Back Print Save Bookmark in my Browser Main : Course Catalog : Veterinary Assistant Training Module 1

Courses open for VSPNer registration

STAF114-0105 : Vet. Asst. Module 1 - The Basics of Becoming a Veterinary Assistant and an Orientation to the Veterinary Hospital

INSTRUCTOR:
Heather Howell, LVT, MBA

DATES:
January 6 - February 3, 2005
Real Time Sessions: Monday evenings January 10, 17, and 24; 9:30pm - 11:00pm ET (USA)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Goal of the course: To teach veterinary assistants, animal caretakers, and new employees necessary information so they may actively contribute to quality patient care. To impart knowledge and techniques veterinary assistants can utilize when assisting veterinarians and veterinary technicians. This module will focus on the first few days of a veterinary assistants training.

All members of the veterinary support staff are encouraged to join the course and its discussions; however, this course is focused toward veterinary assistants, animal caretakers and new hospital employees.

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1 - Hospital Definitions, Basic Terminology, and the Roles of the Veterinary Staff
Content: This session will cover the basic knowledge of how each position in a veterinary hospital contributes to the overall health of the hospital and patients and how to fit in at your new job. Basic medical records charting and veterinary terminology will also be covered to enable you to professionally interact with the staff and the clients. Taking initiative, anticipating the doctor and technician's needs, and becoming indispensable in your position will also be discussed.

Week 2 - Safety and Basic Animal Restraint/Handling
Content: This session will cover on the job safety and common hospital hazards, including how to manage such hazards. Patient restraint and handling will also be covered including restraints used for a variety of procedures. Tips on becoming proficient at handling and anticipating patients will also be discussed.

Week 3 - Client Interaction, Phone Skills, and Building the Hospital Team
Content: This session will touch on client relations, phone skills, and handling the angry or upset client. This will be valuable for all veterinary assistants, particularly those in a smaller practice where cross coverage of job positions are required. The overall goal is to familiarize staff with common client issues and be able to utilize good phone skills and etiquette to reflect well on the practice. This session will also discuss the importance of smooth interaction between positions on the veterinary team and how to become an excellent team member.

CE HOURS: 4.5 CEUs

LIBRARY MATERIALS:
Library materials will be made available prior to the topic week so participants will have plenty of time to prepare for the real time sessions and discussion.

MESSAGE BOARD DISCUSSIONS:
board discussions regarding the topic presented will begin on the day the course opens and continue for one week following the last real time session. These discussions will be held in the VSPN CE course area.

TUITION:
$77 ($69 early bird special if registered before December 23, 2004)
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 reduced rate for this course (upon verification of student status) *VT students: You must include the following information in the comments section of the CE enrollment form in order to be eligible for this discount: your program directors name and contact information (email/phone) and school name. NOTE: Purchase the entire four module set by January 10 and receive a 15% overall discount.

TO REGISTER:

  1. Each person must individually be a registered member of VSPN (www.vspn.org). Membership in VSPN is free.
  2. Each person must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. This is our major form of communication with participants. It is highly recommended that course participants use their own, personal emails rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
  3. VIN Member veterinarians SHOULD NOT register for their staff. Please have the staff member register through VSPN. Please email VSPNCE@vspn.org if you have questions.
*** For More Information on VSPN's upcoming CE Courses, check out www.vspn.org/CE

Note: "This course has been submitted for approval for 4.5 hours of continuing education credits in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB's 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 VIN/VSPN 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: Withdrawal prior to the listed start date of a course entitles the registrant to a complete refund or a credit toward a future VIN CE course, whichever is preferred. Withdrawal within 1 week after the listed start date (i.e. including no more than one real-time session) entitles the registrant to a credit toward any future VIN CE course. (Does not apply to courses with only one real-time session.) After the first real-time session, a registrant may withdraw due to special circumstances and receive prorated credit towards a future VIN course. These requests will be handled on an individual basis. The amount of the prorated credit will be determined based on 65% of the time remaining in the course at the time of withdrawal. It is not possible to withdrawal retroactively. Note: To ensure rapid handling of your request for withdrawal, we recommend that you call the VIN office at 1-800-700-INFO.
Nanette R. Walker Smith, RVT, CVT
VSPN Content Director
Nanette@vspn.org or VSPNCE@vspn.org

[ CE MAIN | COURSE CATALOG | RACE/GETTING CREDITS | ONLINE CE HOW TO | SUGGEST A COURSE | VIN MAIN ]

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

Copyright 2000, Veterinary Information Network, Inc.