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Courses open for VSPNer registration

STAF116-0305: Vet. Asst. Module 3: Overview of Diagnostic Procedures

INSTRUCTOR:
Heather Howell, LVT, MBA

DATES:
March 31 - April 28, 2005
Real Time Sessions: Monday evenings April 4, 11, and 18; 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. This module concentrates on diagnostics that may be run by veterinary assistants and helps give the veterinary assistant a better working knowledge thereof.

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- Clinical Pathology - Laboratory diagnostics (blood work, urinalysis, and fecal examinations).
Content: This lecture will cover the basics of clinical pathology diagnostics available including blood work, urinalysis, and fecal examinations. Assisting the technician in collection of laboratory diagnostics, handling specimens, recording information will be covered. We will also go over how to relate basic information to the client regarding sample collection, length of time for testing, and purpose. (This week's lecture will NOT cover specific identification of organisms in depth.)

Week 2- Diagnostic Imaging (Radiology, Ultrasonography, Endoscopy)
Content: This lecture will cover diagnostic imaging options available including radiology, ultrasonography, and endoscopy and how to relate basic information to the client regarding the procedure, length of time for testing, and purpose. We will also cover patient handling issues relating to these procedures.

Week 3 - Basic Concepts in Prescription Medication and Pharmacology
Content: This lecture discusses the basics regarding types of medications (antibiotics, NSAIDS, steroids, antihistamines�), their indications, side effects and contraindications, pharmacy nomenclature and drug routes. Discussion focuses on how to fill prescriptions, how to read treatment protocols in medical records and how to chart treatments. This session will also cover client communication regarding prescriptions.

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 March 17, 2005)
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.

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

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