TECH120-0115: Winter VTNE Preparation Class
The lectures for this course will be presented in a predominantly text format.
Instructors:
Mary Mould, MEd, RVT
Darci Palmer, BS, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia)
Mark Sharpless, RVT, CMAR, RLATG, CPIA
Shelley Shopsowitz, RVT, BA
Kenichiro Yagi, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM)
Course Open: January 9, 2015-April 15, 2015 (Note: For a certificate of completion, participation statistics will be pulled and
calculated on March 18, 2015 (10 days after the last Real Time Session); however, class message boards will remain open for
interaction with the instructors through the VTNE testing window ending April 15, 2015).
Real Time Sessions (RTS): Sundays, January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1 and 8, 2015; 8:00pm-9:30pm ET (USA)
Course RTS Times in Your Area: World Clock Converter
Practice Sessions: In order to prepare you for a successful experience in your CE course, we request you attend a Practice
Session prior to the first Real Time Session. Please arrive promptly at the start time; each Practice Session is up to 1 hour in length.
For more information, please visit the CE Practice Area.
Level and Prerequisites: This intermediate course is designed to help veterinary technician students review the basics of
veterinary technology in an overview format. It is not designed to provide in-depth knowledge on each subject as it is assumed the
student has that knowledge and is reviewing information in preparation for sitting for the VTNE.
VSPN CE Course: This course was RACE approved for veterinary technicians only.
Veterinary Information Network’s RACE provider number is #22.
Course Description:
This course is designed to provide a review of the veterinary technician essential skills, tasks, and knowledge base as provided by
the guidelines set forth by the AVMA CVTEA for approved veterinary technology programs. Active engagement in the entire course
should help organize study time and allow for better competency and test taking skills. The course library will contain a variety of
handouts, study guides, charts, interactives, slide shows, and flash cards. Note: This class does not guarantee passage of the
exam; we will approach as many topics as possible in an effort to help the student identify levels of competency as an aid to focus
study efforts. In depth and advanced topics will NOT be covered
This course consists of eight (8) Real Time Sessions of ninety (90) minutes each, supplemental library materials, interactive
message board discussions, a mandatory end-of-course test, and may include online multiple choice quizzes (after each Real Time
Session). 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.
Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to
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should be able to easily recall the basics of veterinary technology (those subjects taught in a typical 2-year veterinary
technology program).
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should be able to solve multiple-choice questions similar to those given on the VTNE or any state board exam.
should be able to locate, examine, and interpret information and apply study materials.
will have built a network of colleagues through interaction with other course participants for sharing ideas and resources.
will have been exposed to a minimum of 500 questions stimulating review of basic veterinary technology.
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.
Recommended Textbook(s):
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Blood, D. C., Studdert, V. P., & Gay, C. C. (Ed.) (2011). Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 4th ed. Elsevier
Health. VIN Store:http://bookstore.vin.com/9780702047435 or other good veterinary medical dictionary.
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Veterinary Support Personnel Network. (2012). VSPN Notebook(R), version 4.0 is online at VSPN for free. The print
version 4.0. VIN Store: http://bookstore.vin.com/VIN9814-6.
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AAVSB's VTNE References: http://www.vin.com/Link.plx?ID=6112996
About the Instructors: Please click on the instructor names above to view their bio pages
Course Outline:
Week 1 (Real Time Session January 18): Laboratory Procedures (Domain 40)
Lecturer: Mary Mould, MEd, RVT
Content: The materials and Real Time Session will cover collection, sample handling, and preparation of laboratory samples
including the associated anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology needed for the procedure. Tests and procedures covered will
predominantly include cytology, hematology, microbiology, parasitology, serology, and urinalysis. Inclusion of equipment used as it
is related to safety and ensuring quality test results will also be covered.
Week 2 (Real Time Session January 25): Animal Care and Nursing & Zoonoses (Domain 50)
Lecturer: Mary Mould, MEd, RVT
Content: The materials and Real Time Session will cover small animal nursing procedures of all common species (physical exam,
handling, restraint, and basic nursing), nutrition, reproduction and genetics. This will also include a brief overview of other species
including, avian, poultry, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and wild animals.
Week 3 (Real Time Session February 1): Animal Care and Nursing & Zoonoses (Domain 50 continued) and Emergency
Medicine/Critical Care (Domain 80)
Lecturer: Kenichiro Yagi, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM)
Content: Week 3 will continue the content from Week 2 and incorporate emergency critical care situations and presentations into
the nursing aspect as well as client education features by adding conditions such as shock, acute illness, acute trauma, and toxicity.
