VSPN TECH277-2020: Parasitology of Dogs and Cats - Non-Interactive

This course is a self-paced, non-interactive course.

Enrollment is closed.
Instructor: Barbie M. Papajeski, MS, LVT, RLATG, VTS (Clinical Pathology)
Course Open: March-December 31, 2020
Real Time Sessions (RTS): None: self-paced; non-interactive

Level and Prerequisites: This basic course is geared toward veterinary assistants and technicians in small animal practice.
VSPN CE Course: This program has been approved by RACE for veterinary technicians/technologists.(22-35226)

Course Description:
Animals and people have been plagued with parasites since prehistoric times. The primary purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of canine and feline parasite life cycles, zoonosis, proper sample processing, evaluation, and identification of internal and external parasites of dogs and cats. Techniques to improve ova recovery, life cycles, microscopic and gross identification techniques will be covered. Diagnosis or treatment options will not be covered in this course.

This course will consist of five non-interactive segments that are in the form of videos to be watched. Segments will also include handouts to be read, quizzes after each module, and a mandatory end of course test. To earn a certificate of participation, you must attain a score of 80% or higher on the quizzes and the end of course test. The five segments and reading library handouts should take the participant a minimum of 3.75 hours total. Participants must complete participation requirements by December 31, 2020 to be eligible to earn a certificate of participation

Segment 1: Introduction and Parasite Testing
Total time: 1.0 hours
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Explain the proper collection method for various parasitology samples
  • Recognize the equipment and tests utilized in identifying parasites
  • Develop standard operating procedures for processing parasitology samples
  • Differentiate between pseudoparasites and true parasites
Segment 2: Canine and Feline Protozoans
Total time: 0.75 hours
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Explain the lifecycles of common protozoal parasites of dogs and cats
  • Identify protozoal stages in parasitology samples
  • Recognize terminology specific to protozoal parasites
  • Describe zoonotic risks associated with protozoal parasites
Segment 3: Canine and Feline Nematodes
Total time: 0.75 hours
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Explain the lifecycles of common nemotode parasites of dogs and cats
  • Identify nematodes stages in parasitology samples
  • Recognize terminology specific to nematode parasites
  • Describe zoonotic risks associated with nematode parasites
Segment 4: Canine and Feline Cestodes and Trematodes
Total time: 0.75 hours
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Explain the lifecycles of common cestode and trematode parasites of dogs and cats
  • Identify cestode and trematode stages in parasitology samples
  • Recognize terminology specific to cestode and trematode parasites
  • Describe zoonotic risks associated with cestode and trematode parasites
Segment 5: Canine and Feline Ectoparasites
Total time: 0.75 hours
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Identify common canine and feline ectoparasites
  • Recognize terminology specific to ectoparasites
  • Describe zoonotic risks associated with ectoparasites
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(s): There is no required textbook for this course.

About the Instructor:
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: 4

Tuition: $84
Prices are listed in US dollars.

*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close at December 1, 2020.

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

  1. Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to VIN 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 . Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.
Enrollment is closed.

*Note: "This program (22-35226) has been RACE approved for 4.0 CE Credits being available to veterinary technician/technologist. ”

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. 792 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. 792
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