STAF116-0404: Vet. Asst. Module 3: Overview of Diagnostic Procedures

INSTRUCTOR:
Heather Howell, LVT, MBA

DATES:
April 16 - May 15, 2004
Real Time Sessions: Wednesday evenings April 21, 28 and May 5; 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:

• Understand and discuss laboratory diagnostics available including blood work, urinalysis, and fecal examinations; and diagnostic imaging options available including radiology, ultrasonography, and endoscopy.
• Understand collection and specimen handling procedures and the assistant's role in these areas.
• Be a more knowledgeable and confident member of the hospital team.

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. Discussions 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.

TEXTS: None

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.

CE HOURS: 4.5 CEUs

TUITION:
$72 ($65 early bird special if registered before April 7, 2004)
Full time students of AVMA and Canadian accredited VT Programs are eligible for a discount of $36 (upon verification of student status) * VT students, please include your program directors name, school, and school phone number) in the comments section of the CE registration form. Your registration will be delayed if this information is not included.

TO REGISTER:

• Each person must individually be a registered member of VSPN (www.vspn.org). Membership in VSPN is free.
• 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.)

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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.

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Nanette R. Walker Smith, RVT, CVT
VSPN Content Director
Nanette@vspn.org or VSPNCE@vspn.org

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