An assessment of selected continuing education programs as perceived by Oklahoma veterinarians

Scope of study. Data from members of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association was analyzed relative to continuing education programs offered by Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Extension Unit, and the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association. The data was obtained to enhance continuing education programs for Oklahoma's practicing veterinarians.;Findings and conclusions. Five hundred and one responses were received from a mailing of 900 questionnaires to members of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA). Oklahoma's practicing veterinarians identified "keeping abreast of new developments" as a primary reason for attending continuing education programs, "increased competency" and "better service to clients" were also identified. The concept of mandatory continuing veterinary education was favored by 74.38% of the respondents. The 20 hours per year mandatory continuing education requirement was viewed as "about right" by 75.97%. Respondents felt that participation in continuing education programs was a positive learning event by 82.23%. Seventy seven percent felt that the Veterinary Extension Unit and the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association collectively had primary responsibility for continuing education programs. An assessment of educational programs offered at the 1989 Fall Veterinary Conference and at the 1990 Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association Convention revealed that the respondents were satisfied with both the quality of the programs and the variety of the programs.