 |
 |
|
|
Dispensing medications, both Rx and OTC, is a common occurrence in every veterinary practice. Although prescribing medication falls only to the veterinarian, the actual preparation and labeling of drugs is often handled by members of the practice team. There is more to dispensing of medication than counting pills or writing a label. Team members need to understand the foundational principles of pharmacology and then use that knowledge to help the practice prevent pharmaceutical errors. It is vital that every team member who is involved in handling or dispensing medications be well trained. This training can help prevent adverse events which affect not only the health of patients but the health of the practice.
Basic Principles in Pharmacology provides up-to-date information, covering topics such as drug classifications, contraindications, side effects and potential complications. Upon completion of this 6-week course, students will be able to calculate doses provided by the veterinarian and administer medication properly, as guided by the “5 Rights of Medication Administration.”
|
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- outline the Veterinarian-Client-Patient-Relationship and the 5 Rights of Drug Administration, and how it applies to dispensing drugs
- identify the different routes of administration including injection considerations and concerns
- define systems of measurement and illustrate conversion between systems
- compare and contrast factors that affect drug absorption
- describe the role of the liver and kidneys, when considering drug elimination
- calculate basic drug dosages
- identify antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal classes and discuss clinical uses and adverse side effects
- identify classes of antiparasitic drugs, commonly used ingredients in parasiticides, delivery methods, and common side effects
- identify zoonotic parasites and evaluate effective treatments for each
- identify anti-inflammatory drugs, including NSAIDS and steroids, describe the mechanism of action, clinical uses, pre-screening measures and side effects
- identify opioids, describe the mechanism of action and adverse side effects
- describe principles, categories and types of fluid therapy
- list and describe the different classes of drugs used in anesthesia and analgesia
- compare and contrast drugs available to treat epilepsy
- outline the anatomy of the nervous system; explain how drugs affect the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system and common side effects
- discuss respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and hormone drug usage and adverse side affects
- describe and compare vaccine types and explain vaccine induced adverse reactions
|
Basic Principles of Pharmacology is a 6-week course that examines the most common classes of drugs used in today's veterinary practices. This course begins with factors that affect drug absorption, routes of administration, and controlled drug considerations. Calculations and conversions are covered extensively, along with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and antiviral drugs. Fluid therapy, anesthetics, analgesia, anticonvulsants, hormonal drugs and vaccines finish out the course. |
Applied Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians, 4th Edition Authored by: Boyce P. Wanamaker & Kathy Massey
It is mandatory that each participant has access to this textbook as the content of the book is not reproduced within the course. It is up to each person to determine the best way to acquire the text. Some will already have the text in their library and therefore will not need to purchase another copy. Where to purchase and in what format is totally up to the participant. The text is not included in the fee for this course.
The text is available as a print publication and as an eBook. One option is to purchase the text from Elseiver. The following link to the text on their website is provided as a courtesy.
Purchase Text From Elsevier
Important: Regardless of which option the participant chooses, access to a copy of the textbook is mandatory. Without the text the student will not be able to complete the assignments, case studies and examinations. If enrolling close to or beyond the course start date, it is recommended that the text be purchased as an eBook to prevent text acquisition related delays. VetMedTeam has no control over shipping delays and other related problems.
Limited Quantity eBook Code Offer:
VetMedTeam has a limited number of eBook text codes available for purchase. The cost of the eBook via this option is $35.00. If you are interested in purchasing a code please email us at CE@vetmedteam.com. VetMedTeam cannot guarantee the availability of codes so please look into other options while waiting for a reply. |
...I think the case studies were the most beneficial to me. I would have liked more of those throughout the course. They are helpful because they made me stop and really think about the situation.
...I enjoyed all the material provided in the text book that went along with this course.
... I really enjoyed the case studies. They were great in the sense you got to use your knowledge from the course to answer the questions.
...It was good to have the introduction to each chapter review basic anatomy and physiology so that the effects of the drugs discussed was better understood.
...I thought the use of case studies was good, although being a LVT, I was a little daunted by having to actually diagnose problems. This course really challenged me and I learned a lot.
...Good introduction to many of the different drugs that I see in our hospital. I appreciated that we were able to get instant feedback on the quizzes and correct errors as necessary and Dr. Roberts was quick to respond to questions and assignment submissions. Thank you!!
...The assignments that involved using a clinic case to describe when, why, and how a drug/treatment was used helped connect the dots. he case studies were the best learning tool to connect everything together |
VetMedTeam courses are asynchronous - they do not contain real time components. Students log in while the course is in session at times convenient to personal schedules and participants do not have to be online at specific times to attend lectures. |
Completed students are awarded a certificate of completion. Completion requirements include:
- Interactive Assignments and Case Studies: Practical in nature - designed to help the student apply the newly learned material
- Examinations: All examinations must be submitted with a score of 80% or better.
- Course survey
|
Basic Principles of Pharmacology is an introductory level course designed for veterinary assistants and technicians who wish to increase, or refresh, their knowledge of pharmacology. Advanced receptionists wishing to further their education can also benefit from this course, as it addresses side effects of medications commonly dispensed, as well as contraindications. |
Course meets the requirements for 15.00 RACE hours of continuing education credit for veterinary technicians 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. |
Participants 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 participant to proceed based on individual schedule, as long as all assignments are submitted by the assignment submission deadline |
This course utilizes content from Applied Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians, 4th Edition Boyce P. Wanamaker & Kathy Massey; Elsevier |
 Helen E. Roberts, DVM
Dr. Helen Roberts is a partner in 5 Corners Animal Hospital in Orchard Park, NY and the owner of Aquatic Veterinary Services of WNY. She has been in private small and exotic animal practice since receiving her DVM degree from the University of Georgia. Dr. Roberts is a member of several national and regional professional organizations including AVMA, ARAV, AEMV, AAFV, WAVMA, NFVS, WNYVMA, and NYSVMS. She served as the President of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society (NFVS), was selected for two terms as Chairman of AVMA’s Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee, and currently serves on the executive board of the Barkyard (Buffalo’s first off-leash dog park).
Dr. Roberts is a frequent speaker at national and international veterinary conferences on pet fish health. She edited and co-authored “Fundamentals of Ornamental Fish Health”, published by Wiley-Blackwell in 2009. She has authored and co-authored several articles published in peer reviewed journals and texts. Dr. Roberts was also featured in “Fixing Nemo”, an article on fish veterinarians published in the New York Times Magazine.
Dr. Roberts has a special interest in public health and serves as the veterinary sector co-leader for SMART (Specialized Medical Assistance Response Team), a regional multi-disciplinary medical disaster response organization.
In her spare time, Dr. Roberts enjoys photography and gardening. She has two fish ponds in her backyard, her own private oasis. Many other pets complete the “zoo”, including two mixed breed dogs, Phoenix and Gryphon, and Spike, a vintage tuxedo cat. |
July 01, 2013 - Registration deadline is 11:30 PM Eastern July 10, 2013
October 01, 2012 - Registration deadline is 11:30 PM Eastern October 10, 2013
November 01, 2013 - Registration deadline is 11:30 PM Eastern November 10, 2013
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|