Enrollment is closed

Course Information:
Cytology is a common in-house testing tool in the veterinary practice in which technicians play a vital role in the collection process, data recording, and evaluation of specimens to aid the veterinarian in the preliminary diagnosis. The primary purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of the proper collection techniques, sample handling, processing, and evaluation of cytological specimens. Techniques to improve the diagnostic value of the specimen, submission to outside laboratories, cellular anatomy, and microscopic identification techniques will be covered.

• Explain the collection techniques for cytology specimens.
• Recognize the proper slide preparation for the type of sample.
• Use quality standards in preparation and staining specimens.
• Recognize the importance of properly packaging cytology specimens.
• Demonstrate knowledge of shipping regulations and guidelines.
• Analyze fluid samples with additional tests.
• Identify typical cell morphology.
• Recognize the terminology used to describe cells.
• Utilize known cellular objects to evaluate the quality of the slide.
• Examine and identify cells on peripheral blood slides.
• Examine and identify cells on urine sediment.
• Examine and identify cells on vaginal cytology slides.
• Examine and identify cells on ear cytology slides.
• Recognize and identify mast cells and adipocytes.
• Distinguish artifacts and microorganisms on cytology slides.

RACE Accreditation: This program has been approved for 6 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval.(22-41776)

Week 2 (Real Time Session November 11): Sending Samples and Performing Special Tests on Fluid
This session will include recognizing the importance of properly packaging cytology specimens, demonstrating knowledge of shipping regulations and guidelines and how to analyze fluid samples with additional tests.

Week 3 (Real Time Session November 18): Reviewing Cellular Anatomy and Reporting Terms
This session will include identify typical cell morphology, recognizing the terminology used to describe cells and utilizing known cellular objects to evaluate the quality of the slide.

Week 4 (Real Time Session December 2): Testing Your Knowledge
This session will include how to examine and identify cells on peripheral blood slides, how to examine and identify cells on urine sediment, how to examine and identify cells on vaginal cytology slides, how to examine and identify cells on ear cytology slides, how to recognize and identify mast cells and adipocytes and how to distinguish artifacts and microorganisms on cytology slides.

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.

Tuition: $126 ($113 early bird special if enrolled by October 14, 2021)
Prices are listed in US dollars.

* Students currently enrolled in an AVMA accredited or CVMA approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status).

1. 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.
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. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext.792 or email VSPNCE. Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.