VETS 1002 Applied Veterinary Med Term
Credits: 2.00 Credits
This course will introduce Veterinary Technology students to the animal and procedural terminology they will need to understand during their studies. Students will be expected to learn the acronyms and abbreviations commonly used in the field of Veterinary Medicine. Basic animal anatomic terminology and veterinary equipment identification will be taught, as well as the basic calculations that will be required in veterinary technology course work. Students will also be given an overview of the expectations of the profession, college experience and will be given an introduction to the services available at the Student Success Center.
VETS 1203 Intro to Veterinary Technology
Credits: 3.00 Credits
The course introduces the student to the terminology and specialization of the Veterinary Technology Curriculum. The nature of professional and ethical practices will be explored. Breeds and strains of domesticated animals will be studied and the student will be introduced to the basic concepts of animal behavior. The nature and form of medicines and the calculation of dose and dosages will be studied. The small animal handling laboratories will be held on site using animals from the local SPCA and Humane Society. A kennel assignment will be performed as a required part of the class.
VETS 1214 Anatmy & Physlgy of Animals I
Credits: 4.00 Credits
This course is an organ systems approach to the study of anatomy and physiology using Domestic and Exotic animal species as the primary model. The course provides a functional integration of basic science and clinical information as it relates to the normal healthy animal in an integrated lecture and laboratory approach. Prosected animal specimen both fresh and preserved, as well as skeletons and models will be utilized in the laboratory to allow applied reinforcement of concepts presented in the lecture. Histologic slides, kodachromes and radiographs will be utilized to enhance organ recognition through multiple formats and give the student a better understanding of organ function. The students will explore in greater depth and detail the course materials through questions and discussions fostered by the development of group Power Point presentations on topics that are related to the organ systems studied.
VETS 2014 Anatmy & Physlgy of Animals II
Credits: 4.00 Credits
Anatomy and Physiology of Animals II is a continuation of the study of anatomy and physiology which began using the organ system in VETS 1214 - Anatomy and Physiology of Animals I. This course uses Domestic and Exotic animal species as the models on which we complete the discussion of the normal anatomy and physiologic function of animals. The course provides a functional integration of basic science and clinical information as it relates to the healthy animal in an integrated lecture and laboratory approach. Histological slides, kodachromes, and radiographs will also be utilized to enhance organ recognition and understanding of organ function. The students will explore in greater depth and detail the course materials through questions and discussions fostered by the development of group Power Point presentations on topics that are related to organ system studied.
VETS 2104 Pathophysiology of An Disease
Credits: 4.00 Credits
Pathophysiology of Animal Disease is a course which provides a multidisciplinary approach to the understanding of basic science and clinical information as it relates to health and disease in domestic animals. Utilizing a body systems approach, students will receive in-depth exposure to the most common diseases of domestic animals. They will build on their foundation in anatomy and physiology from previous courses to learn how disease affects normal anatomy and physiology. They will learn their role in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of disease in domestic animals.
VETS 2333 Domestic Animal Behavior
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course is designed to further develop an understanding of domestic animal behavior for students in the Veterinary Technology Program. It will help the student to work as a veterinary technician with a strong understanding of the behaviors they see and to help educate clients when behavior issues arise. In addition to the text the students will be viewing videos and images of domestic animal behavior. This course may include interactions with live domestic animals (primarily dogs and cats) and behavior modification related to handling issues that commonly arise in the clinic (nail trimming, blood draws, etc.).
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course is designed to give first year students intensive animal handling skills and familiarity with basic procedures such as injections, venipuncture, bandaging, and dosage and fluid therapy calculations. Students will also develop skills to perform proficient physical examination of animals. Common outpatient diagnostic tests used for eye, ear, and skin disease will be mastered. Urinalysis and collection of urine samples will be practiced and students will also learn how to measure packed cell volumes and plasma protein levels in blood samples. Dentistry prophylaxis, recognition of dental abnormalities, and dental charting using both anatomic and Triadan systems will also be covered thoroughly. Students will also visit the local Humane Society to perform technician-related duties.
VETS 3004 Anesthesia & Surgical Nursing
Credits: 4.00 Credits
This course is designed to prepare the second year Veterinary Technology student to become the individual who can induce, maintain and recover small animal surgical patients. The student will also prepare the animals for surgery and assist in the surgical procedures. Upon course completion, the student will possess an understanding of all procedures done in vet practice with anesthesia and surgical nursing.
Credits: 3.00 Credits
Parasitology is a multidisciplinary approach to the study of internal and external parasites of companion, exotic and farm animals. This course will integrate the student's knowledge of anatomy and pharmacology while providing the student the opportunity to understand life cycles, diagnostic protocol, control and treatment of the most common internal and external parasites. The course will also develop the students' understanding of how to appropriately provide both verbal and written communications for the client concerning management, prevention and potential zoonosis of the common parasites. The laboratory will emphasize the common techniques used to identify the parasites of companion, laboratory and farm animals.
VETS 3022 Anesthesia & Surgical Nsg I
Credits: 2.00 Credits
This course will provide the student the opportunity to gain an initial understanding of the principles of veterinary anesthesia and veterinary surgical nursing. The students will be introduced to the currently used veterinary anesthetic drugs and their effect on the animal by utilizing their knowledge of the normal anatomy, physiology as a basis for understanding. In the laboratory the student will be given an introduction to the technical skills needed to preanesthetize, anesthetize, maintain and recover the animal patient, by utilizing current appropriate anesthetic agents, equipment, and protocols. The students will also learn to use critical thinking skills in gaining an understanding of how anesthetic monitoring equipment will be used to evaluate the surgical patient during the anesthetic period. The students will also be introduced to surgical nursing skills including preoperative management of surgical patients, assisting veterinary surgeons, prepping surgical patients, learning and practicing aseptic techniques, IV fluid support, analgesia, and providing postoperative patient and incision care. The dog and the cat will be the surgical patients providing educational support in this course. Students will also perform pre- and postoperative assessments of surgical patients outside of class time as well as one week of assigned kennel duty.
