VSPN Sterilization is Instrumental - Beating the Bugs (TECH316)

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

Presenter: Heidi Reuss-Lamky, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), (Surgery), Elite FFCP (Veterinary), CFVP

Course Open: May 29, 2024 - May 31, 2025
Enrollment Closes: 5:00 PM ET, April 30, 2025
Total CE Credit: 1.5
RACE Category: 1.5 hours Medical

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Tuition: $33
Prices are listed in US dollars.


Course Information:
The responsibility of surgical instrument care is often thrust upon veterinary technicians and assistants. During this course you will learn the science behind and importance of proper surgical instrument processing, including discussion on packaging materials, the role of ultrasonic cleaning devices and appropriate use of steam sterilization. Various methods to assure quality control during the sterilization process are also discussed in detail. This information is beneficial for those wanting to ensure they are following industry standards regarding proper sterilization practices or interested in pursuing a surgical specialty through the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:
  • Describe industry standards for surgical instrument care
  • Describe the steps for appropriate cleaning of surgical instruments
  • Identify the role of ultrasonic cleaners
  • Describe the criteria for selecting packaging materials for surgical packs and instrumentation
  • Explain the correct way to use and maintain steam sterilizers
  • Identify methods to verify sterility
Level and Prerequisites: This basic course is geared toward veterinary support team members that work with surgical instruments and sterlization of instruments.
Credit Approval: “This program has been RACE approved for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for veterinary technicians/technologists in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval." 20-1196110

Course Agenda:

Segment 1: Sterilization is Instrumental

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.

Enroll Now  

Tuition: $33
Prices are listed in US dollars.


*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on April 30, 2025 at 5:00 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.


Enrollment qualifications:
  1. VSPN CE Courses:
    1. VSPN CE courses are open to veterinary support staff and veterinarians.
    2. Only VIN and VSPN members can enroll in a VSPN CE course.
    3. Veterinarians will only receive credit for those VSPN CE courses that specify in the Accreditation statement that the course is accredited for veterinarians.
  2. Please check the course Level and Prerequisites, Accreditation, and Tuition before enrolling.
  3. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses.
    1. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
  4. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext. 792 or email a class="email" data-target="VSPNCE" data-domain="vspn">VSPNCE. Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.


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.

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