Main : Course Catalog : VA Module 3 |
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STAF116-0407 : Veterinary Assisting Module 3: Overview of Diagnostic Procedures
INSTRUCTOR:
Heather Howell, LVT, MBA
DATES:
April 10 - May 10, 2007
Real Time Sessions: Monday evenings April 16, 23, 30; 9:30pm-11:00pm ET (USA)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Veterinary assistants are primary players in the set up, collection, and client interaction regarding many standard diagnostic procedures. Understanding the importance of accurate collection, set up, and maintenance of equipment is essential knowledge for assistants and technicians alike. In addition, interpreting prescriptions and filling them quickly and accurately enhances customer service and the flow of patient care.
Module 3 has three (3) ninety (90) minute online interactive real time sessions covering discussion of situations; homework reinforcing the handouts and real time sessions; interactive message boards to discuss the real time sessions and homework; and a final exam. The course offers interactive cases that each participant must complete as homework during the course. The goal of the interactive cases is to test the participant's knowledge of the material discussed in each session.
All members of the veterinary support staff may join the course and its discussions; however, this course has a basic content and is focused toward veterinary assistants, animal caretakers and new hospital employees.
Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to understand:
TEXTBOOKS: There are no required texts for this course.
The instructor recommends the following texts for this module:
Week 1: Clinical pathology including 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, etc.), their indications, side effects and contraindications, pharmacy nomenclature and drug routes. Discussion is focused 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.
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: Message 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 per module
TUITION:
$83 ($75.00 early bird special if registered before March 27, 2007).
*Enroll in all four VA Modules before January 29, 2007 and receive a 15% discount off the regular course price. This discount is only available through this date.
* 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 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status). 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 director's name and contact information (email/phone) and school name.
** NOTE: Registration will be closed when the maximum number of participants is reached or at 5pm ET the day of the first real time session.
** Minimal computer requirements for participating in VSPN and VPSNCE
** For More Information on how our online CE courses work please read the following:
How to's of online CE
Policies & Procedures
TO REGISTER:
Note: "This program was submitted (but not yet approved) to the AAVSB's RACE program for continuing education. Please contact the AAVSB's RACE program at race@aavsb.org should you have any comments/suggestions regarding this program's validity or relevance to the veterinary profession." (Attendees are encouraged to check with their licensing jurisdiction(s) for information regarding recognition by their board). This course has also been submitted for approval for continual education units toward CVPM requirements by the VHMA.
Nanette R. Walker Smith, M.Ed., RVT, CVT, LVT
VSPN Content Director & CE Coordinator
VSPNCE@vspn.org
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-297-4950, ext 187
Ginger Sanders (Ginger@vspn.org), ext 183
Charlotte Waack (Charlotte@vspn.org), ext 193
VSPN CE Services
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-297-4950
777 West Covell Blvd, Davis, CA 95616 Copyright 2000, Veterinary Information Network, Inc. |