ABOUT THIS COURSE
This course is designed for participants with limited training in ultrasound looking to become more proficient. If you scan 1-3 times per week and looking to use your ultrasound more, or if you find you are using your ultrasound for cystocentesis and urinary bladder checks only, this course will provide an introduction to the abdomen so that you can use your ultrasound machine to bring your practice to the next level.
This three-day course will focus on how your machine works, how to optimize an image and how to do a complete ultrasound examination. With a low student to instructor ratio, and 12 hours in laboratory (will ultrasound both dogs and cats), you will find this course will give you all the information needed to understand normal anatomy and how to perform an examination obtaining diagnostic images.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
| The participant will understand the basic knobs used on the ultrasound machine, how they work and how they are used to optimize the image. |
| The participant will learn the normal anatomy and ultrasound appearance including the liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, urinary bladder, and gastrointestinal tract. |
| The participant will understand the differences in anatomy between dogs and cats |
| The participant will develop a systematic routine for the evaluation of the entire abdomen. |
LAB INSTRUCTORS
Kate Sippel, DVM, DACVR
HOTEL AND TRAVEL TIPS

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS AND TRAVEL TIPS
Make your trip to the Viticus Center easier with preferred hotel rates, convenient transportation options, and everything you need to know before you arrive.
Preferred Hotel Rates Available
Viticus Group participants receive special lodging discounts at our preferred partner hotels near the Viticus Center. Use Corporate Account Code 3458691 when booking.
BOOKING YOUR HOTEL STAY
Hampton Inn - Las Vegas Strip South
Visit the hotel website and begin your reservation. Under Special Rates, enter 3458691 in the Corporate Account field.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Las Vegas Strip South
Visit the hotel website and begin your reservation. Under Special Rates, enter 3458691 in the Corporate Account field.
DINING & REFRESHMENTS
- Preferred partner hotels offer a hot breakfast buffet beginning at 6 a.m. Viticus Group does not serve breakfast.
- Hot and cold beverages and snacks are available in the Viticus Center lobby during your course.
- Lunch is provided during full, 8-hour lab days.
- Have dietary restrictions? Email Academy@viticusgroup.org before your course so our catering team can prepare accordingly.
WHAT TO BRING
- Closed-toe shoes are required during labs.
- Scrubs are available upon arrival if needed.
- Bring a light sweater or jacket for cooler indoor spaces.
- Pack sunscreen for time outdoors in Las Vegas.
- Bring a phone charger or portable power bank.
- Carry a valid photo ID with you while traveling in Las Vegas.
AIRPORT & HOTEL TRANSPORTATION
Airport Pickup:
Hotel airport pickup is available upon request, 24 hours a day. Once you have retrieved your luggage, contact your hotel for shuttle pickup instructions and the designated waiting location.
Hotel to Harry Reid International Airport:
Reserve your return shuttle at the hotel front desk. Shuttles typically run once per hour, and guests should sign up at least 2 hours before their desired departure time.
SHUTTLES AND TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION
Viticus Group provides complimentary transportation between our preferred partner hotels and the Viticus Center during your course.
Daily Shuttle Service
Morning shuttle service is provided from our preferred partner hotels before the start of your course. At the end of each course day, shuttle service will return you to your hotel.
Last-Day Transportation
On the final day of your course, transportation is available to Harry Reid International Airport or back to your preferred partner hotel. Complimentary luggage storage is available at the Viticus Center during the course day.
Driving Yourself?
If you are a Las Vegas local or plan to drive yourself, please arrive at the Oquendo or Eastern Campus at least 30 minutes before your course start time.
Please refer to your course agenda and email updates for specific shuttle departure and transportation times.
OTHER TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Public transportation options in Las Vegas are limited. If you are staying somewhere other than one of our preferred partner hotels, you will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from the Viticus Center.
Rental cars, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available throughout Las Vegas. If renting a vehicle, keep in mind that Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and other Strip properties may charge for parking.


