ANESTHESIA I
This course concerns all aspects of the anesthetic process, anesthetic agents used in veterinary medicine and their effects, and anesthetic equipment functions and use. The student will apply mathematical skills to practice calculations using common anesthetics and their dosages. The veterinary technician’s role in relationship to the veterinarian is a key point of study.
ANESTHESIA II
This course is a continuation and builds upon the principles covered in Anesthesia I. Students will continue to learn additional details of the anesthetic process, anesthetic agents used in veterinary medicine and their effects, and anesthetic equipment functions and use. The student will also apply mathematical and psychomotor skills during laboratory hours to practice the clinical aspects of the veterinary technician’s role in relationship to the veterinarian during the anesthetic process.
ANIMAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I
This course concerns the structure and function of the animal body and its parts. Instruction is geared toward the understanding of the cell system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system. Emphasis is placed on the clinical use of anatomy and physiology in veterinary medicine.
ANIMAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II
This course builds on Animal Anatomy and Physiology I. In this course the structure and function of the circulatory, respiratory, gastrointestinal, excretory/renal, reproductive, and sense organ systems are studied. Emphasis is placed on the clinical use of anatomy and physiology in veterinary medicine.
ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY I
Through theory and practical application, this course teaches the student aspects of kennel care and management. Additionally, basic grooming, restraint techniques, common abbreviations, and physical exams are included.
ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY II
This course builds upon Animal Technology I and is focused on oral medications and procedure, eye medications and procedure, Schirmer tear test, corneal stains, glaucoma, fecal equipment and tests, and parasitology.
ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY III
This course builds upon Animal Technology II with an emphasis on sample collection. Instruction will cover sample collection of both urine and blood specimens through various routes as well as giving injections through various routes.
ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY IV
This course builds upon Animal Technology III with an emphasis placed on fluid therapy, electrocardiograms, blood transfusions, and dentistry.
ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY V
This course builds upon Animal Technology IV with an emphasis placed on more advanced techniques such as laboratory animal research, including care and maintenance, disease process, blood collection procedures, anesthesia administration, and regulatory requirements for rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, and exotics.
ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY VI
This course builds upon Animal Technology V with an emphasis placed on more advanced techniques, such as advanced surgical procedures, bandaging and wound management, orthopedics, and special procedures including feeding tubes.
CLINICAL LABORATORY I
This course reviews basic laboratory equipment and glassware. The student is then introduced to basic veterinary hematology with emphasis placed on normal test values of individual animal species.
CLINICAL LABORATORY II
This course builds upon Clinical Laboratory I with a more in-depth study of hematology. White blood cell components and morphology are covered.
CLINICAL LABORATORY III
This course builds upon Clinical Laboratory II, with emphasis placed on further individual animal species testing to include: Felv/Fiv testing, brucellosis testing, heartworm testing, urinalysis, and blood analyzers.
CLINICAL LABORATORY IV
This course builds upon Clinical Laboratory III. Students will learn the principles of cytology, as well as types of testing for diseases. Students will also learn the principles and perform basic microbiology techniques as well as collect, culture, stain, identify, and perform sensitivity testing on bacterial specimens.
CLINICAL LABORATORY V
This course builds upon Clinical Laboratory IV and is designed for clinical preparation. This course will encompass the performance of practical applications of clinical laboratory skills and knowledge obtained in Clinical Laboratory I-IV with emphasis placed on the veterinary technician’s role in a veterinary clinic or research setting.
CLINICAL MEDICINE I
This course introduces basic terminology; different nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed in an animal's diet; animal nutrition; and nutritional seminars.
CLINICAL MEDICINE II
This course builds upon Clinical Medicine I, focusing on recognition of different canine and feline breeds, dog laws, concepts of canine and feline behavior, and vaccine types and protocols for both canines and felines.
CLINICAL MEDICINE III
This course is an in-depth study of canine and feline diseases. Specifically students will focus on pathology of disease, necropsy, viruses, bacteria, protozoal and vector-borne diseases, zoonoses, dermatology, and the endocrine system.
