Continuing Education Programs
Current Continuing Education (CE) Events:
- Basic Laparoscopy Course for Small Animal Veterinary Practitioners
June 6 – 7, 2026 | Program and Registration coming soon!
This basic laparoscopic surgery course is two days long, and is specifically designed for veterinarians with small to no experience in this area and aims to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in basic laparoscopic surgery procedures. The course will begin with bench-top laparoscopic models and simulators, and progress to live patient procedures, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to start practicing laparoscopy safely. - Advanced Laparoscopy Course for Small Animal Veterinary Practitioners
June 8, 2026 | Program and Registration coming soon!
The course’s primary focus is on laparoscopic Assisted- Gastropexy and the option of using the Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), offering a blend of essential theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience. Participants will begin with bench-top laparoscopic models and simulators, gradually advancing to procedures on live patients. This approach ensures a deep understanding and proficiency in these advanced techniques.
Past Events
- April 8, 2025 Webinar
A virtual presentation on the “Judicious Use of Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs in Animals”. Attendance at a presentation on this topic every four (4) years is required for veterinary state licensure as of January 1, 2018 (Business and Professions Code, Division 2. Healing Arts, Chapter 11. Veterinary Medicine. Article 3. Issuance of Licenses 4846.5(k) (1)). Speakers include Dr. Marissa Silva (CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture), and Dr. Priyank Kumar (Associate Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology at WesternU CVM). We will be discussing this topic as it applies to both small and large animal medicine. - March 27, 2024 Webinar
A virtual presentation on the “Judicious Use of Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs in Animals”. Attendance at a seminar on this topic every four (4) years is required for state licensure as of January 1, 2018 (Business and Professions Code, Division 2. Healing Arts, Chapter 11. Veterinary Medicine. Article 3. Issuance of Licenses 4846.5(k) (1)). Speakers include Dr. Marissa Silva (CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture), and Dr. Priyank Kumar (Associate Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology at WesternU CVM). We will be discussing this topic as it applies to both small and large animal medicine.
2025 Courses
- Basic Laparoscopy Course for Small Animal Veterinary Practitioners – May 31 – June 1, 2025
An intensive practical skills course with hands-on surgery procedures (Abdominal exploratory, Biopsies, Ovariectomy) - Advanced Laparoscopy Course for Small Animal Veterinary Practitioners -June 2, 2025
An intensive- advanced practical skills course with hands-on surgery procedures (gastropexy and SILS)
2024 Courses
- Basic Laparoscopy Course for Small Animal Veterinary Practitioners – June 8-9, 2024
An intensive practical skills course with hands-on surgery procedures (Abdominal exploratory, Biopsies, Ovariectomy) - Advanced Laparoscopy Course for Small Animal Veterinary Practitioners – June 10, 2024
An intensive- advanced practical skills course with hands-on surgery procedures (gastropexy and SILS) - 2023 Course
- Basic Laparoscopy Course for Small Animal Veterinary Practitioners – June 3-4, 2023
An intensive practical skills course with hands-on surgery procedures (Abdominal exploratory, Biopsies, Ovariectomy) - Advanced Laparoscopy Course for Small Animal Veterinary Practitioners – June 10-11, 2023
An intensive- advanced practical skills course with hands-on surgery procedures (gastropexy and SILS)
2021 Course
- Small Animal Laparoscopy Course for Veterinary Practitioners – June 18-19, 2021
This two day course is an intensive practical skills course intended to train small animal practitioners in laparoscopic surgery. The course is limited to nine veterinarians and four veterinary technicians and includes hands on surgery procedures. In keeping with our college’s reverence for life mission, all animals that participate in the lab are returned to their owners afterward and are having only medically necessary procedures.
2020 Course
- Small Animal Laparoscopy Course for Veterinary Practitioners – May 16-17, 2020
This two day course is an intensive practical skills course intended to train small animal practitioners in laparoscopic surgery. The course is limited to nine veterinarians and four veterinary technicians and includes hands on surgery procedures. In keeping with our college’s reverence for life mission, all animals that participate in the lab are returned to their owners afterward and are having only medically necessary procedures.
2016 Course
- Small Animal Laparoscopy Course for Veterinary Practitioners – May 23-24, 2016
In the last few years, laparoscopic surgery procedures have become increasingly important in the discipline of veterinary surgery. This course is intended for individuals who have minimal to no experience in laparoscopic surgical techniques and will provide veterinary practitioners with the essential theoretical knowledge and practical experience in basic laparoscopic surgery. The course will take participants from an introductory level and provide them with basic laparoscopic skills in several key procedures required to perform veterinary laparoscopic surgery. These essential skills are needed for fostering the development of a safe laparoscopic practice.
