regarding your computer's audio capabilities, please be sure to attend one of the Practice Sessions.

Level and Prerequisites: This intermediate course is focused toward those veterinary personnel who are familiar with laboratory testing and equipment. This course will not cover how to use specific pieces of equipment, but rather help staff identify how to improve sample collection and tests available, and testing procedures to result in more reliable results.
VSPN CE Course: This course has been RACE approved for technicians only.
The Veterinary Information Network (VIN) is RACE Provider #22.

Course Description:
Many of us run blood tests and chemistry profiles daily. Do you really understand what each of these tests indicate and what they mean? This class will go through the most common chemistry tests and explain what each one indicates, how they correlate with other tests, and what they really mean. We will also cover some of the more common tests done in-house for viruses and parasites. Common tests sent out to reference labs will be reviewed as well to complete the course.

This course consists of three (3) ninety (90) minute Real Time Sessions, supplemental library materials, interactive message board discussions, a mandatory end-of-course test, and may include online multiple choice quizzes (after each Real Time Session). Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course.

To learn more about the requirements for earning a CE certificate, please refer to Receiving Your CE Credit and Course Completion Certificate.

*The lecture portion of this course will combine both text and audio presentation, please be prepared to listen.

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to Course Materials: Course materials will be available in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.

Required Textbook(s): There is no required textbook for this course.

About the Instructors:
Ann Wortinger is a published author and has specialty certification in Emergency Critical Care, Small Animal Internal Medicine, and Nutrition. Her experience in general, emergency and specialty practices, as well as in education provides solid experience in understanding in house and reference laboratory testing for patients. She is president-elect for the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians (AVNT). Ann is currently working as the hospital administrator at Affiliated Veterinary Emergency Services in Allen Park, Michigan.

Course Outline:
Week 1 (Real Time Session July 9): Introduction to In-house Chemistry Testing and Chemistry Machines
Content: In this week we will cover common problems associated with in-house testing such as hemolysis, icterus and lipemia, as well as common non-enzymatic tests done. We will go through what the tests indicate and how they interrelate with other tests, as well as the limitations of some of the tests.

Week 2 (Real Time Session July 16): Enzyme and Electrolyte Tests
Content: This week we will discuss enzymatic tests and how they differ from the non-enzymatic tests. We will briefly discuss the causes for enzyme changes in the dog and cat including the organ(s) that produce them and their interrelation to each other. Electrolytes will be discussed regarding their function, charge, and how they differ from enzymes and by-products. Tests commonly sent out to reference labs will be covered including sample preparations and parameters for running the test; bile acids, cortisol, toxicology, and specific drug testing will be included.

Week 3 (Real Time Session July 23): In-house Virus and Parasite Testing, and Reference Laboratory Tests
Content: During our last week we will look at some of the in-house tests as well as those commonly sent out to a reference laboratory such as for bacteria, viruses and parasites. Sample collection and preparation, and the goal of the test will be discussed.

CE CREDITS: 4.5

Tuition: $90 ($81 early bird special if enrolled by June 19,2014)

* Students currently enrolled in and taking at least 2 classes or 5 units at an AVMA accredited or CAAHT approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status).
*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close at 5 pm ET Wednesday, July 9, 2014, or when the maximum number of participants is reached.
*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.

TO ENROLL:
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  1. Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to VIN member and non-member veterinarians. Veterinarians enrolling in a VSPN CE course must be a VIN member. Veterinary support staff must be a VSPN member to enroll in a VSPN CE or a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
  2. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
  3. Each person is individually responsible for his/her own registration. To ensure that all information received is secure and correct, please do not enroll for a course on behalf of another individual.
  4. For further assistance call 800-846-0028, ext. 792 or email VSPNCE@vspn.org. Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.
*Note: "This course is approved for 4.5 continuing education credits in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval; however participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education." Call VSPN CE at 800-846-0028, ext. 792 for further information. (Attendees are encouraged to check with their licensing jurisdiction(s) for information regarding recognition by their board).

Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to the listed start date of the course. If you wish to withdraw after the start date please contact the VIN/VSPN office 800-846-0028, ext. 792 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.
* Note: To ensure rapid handling of your request for withdrawal, we recommend that you call the VSPN office at 800-846-0028, ext. 792.

*For more information on VSPN's upcoming CE courses, check the VSPN Course Catalog.

The CE team:

Charlotte Waack, RVT, CVT
VSPN CE Director

VSPN CE Services: VSPNCE@vspn.org
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 792
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01452226154


800.700.4636  |  CEonVIN@vin.com  |  530.756.4881  |  Fax: 530.756.6035
777 West Covell Blvd, Davis, CA 95616

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