CLINICAL MEDICINE IV
This course is a continuation of Clinical Medicine III. Diseases of the reproductive system, neurological system, musculoskeletal system, and cardiorespiratory system are presented.
CLINICAL MEDICINE V
This course is a continuation of Clinical Medicine IV. Diseases of the digestive system and renal system will be discussed as well as emergency management and the veterinary technician's role in emergency situations. Emphasis is placed on the following topics: proper methods of evaluating an animal in an emergency situation, how disease processes manifest as emergencies, and the equipment and medications used during emergencies.
CLINICAL MEDICINE VI
This course is a continuation of Clinical Medicine V and is designed for clinical preparation. This course will encompass knowledge and practical-based skills obtained in Clinical Medicine IV with emphasis on the veterinary technician’s role with clinical medicine in a veterinary clinic setting.
LARGE ANIMAL PRACTICUM
This course is conducted at stables, farms, or other off-campus facilities. Students will perform husbandry and restraint techniques as well as various medical and radiological procedures on horses, cattle, and other available large animal species.
LARGE ANIMAL THEORY I
This course will introduce the student to farm animal medicine. The student will become acquainted with anatomy, breed identification, management, restraint methods, physical exams, reproduction, nutrition, and husbandry.
LARGE ANIMAL THEORY II
This course continues theories introduced in Large Animal Theory I to include more in-depth information on diseases for farm animal species, such as horses, pigs, and cattle. Herd health maintenance measures are also discussed.
RADIOGRAPHY I
This course includes the theory of radiography and the methods of exposing and developing films, animal restraint, and proper positioning during film exposure. Radiation safety, film reading and error identification, and correction and prevention are emphasized.
RADIOGRAPHY II
This course builds upon the material covered in VT241 Radiography I with students beginning their practical hands-on repetitions to achieve competency in taking and developing radiographs. The course culminates with the production of a final radiograph project that demonstrates the student's proficiency in the technical and analytical skills of radiography.
SURGICAL NURSING I
This course is designed to prepare the student to assist in all aspects of veterinary surgery. Students are introduced to aseptic surgery techniques, surgical instrumentation identification and use, patient preparation, positioning for various surgical procedures, and common veterinary suture materials and patterns.
SURGICAL NURSING II
This course is designed to permit the students to apply all skills and knowledge acquired in Veterinary Pharmacology, Anesthesia, and Surgical Nursing I to perform actual surgical assisting roles. Students will gain experience in anesthesia administration, sterile and nonsterile assisting, patient preparation, surgical clean up, and recovery of their patient.
VETERINARY CLIENT INTERVIEW & COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The focus of this course is on learning techniques that can be used to become an effective interviewer and communicator when dealing with clients within an animal care facility. Students have the opportunity to practice the techniques and receive and give constructive feedback.
VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY I
This course covers aspects of medications according to their clinical usage and method of administration. Emphasis is placed on the veterinary technician’s role in the veterinary pharmacy. This course also focuses on drug dosage calculations.
VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY II
This course is a continuation of Pharmacology I and covers aspects of additional medications according to their clinical usage and method of administration. Emphasis is placed on the veterinary technician’s role in the veterinary pharmacy. This course also focuses on drug dosage calculations.
VETERINARY OFFICE PROCEDURES
This course focuses on aspects of veterinary practice operations. Topics such as appointment scheduling, general office and billing procedures, client relations, OSHA, client education, teamwork, the veterinary technician's role in euthanasia, and ethical situations are discussed.
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN EXTERNSHIP
This unpaid externship is scheduled in the last eight instructional weeks of the program. Externships are served in a veterinary clinic or hospital or other animal facility. The externship experience provides the student with the opportunity to build upon clinical and practical skills learned in the classroom.
VETERINARY TERMINOLOGY
The student will be introduced to basic terminology used in veterinary practice. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of composition of terms including the use of prefixes and suffixes.
VTNE PREPARATION
This course provides a comprehensive review of both theory and practical application. It is designed to prepare the student to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam. Discussions and/or demonstrations will be followed by exams formatted and timed using parameters similar to the actual test.
