Veterinary Technology

Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college, and student.

Practical experience in management of the veterinary practice. Emphasis on client relations, record keeping, inventory, employment skills, and computer skills in the veterinary environment. The student will employ client and veterinary team communication; apply basic business principles such as the maintenance of medical records and computer skills; and demonstrate employment skills including interviewing, resume writing, and appropriate interview attire.

Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledges, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency. 

Course Description: Survey of the profession of veterinary technology with emphasis on basic techniques, handling and care of animals, and ethical and professional requirements. The student will demonstrate basic restraint, medication, and treatment techniques for domestic animals; identify breeds of animals; and define the responsibilities of a veterinary assistant or technician in a veterinary practice including physical exams, basic care, feeding, sanitation, public and/or client relations; and identify ethical and legal issues. 

In-depth application of surgical, obstetrical, and anesthesia techniques including identification and use of instruments and equipment. 

Presentation of theory and principles and practical application of radiology within the field of veterinary medicine. 

Fundamentals of pharmacology including recognition, calculation, labeling, packaging, and administration of common veterinary drugs, biologics, and therapeutic agents. Discussion of normal and abnormal responses to these agents. The student will identify general types and groups of drugs; prepare, label, package, and dispense pharmaceuticals in an ethical/legal manner; calculate dosages using proper weights, units, and measures; explain and use appropriate routes and methods of drug administration; and differentiate between normal and abnormal responses to medication.

Gross anatomy of domestic animals including physiological explanations of how each organ system functions. The student will describe the major anatomical systems of domestic animals and integrate basic physiological processes with anatomical structures of domestic animals. 

Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college, and student.

Survey of feeding, common management practices, and care of equines in a clinical setting. Review of common diseases of equines encountered in the practice of veterinary medicine. The student will demonstrate sanitation and disease prevention techniques; perform medication procedures; and implement nutritional, behavioral, and reproductive concepts in an equine clinical setting

Survey of feeding, management practices, and care of laboratory animals in a clinical setting. Review of common diseases of laboratory animals encountered in the practice of veterinary medicine.  

In-depth study of hematology and blood chemistries with emphasis on lab procedures. Perform complete blood counts (CBC's); differentiate normal from abnormal blood components; perform blood chemistries; and utilize diagnostic equipment.

Survey of feeding, common management practices, and care of canines and felines in a clinical setting. Review of common diseases of canines and felines encountered in the practice of veterinary medicine. The student will apply sanitation and disease prevention techniques; utilize medication procedures; implement nutrition, reproduction, and behavior concepts of canines and felines in a clinical setting; and differentiate between common disease pathophysiology.

Study of parasites common to domestic animals including zoonotic diseases. The student will identify internal and external parasites and parasites of public health importance; and apply knowledge of basic life cycles to the study of parasites. 

Study of restraint, management, treatment, and medication techniques for farm animals. 

In-depth study of urinalysis and cytology. Survey of microbiological techniques. Emphasis on laboratory procedures. 

Capstone course requiring integration of course work in the field of veterinary technology.