Credits: 3.00 Credits
In this course students will examine body systems using radiographic and ultrasound procedures as tools in the evaluation of animals for the diagnosis and prognosis of numerous traumas, diseases, and illnesses. The course integrates the production of the radiograph and its clinical use as it relates to the evaluation of healthy and ill animals. In the laboratory, students will utilize animal models, inanimate objects and living animals to perfect their understanding of patient positioning, radiographic exposures and film developing techniques. Emphasis is placed on safely producing diagnostic quality radiographs using both conventional and digital radiographic techniques, as well as providing the basic skills in the set up and operation of an ultrasound unit.
VETS 3024 Clinical Laboratory Techniques
Credits: 4.00 Credits
This course introduces laboratory techniques performed in veterinary offices and clinics. Examination and testing of blood, feces, urine, and exudates are performed for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Lectures deal with testing theories and relevance to animal health and disease. Laboratories develop skills necessary to maintain a safe laboratory working environment, institute quality control programs, collect, process, store, and transport clinical biological specimens. Major emphasis of the course is development of skills necessary to operate and maintain clinical analyzers, accurately perform laboratory tests, interpret, and report laboratory results on clinical specimens.
VETS 3103 Patho & Pharm of An. Disease I
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course will combine pathophysiology and pharmacology in a comprehensive method of presenting information about animal disease and treatment. This course is the first of a series of two courses that cover this expansive topic. This first course will begin with a background presentation of pharmacologic science and then progress to pathophysiology of disease and pharmacologic treatment of that disease. Pathophysiology will be presented by a combination of systems and species approaches and include coverage of all the small and large animal species that are typically treated by the veterinarian / veterinary technician team. Emphasis will be given to diseases that are more likely to be encountered in routine veterinary practice.
VETS 3204 Farm Animal Management
Credits: 4.00 Credits
This course is designed to provide the student insight into the behavior, care and management of farm animals. Dairy cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats and other animals will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the practical aspects of veterinary nursing such as proper handling, restraint, evaluation, medication, treatment, and examination procedures that apply to farm animal species. Characteristics of the major breeds, terminology, disease control measures, housing, and basic management practices will also be covered. Additional farm experiences outside of regularly scheduled classes will be required for successful completion of this course.
VETS 3301 Veterinary Technology Precept.
Credits: 1.00 Credit
The American Veterinary Medical Association and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education require that every student in Veterinary Technology complete a 240-hour preceptorship under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinary technician or a veterinarian. These preceptorships are completed off campus in private veterinary practices or other venues where the supervisory requirements can be met. Students will gain experiences in real clinical settings in veterinary medicine and develop an appreciation for the role of a veterinary technician in clinical practice or other venues.
VETS 4103 Laboratory Animal and Exotics
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge and understanding of research facilities and their function. Students will be instructed in the care and handling of small animals used in the research laboratory. Emphasis will be placed on species differences, housing requirements, nutrition, reproduction, health, sanitation, and laboratory techniques applied in animal research and pharmaceutical facilities. Animal handling, observation and management time will be provided in the laboratory time as well as during assigned vivarium duty.
VETS 4202 Small Animal Nutrition
Credits: 2.00 Credits
This is an introductory course for students accepted in the veterinary technology program, providing identification and function of nutrients, understanding pet food labels, and applications for wellness, life stage, and therapeutic nutrition (prescription food) for dogs and cats. The course will utilize an interactive Internet connection in the classroom.
VETS 4203 Patho & Pharm of An. Disease 2
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course will combine pathophysiology and pharmacology in a comprehensive method of presenting information about animal disease and treatment. This course is the second of a series of two courses that cover this expansive topic. This second course will continue with the presentation of the pathophysiology of disease and the pharmacologic treatment of that disease. Pathophysiology will be presented by a combination of systems and species approaches and include coverage of all the small and large animal species that are typically treated by the veterinarian / veterinary technician team. Emphasis will be given to disease that is more likely to be encountered in routine veterinary practice.
VETS 4302 Pharmacology for the Vet Techn
Credits: 2.00 Credits
This course will review and consolidate information on pharmacology that is touched upon in other Veterinary Technology courses and add additional topics in pharmacology to provide the student with a comprehensive and organized overview of veterinary pharmacology.
VETS 4403 Veterinary Practice Essentials
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course is designed to prepare students to more easily transition from the academic environment to the veterinary practice environment. The course will provide practice management techniques that give students a broad background in the skills needed to manage a practice from day to day. Instruction will include but not be limited to discussion of inventory control, fee structure, profit and loss statement analysis, human resource management, effective leadership, employee relations, and customer service. Communication skills are critical in veterinary medicine – both technician to client and technician to fellow veterinary professionals. Communication styles and application of communication skills will be reinforced throughout this course segment. Student communication skills will be strengthened in this course through interactive scenario discussions regarding difficult practice situations like dismissing employees and counseling clients about euthanasia. The final segment of the course will include perfecting interview skills and creating or enhancing professional resumes. The course will also allow students to explore alternative career tracks in veterinary technology including clinical specialization. This segment of the course will also cover mental health issues in the veterinary profession. This course will help students make those choices that enhance balance of life and work and lead to job satisfaction and healthier lives.
Credits: 1.00 TO 4.00 Credits
A student may contract for one to four credit hours of independent study through an arrangement with an instructor who agrees to direct such a study. The student will submit a plan acceptable to the instructor and to the department chairperson. The instructor and student will confer regularly regarding the process of the study.
