Introduction to Veterinary Microscope Skills
In this 4-week interactive course, students will learn all about the microscope, and look at blood, urine, ear and skin samples that are actually seen in veterinary clinics. Great for learners aspiring to work in the veterinary field.
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be provided with a PDF for each lesson that summarizes what was taught in that specific class. The PDF will be a combination of text and pictures of the images that were looked at during the class. The students will also get a short quiz that they can complete before the next class and submit to me. They will not be graded. I will check the answers and return them to the students to enhance their learning experience.Assessment
To ensure that the students are learning the information provided, a short quiz will be given to each student as homework. They will not be graded - they will be submitted and I will check the answers and return them to the students as a learning experience.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
This course has been designed for learners who are interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, either as a veterinarian or a veterinary technician. We will be looking at the microscope - how to use the microscope, and 3 of the main areas that veterinary clinics commonly use the microscope for: hematology, urinalysis, and ear and skin cytology. The class will be 50 minutes long for 4 sessions, and will be a combination of a presentation of information on the subject, and pictures of actual samples viewed under the microscope, complete with factual information on what is seen. Questions and discussion from the students will be encouraged. PDFs summarizing what was learned in each class will be available for the students to download, and quizzes will be given as homework to ensure that the students are learning the information.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to use a microscope - how to adjust the light and focus to get the maximum viewing experience.Students will become familiar with cells, structures such as crystals seen in urine, and organisms (bacteria, yeast) that are commonly seen under the microscope in a veterinary clinic.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to the Microscope and an Explanation of the Complete Blood Count
In the first lesson, learners will learn how to properly use a microscope. We will discuss what is involved in performing a complete blood count, commonly known as a CBC. We will start our study of blood cells by discussing red blood cells and then look at pictures of what these cells look like under the microscope. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Comple Blood Count Continued: White Blood Cells
Lesson 2 will discuss white blood cells. There are 5 basic types of white blood cells. We will discuss each one - their purpose in the body, and then look at pictures of what each type of white blood cell looks under the microscope. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Urinalysis in the Veterinary Clinic
Lesson 3 will look at the study of urine. Urinalysis is an analysis of urine. We will discuss why we perform urinalysis, the different parts of a urinalysis, and what we might see under the microscope. We will also discuss the significance of the results of a urinalysis. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Ear and Skin Cytology
In this final lesson, we will look at another important test that is often performed in the veterinary clinic - ear and skin cytology. Cytology is the study of cells. When we look at ear and skin cytology, we are looking for specific types of cells, such as cells that indicate inflammation and/or infection. We also look for organisms such as bacteria and yeast. Abnormal cells may be seen and further evaluation might be necessary. Pictures of samples seen under the microscope will be presented. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2025
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a registered veterinary technician and have been working in veterinary facilities since 1981. I have worked in private practice, a specialty referral practice, and I taught in the veterinary technician program at Seneca College, Ontario, Canada. I also taught a number of online courses to veterinary technicians and assistants through a veterinary organization called VSPN. My current job is as the lab technician at a 24/7 veterinary emergency clinic. I have also written a book called "A Practical Guide to Microscope Techniques for Veterinary Technicians". Reviews
Live Group Course
$15
weekly1x per week, 4 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
1-5 learners per class
