VSPN TECH263-0720: Under the Microscope-Basic Cytology for Veterinary Technicians

The lectures for this course will be presented in an audio format using a webinar platform.

Enrollment is closed.
Presenter: Barbie M. Papajeski, MS, LVT, RLATG, VTS (Clinical Pathology)
Course Open: July 2, 2020-August 9, 2020
Real Time Sessions (RTS): Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2020; 9:00-10:30pm ET(USA)
Course RTS Times in Your Area: World Clock Converter

Level and Prerequisites: This intermediate course is geared toward veterinary technicians and assistants that have a working knowledge of microscopy and cell identification.
VSPN CE Course: Open to veterinary technicians/technologists, and support staff, actively interested in advancing their knowledge of cytology. “This program has been approved for 6 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval."(22-41776)

Course Description:
Cytology is a common in-house testing tool in the veterinary practice in which technicians play a vital role in the collection process, data recording, and evaluation of specimens to aid the veterinarian in the preliminary diagnosis. The primary purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of the proper collection techniques, sample handling, processing, and evaluation of cytological specimens. Techniques to improve the diagnostic value of the specimen, submission to outside laboratories, cellular anatomy, and microscopic identification techniques will be covered.

Week 1 (Real Time Session July 9): Obtaining and Processing the Sample
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to:
  • Explain the collection techniques for cytology specimens
  • Recognize the proper slide preparation for the type of sample
  • Use quality standards in preparation and staining specimens
Week 2 (Real Time Session July 16): Sending Samples and Performing Special Tests on Fluid
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to:
  • Recognize the importance of properly packaging cytology specimens
  • Demonstrate knowledge of shipping regulations and guidelines
  • Analyze fluid samples with additional tests
Week 3 (Real Time Session July 23): Reviewing Cellular Anatomy and Reporting Terms
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to:
  • Identify typical cell morphology
  • Recognize the terminology used to describe cells
  • Utilize known cellular objects to evaluate the quality of the slide
Week 4 (Real Time Session July 30): Testing Your Knowledge
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to:
  • Examine and identify cells on peripheral blood slides
  • Examine and identify cells on urine sediment
  • Examine and identify cells on vaginal cytology slides
  • Examine and identify cells on ear cytology slides
  • Recognize and identify mast cells and adipocytes
  • Distinguish artifacts and microorganisms on cytology slides
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.

Course Materials: Course materials will be available in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.
Required Textbook: There is no required textbook for this course.

About the Presenter:
Barbie Papajeski, MS, LVT, RLATG, VTS (Clinical Pathology) has been at Murray State University, KY since 1995. She began her career working in the clinical pathology department of Breathitt Veterinary Center, a state diagnostic lab affiliated with the university shortly before graduation in 1995. She has been a Kentucky licensed veterinary technician since 1996. In 2005, she received her credentials as a registered laboratory animal technologist. She served on the organizing committee of the Academy of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Technicians as the secretary and received her VTS (Clinical Pathology) in 2014. She transitioned to a full-time teaching position in 1999. Barbie teaches clinical pathology and laboratory animal courses in the veterinary technology program at Murray State University. She is also involved in coordinating and co-chairing state association continuing education meetings as the secretary of the Kentucky Veterinary Technician Association

Total CE Credit: 6

Tuition: $126 ($113 early bird special if enrolled by June 18, 2020)
* Students currently enrolled in and taking at least 2 classes or 5 units at an AVMA accredited or CVMA approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status).
Prices are listed in US dollars.

*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on July 9, 2020 at 5 pm ET (USA) or when the maximum number of participants is reached.

*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.

To Enroll:
  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. 797 or email . Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.
Enrollment is closed.

“This program has been approved for 6 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval."(22-41776)

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 office 800-846-0028 ext. 797 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.

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

Lisa Kernaghan, LVT, RVT, CVT, VTS (ECC)
VSPN CE Coordinator

VSPN CE Services:
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 797
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01 45 222 6154
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 02 6145 2357