Essential Laser Safety Training for Veterinary Practices
The Veterinary Medical Laser Safety Officer (VMLSO) is an integral member of your team to ensure the safe use of therapy laser in a clinical environment.
Details
The use of therapeutic and surgical lasers in veterinary medicine has grown rapidly in recent years. Unfortunately, many veterinarians, technicians, and laser therapists receive little or no formal safety training—despite the presence of enforceable national standards designed to reduce risk and ensure safe laser operation.
We strongly recommend that every veterinary practice develop written laser safety protocols and appoint a trained Veterinary Medical Laser Safety Officer (VMLSO) on staff to ensure compliance with current safety standards.
The Veterinary Medical Laser Safety Officer (VMLSO) Course, developed by the American Institute of Medical Laser Applications (AIMLA), provides comprehensive training for individuals responsible for overseeing Class 3B and Class 4 laser use in veterinary settings. This self-paced online course is aligned with ANSI Z136.3 standards and OSHA's general duty clause, giving veterinary professionals the tools and knowledge needed to establish a compliant and effective laser safety program.
More Information
More Information
Course Length
2 hours
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand the basic science of laser therapy and how laser energy interacts with biological tissue
Recognize the laser classification system and how hazard levels are assigned to laser products
Identify key methods to protect people and animals from laser radiation, including safe working exposure levels
Apply safety procedures and guidelines for the use of Class 3B and Class 4 lasers in a veterinary setting
Recognize and control non-radiation hazards such as electrical risks and laser plume
Implement engineering and administrative safety controls, including beam containment and interlocks
Use proper warning signs, labels, and safety instructions to reduce risk in the clinical environment
Understand the role and responsibilities of a Veterinary Medical Laser Safety Officer (VMLSO)
Access sample protocols, training guidelines, and OSHA-compliant documentation for laser safety management
Additional Recommended Courses
none
Agenda
This self-paced, online course takes approximately 2 hours to complete and includes the following modules:
Laser Basics
Principles of laser therapy
Laser-tissue interaction
Classification of lasers (Classes 1 through 4)
Safety Controls & Eye Protection
PPE and eyewear selection
Exposure limits
Laser warning signage
Additional Safety Precautions
Electrical safety
Laser plume precautions
Engineering and administrative controls
Veterinary Medical Laser Safety Officer Responsibilities
Role and duties of the LSO
Recordkeeping and protocol development
Training and supervision responsibilities
Final Quiz
Course Evaluation
Certificate of Completion Issued
Certifications
This course includes the following approvals and recognitions:
AAVSB RACE Approved (2.0 CE Hours): Approved for 2.0 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. Participants should verify any board-specific limitations regarding accepted hours or delivery formats.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health: This course is officially recognized by the Massachusetts DPH as meeting the state’s training requirements for veterinary Laser Safety Officers (LSOs).
New York State Education Department (NYSED): AIMLA is an approved sponser of continuing education for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in New York State.