- March 17 – 19, 2021 Meeting
The California Temporary License Curriculum (CaTLC) is specifically designed to meet or exceed the requirements of California laws governing veterinary licensure in California. The California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act covers the requirements for veterinarians licensed in other states, Canadian provinces, or United States territories and wishing to become licensed in California via the reciprocity process. - March 18 – 20, 2020 Meeting
The California Temporary License Curriculum (CaTLC) is specifically designed to meet or exceed the requirements of California laws governing veterinary licensure in California. The California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act covers the requirements for veterinarians licensed in other states, Canadian provinces, or United States territories and wishing to become licensed in California via the reciprocity process. - March 20 – 22, 2019 Meeting
The California Temporary License Curriculum (CaTLC) is specifically designed to meet or exceed the requirements of California laws governing veterinary licensure in California. The California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act covers the requirements for veterinarians licensed in other states, Canadian provinces, or United States territories and wishing to become licensed in California via the reciprocity process. - March 14 – 16, 2018 Meeting
The California Temporary License Curriculum (CaTLC) is specifically designed to meet or exceed the requirements of California laws governing veterinary licensure in California. The California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act covers the requirements for veterinarians licensed in other states, Canadian provinces, or United States territories and wishing to become licensed in California via the reciprocity process.
March 22 – 24, 2020 Conference
Featuring 2 pre-conference workshops, 5 learning tracks, 35+ education sessions, over 50 knowledgeable speakers, and 2 days of exhibitors showcasing the latest industry products. This yearly event brings together animal control officers, humane officers, animal care attendants, behaviorists, humane educators, shelter directors, veterinarians, RVTs, customer service representatives, all law enforcement personnel, and other animal-sheltering professionals.
- May 8 – 9, 2017 Meeting
Location: Henry Center for Executive Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
The two-day Turkey and Broiler Health Management School is designed to provide in-depth lecture presentations and hands-on training to those individuals working in the turkey and broiler industry. The primary goal of this year’s school is to provide practical information on medications and vaccinations as it relates to the turkey and broiler industry. Moreover, participants will be able to work-up real disease cases to evaluate their field diagnostic training and to learn about the impacts of poultry management on these diseases. The school will conclude with an interactive discussion on diseases of importance to today’s turkey and broiler producer. Certificates will be awarded upon successful completion of the two-day workshop. - May 23 – 24, 2016 Meeting
Location: Best Western Plus Inn Towner and The Highland Club (2424 University Ave, Madison, WI 53726)
The two-day Turkey and Broiler Health Management School is designed to provide in-depth lecture presentations and hands-on training to those individuals working in the turkey and broiler industry. The primary goal of this year’s school is to provide practical information on medications and vaccinations as it relates to the turkey and broiler industry. Moreover, participants will be able to work-up real disease cases to evaluate their field diagnostic training and to learn about the impacts of poultry management on these diseases. The school will conclude with an interactive discussion on diseases of importance to today’s turkey and broiler producer. Certificates will be awarded upon successful completion of the two-day workshop.
May 10 – 11, 2017 Meeting
Location: Henry Center for Executive Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
The two-day Layer Health Management School is designed to provide in-depth lecture presentations and hands-on training to those individuals working in the layer industry. The primary goal of this year’s school is to provide practical information on medications and vaccinations as it relates to the layer industry. Moreover, participants will be able to work-up real disease cases to evaluate their field diagnostic training and to learn about the impacts of poultry management on these diseases. The school will conclude with an interactive discussion on diseases of importance to today’s layer producer. Certificates will be awarded upon successful completion of the two-day workshop.
May 25 – 26, 2016 Meeting
Location: Best Western Plus Inn Towner and The Highland Club (2424 University Ave, Madison, WI 53726)
The two-day Layer Health Management School is designed to provide in-depth lecture presentations and hands-on training to those individuals working in the layer industry. The primary goal of this year’s school is to provide practical information on medications and vaccinations as it relates to the layer industry. Moreover, participants will be able to work-up real disease cases to evaluate their field diagnostic training and to learn about the impacts of poultry management on these diseases. The school will conclude with an interactive discussion on diseases of importance to today’s layer producer. Certificates will be awarded upon successful completion of the two-day workshop.