Are you a veterinary professional dedicated to providing the most compassionate and comprehensive care for your animal patients, especially during their end-of-life journey? The Aaha Animal Hospice And Palliative Care Certificate Program is expertly designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in this critical area. Led by the renowned Dr. Kathleen Cooney, this program offers in-depth training in modern best practices for end-of-life care, ensuring you can provide comfort, dignity, and support to both pets and their owners.
This comprehensive course delves into essential aspects of end-of-life care, including advanced euthanasia techniques, effective palliative care strategies, and crucial communication skills for sensitive conversations with pet owners. A key focus is placed on the importance of sedation to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress in animals during euthanasia, introducing innovative and compassionate approaches like ‘euharmony’ to redefine the concept of a peaceful and dignified passing.
The program is structured to not only enhance your technical skills but also to address the profound emotional and ethical dimensions of end-of-life care. Dr. Cooney shares her extensive personal and professional experiences, offering unique insights into navigating these sensitive situations with empathy and expertise. By focusing on both the clinical and emotional needs, the program ensures veterinary professionals are well-equipped to create a safe and supportive environment for clients and their beloved pets during these challenging times.
The curriculum is thoughtfully divided into three key parts to provide a structured and thorough learning experience:
PART 1: Foundations in End-of-Life Care. This introductory section begins with a detailed exploration of the AAHA / IAAHPC’s End of Life Care Guidelines. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the core principles of hospice and palliative care in veterinary medicine. (RACE Approved 0.5 credits).
PART 2: Mastering Euthanasia and Hospice Services. Modules 1-8 provide in-depth coverage of the clinical goals in end-of-life care, while also addressing the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of pet caregivers. This section is vital for developing a holistic approach to hospice and euthanasia services. (RACE Approved 4.0 credits).
PART 3: Palliative Care in Practice. Modules 9-14 guide participants through the specific goals of palliative medicine, focusing on practical techniques to alleviate discomfort and distress in patients, and understanding post-death responsibilities. This section equips you with the skills to provide effective palliative care in a practice setting. (RACE 6.0 credits – submitted – awaiting approval).
Upon completion of the AAHA Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Certificate Program, you will not only receive the prestigious AAHA’s Hospice & Palliative Care Champion Digital Badge but also gain the confidence and recognition as a leader in compassionate end-of-life care. This certification signifies your commitment to excellence and your ability to make a profoundly positive impact on the lives of animals and their families.
Program Enrollment Options: To cater to diverse learning needs and interests, the program offers flexible enrollment options:
- Complete Course (Euthanasia / Hospice & Palliative Care)
- Euthanasia / Hospice Only
- Palliative Care Only
Tuition Fees:
AAHA Members:
- Complete Course: $200.00
- Hospice Only: $80.00
- Palliative Care Only: $120.00
Non-Members:
- Complete Course: $250.00
- Hospice Only: $100.00
- Palliative Care Only: $150.00
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