ADVANCED CONCEPTS IN HEMATOLOGY

 

 

Course Description

This advanced level 6 week course will provide the student with an in-depth study of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Emphasis is placed on assisting the student to develop the skills necessary in identifying normal and abnormal blood cells in dogs and cats as leads to diagnosis. Research outside the course materials may be needed to complete assignments.

Note: This course was formerly known as Hematology in Dogs and Cats

 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:




  • Describe indications for a hematology work-up

  • Describe proper blood collection methods

  • Describe various quantitative methods

  • Describe function, production and physiology of all blood cells

  • Identify normal and abnormal erythrocytes

  • Describe underlying causes associated with abnormal erythrocytes

  • Identify normal and abnormal white blood cells

  • Describe underlying causes associated with abnormal white blood cells

  • Identify normal and abnormal platelets

  • Describe underlying causes associated with abnormal platelets

  • Perform basic hemogram interpretation for red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets

 

Course Content

Emphasis for this course will be placed on learning the function, physiology, and diseases associated with blood cells. Students will review general laboratory methods leading to a discussion of the various hemalogical components and considerations, finalizing in a review of the hemogram.

 

Required Materials

No additional materials provided - all course content is online.

Students that prefer to read technical material in text form may wish to purchase the book that comprises the general content. The text has been well received by students in past sessions and makes an excellent addition to private or practice libraries.

If you wish to buy the text, information is provided in the Course Writer's section of this page.

 

Testimonials



...I found the systematic, logical approach to explaining each cell type very helpful, the course demystified hematology for me, and gave me the tools to approach interpreting bloodwork more confidently.



...The examination questions were (for some modules) good for reinforcing relevant information



...I liked the varied cases and the cell identifications. As much case based material as possible is the most helpful. All of the strange cases are interesting but the least relevant to daily practice.



...The course really reached outside of my comfort zone as a technician. It was challenging and I really enjoy that. I like getting the answer key after I completed the assignment so that I could read and get a better understanding for the course content.



...I thought the course was extremely interesting and challenging. I wish I had more time to ask questions however, felt the instructor was accessible and very knowledgeable!



... This course was extremely informative. I learned a lot during this course. However, the course book, while being helpful and informative, did not have all the information necessary to answer the instructors homework assignments. The assignments were challenging and thought provoking.



... I liked the presentation of clinical cases to solve as this relates to clinical practice.

 

Student Login Requirements

VetMedTeam courses are asynchronous - they do not contain real time components. Students log in while a course is in session at times convenient to personal schedules.

 

Course Completion Requirements

All students must receive a grade of 80% or higher on all examinations. Also, all students are required to post to the course discussion boards for each module. Upon fulfillment of the course requirements, the student will receive a VetMedTeam certificate of completion that will document the RACE credits earned.

 

Recommended Student Criteria

This is an advanced level course. A strong working knowledge of hematology is mandatory. Assignments in this course are challenging and "case - based" to bring the learning experience into your everyday practice. The instructor will guide the student to an understanding of the role of Hematology in reaching a diagnosis, either as the diagnosing veterinarian or as the practice staff involved in assisting the veterinarian with the steps to diagnosis. The average student spends 5 to 7 hours per week in order to complete all the mandatory requirements.

If you are seeking a course that deals with basic level information regarding hematology please note that this is an advanced level course. The Basic Principles of Hematology course is designed for those students that are not yet ready for this level.

 

Continuing Education Credits

Course meets the requirements for 25 RACE hours of continuing education credit for veterinary technicians and veterinarians in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB's 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.

 

Course Writer

This course has been developed in cooperation with Teton NewMedia, utilizing content from A Guide to Hematology in Dogs and Cats by Alan H. Rebar; Peter S. MacWilliams; Bernard Feldman; published by Teton New Media; Edition 1, 2001.

If you are interested in purchasing this text for your library visit Teton New Media or do a web search to locate a distributor in your area.

 

Course Instructor

Heather Wamsley, BS, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVP (Clinical Pathology)Heather Wamsley, BS, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVP (Clinical Pathology)

 

Upcoming Sessions

 

Pricing

Price: $215.00 USD
No additonal materials provided - all course content is online.

Students that prefer to read technical material in text form may wish to purchase the book that comprises the general content. The text has been well received by students in past sessions and makes an excellent addition to private or practice libraries.

If you wish to buy the text, information is provided in the Course Writer's section of this page.



Students may enroll in this course after it has begun, up to the enrollment deadline date. Participants who enroll after the start date do not miss out on any components of the course. There are no real time sessions. The design of this course allows each student to proceed based on individual schedule, as long as all assignments are submitted by the assignment submission deadline.

 

In addition, you many use your MERIAL® Rewards Visa® Prepaid Card to pay for courses. If you are not enrolled in the MERIAL Rewards program, ask your Merial Sales Representative or call 1-800-307-7000. If you do not have enough points and wish to supplement your payment with another card, please write to CE@VetMedTeam.com.