Emergency nursing procedures including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), acute blood loss, fracture stabilization, blood
transfusion, fluid resuscitation, and oxygen therapy will be discussed with reference to emergency planning, treatment protocols,
and procedures.
Week 4 (Real Time Session February 8): Pharmacy and Pharmacology (Domain 10) & Pain Management and
Analgesia (Domain 90)
Lecturer: Darci Palmer, BS, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia)
Content: This week will begin with a review of the preparation, administration, and dispensation features of pharmacological and
biological agents as they relate to veterinary orders. The importance of educating clients about protocols, administration, safety,
and the side effects of medications will be covered. Interactives in the course library will help participants refresh and hone
mathematical skills. Next, we will define the terminology and discuss the types of pain and physiology leading to the classification of
drugs commonly used to provide analgesia. Analgesic techniques such as local and regional blocks and constant rate infusions will
also be discussed. Last, the importance of evaluating and recognizing pain in animals will be reviewed as essential veterinary
technician nursing skills
Week 5 (Real Time Session February 15): Anesthesia (Domain 70)
Lecturer: Darci Palmer, BS, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia)
Content: This week will build on pharmacology with a discussion of the drugs used for premedication, induction, and maintenance
of anesthesia. Pre-operative considerations including patient assessment, fasting, IV catheterization, fluid therapy, and airway
management will be addressed. The importance of anesthesia monitoring and how to interpret the monitored parameters will be
covered including a discussion on the anesthesia machine, its parts and functions. Brief coverage of client education regarding
anesthetic procedures and postoperative care will be included.
Week 6 (Real Time Session February 22): Surgical Nursing (Domain 20)
Lecturer: Kenichiro Yagi, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM)
Content: : Surgical nursing will cover the preparation and maintenance of the surgical environment, equipment, instruments, and
supplies to meet the needs of the surgical team and patient. We will cover patient preparation including the surgical site and
positioning and sterile techniques for both the patient and the surgical environment.
Week 7 (Real Time Session March 1): Diagnostic Imaging (Domain 60) & Dentistry (Domain 30)
Lecturer: Mary Mould, MEd, RVT
Content: We will cover diagnostic imaging including equipment maintenance, procedures for optimum results, and positioning.
Techniques and protocols for the various types of imaging will be covered including radiography, endoscopy, ultrasonography, and,
briefly, specialty imaging. Dental procedures and treatment review will include prophylaxis, radiography, therapy, and charting as it
relates to dental health and the treatment of dental disease and subsequent client education.
Week 8 (Real Time Session March 8): Large Animal Medicine and Nursing
Lecturer:Shelley Shopsowitz, RVT, BA
Content: Large animal medicine and nursing will be covered as a focus incorporating all domains of the VTNE with emphasis on
equine and food animals.
CE Credits: 12
Tuition: $210 ($105 for enrolled AVMA/Canadian accredited VT program students or those who have graduated within 6 months of
the course start date, see below). Tuition fees are deeply discounted thanks to a generous grant from the VIN Foundation:
http://www.vinfoundation.org. **NOTE: There is NO early bird discount date and enrollment WILL CLOSE at 5 pm ET on Friday,
January 16, 2015 or earlier if the maximum number of registrants is reached.
*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close at 5 pm ET January 16, 2015, or when the
maximum number of participants is reached.
*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.
To Enroll:
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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.
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.
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.
For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext. 792 or email VSPNCE@vspn.org. Please include the course title, your full
name, and contact information in your correspondence.
*Note: "This course was approved for 12 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 800-846-0028 ext. 792 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: 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 VSPN office 800846-0028 ext. 792 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.
* Note: To ensure rapid handling of your request for withdrawal, we recommend that you call the VSPN office at 800-846-0028 ext.
792.
*For more information on VSPN's upcoming CE courses, check the VSPN Course Catalog.
The CE team:
Charlotte Waack, RVT, CVT
VSPN Director/VSPN CE Interim Director
VSPN CE Services: VSPNCE@vspn.org
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 792
Direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: (014522) 26154
Direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 011 +61 26 145-2357
800.700.4636 | VSPNCE@vspn.org | 530.756.4881 | Fax: 530.756.6035
777 West Covell Blvd, Davis, CA 95616
Copyright 2014, Veterinary Information Network, Inc.