Veterinary Technology

This course offers an in-depth study of the normal anatomy and physiology of domestic mammals with emphasis on the dog and cat. Major differences with respect to the larger domestic species are also covered. This is the first semester of a two-semester course and covers basic organization, cells, tissues, the integument, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Lab work augments lecture topics and includes the study of microscope slides as well as preserved specimens and models.

This course offers an in-depth study of the normal anatomy and physiology of domestic mammals with emphasis on the dog and cat. Major differences with respect to the larger domestic species are also covered. This course is a continuation of BIOL111G and covers the endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and digestive systems. Lab work augments lecture topics and includes the study of microscope slides as well as preserved specimens and models.

This course will introduce the student to the field of Veterinary Technology. Animal behavior, species and breed identification, medical terminology and occupational safety will be covered. In addition, students will get an overview of managing the reception area of a veterinary hospital including how to maintain medical records, organize inventory and dispense prescription medications. Handling various client situations will be emphasized. Ethical and legal issues in veterinary medicine will also be discussed. This course will include lecture material, class discussions and student presentations.

This course will cover basic pharmacology for the veterinary technician with focus in private practices. It will cover basic classes of drugs with an emphasis on pharmacodynamics, client education, side effects and dosage calculations. This is the first semester of a two-semester course. Lab work will augment lecture material.

This course will cover common parasites found in both companion and food animals. Life cycles, identification, prevention and treatment for endoparasites, ectoparasites and blood parasites will be presented. Diagnostic testing for these parasites will be discussed and will be performed in VETN 220G.

Small animal medical nursing procedures are introduced. Elements include handling and restraint, aspects of the history and physical exam, specimen collection, administration of medications and treatments, diseases, nutritional supplementation, the basics of preventative health care, first aid and emergencies. The lab provides hands-on practice using models and the animal patient. This course will provide the foundation by which the student will progress to their summer clinical affiliations. This course includes a service-learning requirement to volunteer two days at spay/neuter clinics run by rescues, at veterinary clinics or at animal rescues. Instructors will choose the volunteer opportunities and will accompany the students.

The objectives for the clinical affiliation are correlated with the basic course content of VETN 110G, 114G, 115G and 121G. The course generally follows sequential steps from basic to more complex tasks, adding components each week to enable the student to gradually function in a technical position with added skill and confidence. Physical limitations may hinder the student’s ability to succeed in this course. Students will be expected to lift and restrain animals. Sufficient manual dexterity, hearing and vision are necessary to accurately perform many clinical procedures. Students will be expected to establish priorities, function effectively in emergency situations, comply with safety regulations and communicate in a professional manner.

This course is designed to provide the student with a strong background in veterinary surgical nursing and assistance. Surgical interventions, as well as sterilization, disinfection, and aseptic technique are covered. Anesthesia and monitoring the surgical patient is emphasized. Specialized clinical procedures are also covered that build on techniques learned during VETN121G and the student’s Clinical Affiliation I.

Veterinary Clinical Affiliation II is a continuation of VETN130G, Veterinary Clinical Affiliation I. The objective of this course is to provide the student with practical application and hands-on experience in procedures learned in VETN210G (Veterinary Clinical Methods in Surgery, Anesthesia and Dentistry), VETN 214G (Veterinary Pharmacology II), VETN 224G (Diagnostic Imaging) and VETN220G (Veterinary Clinical Pathology). This course provides supervised clinical experiences in which the learner can incorporate and build upon knowledge and increase skills and self-confidence in the veterinary technician role. Physical limitations may hinder the student’s ability to succeed in this course. Students will be expected to lift and restrain animals. Sufficient manual dexterity, hearing and vision are necessary to accurately perform many clinical procedures. Students will be expected to establish priorities, function effectively in emergency situations and comply with safety regulations. Students will be expected to function effectively as a member of the veterinary clinical team and to communicate in a professional manner. 

Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) Preparation course is designed for students who plan to take the VTNE soon after completion of the course. This course will review the veterinary technician essential skills, tasks, and knowledge base as provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA CVTEA) for accredited veterinary technology programs. This course provides directed study using an online learning platform, vettechprep.com (VTP), designed to focus learning and identify knowledge gaps. Students will gain exam taking skills and self-confidence during the course. 

Note: Class completion with a passing grade does not guarantee a student will pass the VTNE. As many topics as possible will be covered to help the student identify levels of competency as an aid to focus study efforts. In depth and advanced topics will NOT be covered. 

This course is a business law course focused on legal and ethical issues of interest to a veterinary practice. Areas of law to be considered will be Veterinary Practice Acts, controlled substance and other pharmaceutical laws, Veterinary client patient relationships, contracts and employment law. Students will be able to utilize case studies and briefs to enhance their working knowledge of these topics.

An understanding of normal animal behavior can lead to better understanding and management of the patients in the clinical setting. Human-animal interactions can be enhanced through the use of learning theory and scientifically and humane training, restraint, and behavior modification techniques.

This course will delve into the area of emergency medicine and critical care of the small animal patient, reinforcing and building on material covered in the prerequisite courses (i.e. anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing care, and emergency medicine).