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Courses open for VSPNer registration

TECH168-1109 : Reptile Parasitology

INSTRUCTOR:
Jenni Jenkins-Perez, LVT, CVT

DATES:
November 9-December 1, 2009
Real Time Sessions: Saturday evenings, November 14 and 21, 2009; 8:30pm-10:00pm ET (USA)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to help the veterinary technician understand the basics of reptile parasite identification. The course will focus on the identification of parasites commonly seen in lizard, snake, and chelonian species as well as consideration of non-pathogenic and commensurate parasites. Sample collection and preparation, staining techniques, and zoonosis will also be discussed. Students are encouraged to bring their own images of reptile parasites to post on the message board for discussion.

Jenni Jenkins-Perez, LVT, CVT has more than a decade of experience with various reptile species as well as exotic animal clinical pathology experience. She is a currently a trainer and consultant for a small animal and exotic practice and has been a speaker at various veterinary conferences. The course will have two (2) 90-minute online sessions covering parasite identification and sampling techniques, online quizzes, and suggested reading. All veterinary technicians and assistants interested in reptile parasitology are welcome to take this course. Space is limited so enroll early.

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to

TEXTBOOKS: There are no required texts for this course; however, a list of suggested references will be available in the course area library for all participants.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1: Sample collection, preparation, and the protozoans.
Content: This session will include how to collect samples for parasitology exams including cloacal swabbing, fecal sampling, and stomach, cloacal, and tracheal/lung washes. We will also cover the basic staining techniques for identification of protozoan parasites. The primary focus of discussion for this week includes identification of protozoan parasites, including hemoparasites, of lizards, chelonians, and snakes.

Week 2: Nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, and ectoparasites.
Content: This session will cover identification of common nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, and ectoparasites of reptiles commonly seen in practice. In addition we will also cover non-pathogenic or commensal organisms commonly found in reptiles as well as common parasites found in prey items. We will briefly cover antiparasitics recommended for reptile species with a formulary provided in the library.

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: 3

TUITION:
$60 ($54 early bird special if registered before October 26, 2009).
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: Enrollment will be closed when the maximum number of participants is reached or at 5pm ET the day of the first real time session.

**The Participant's Resource Center includes all you need to know about online CE with VIN and VSPN.

TO REGISTER:

  1. Each person must individually be a registered member of VSPN (www.vspn.org). Membership in VSPN is free.
  2. To enroll in any VSPN CE course click on the ENROLL NOW link below the course title on the right side of the page at www.vspn.org/CE
  3. Each enrollee 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.
  4. 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.
Note: "This course has been submitted for approval of 3 continuing education credits in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB 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 VSPN CE at 1-800-700-4636 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 VSPN or 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 withdraw retroactively.
Note: To ensure rapid handling of your request for withdrawal, we recommend that you call the VIN office at 1-800-700-INFO (4636).
** For More Information on VSPN's upcoming CE Courses, check out http://www.VSPN.org/CE

Nanette R. Walker Smith, M.Ed., RVT, CVT, LVT
VSPN Content Director & CE Coordinator

VSPN CE Services-VSPNCE@vspn.org
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-756-4881
Charlotte Waack (Charlotte@vspn.org); ext 193
Chris Upchurch (Chris@vspn.org); ext 197
Darci Palmer (Darci@vspn.org); ext 179
Debbie Bess (DBess@vspn.org); ext 178
Nanette Walker Smith (Nanette@vspn.org); ext 187

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