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Course Descriptions

Semester 1

Veterinary Medical Terminology - The emphasis of the Veterinary Medical Terminology course is to provide the student with the skills to be able to write, pronounce, spell, define, and properly use medical terms used in the veterinary profession.  The student will be able to apply and demonstrate their knowledge of the terminology in everyday conversations with fellow students, instructors, and veterinary professionals.

Clinical Technology I - Highlights communication within the veterinary medical team as well as an introduction to veterinary technology as a career.  Emphasizes common names for species, general animal care, restraint, and will also cover the basic principles of a proper physical exams.  Nutrition, diagnostic techniques, and wound management are also discussed.

Semester 2

Animal Anatomy & Physiology I - Introduces students to the basic concepts of an animal’s form, structure, and function. These concepts are then used to study the gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, and physiology of the animal body.  The lab section of the class will give the student an in depth look at the gross anatomy of tissue types and organ systems to help them understand how the body works as a machine.

Clinical Pathology I - In this course, students have the opportunity to learn the techniques used to identify the various forms of microorganisms and the drugs to which they are sensitive, and the various animal internal and external parasites, their life cycles and methods of detection.  Students will learn history, terminology, equipment, structure, and classification of the various veterinary organisms.  It will acquaint the student with the microscope, laboratory facility, and various preparation techniques available.

Clinical Technology II - This course is designed to acquaint the students with common business procedures that the veterinary technician may be responsible for, as well as fundamental record keeping procedures, and computer utilization.  There will be a presentation on veterinary careers, including a discussion on job placement, and interviewing. Veterinary ethics will also be discussed.  

Semester 3 (Summer)

Lab Animal Medicine - This course is designed to give the student a broad overview of Laboratory Animal Medicine and technology.  It will show the student how to utilize and manage various species in a research environment.  Emphasis will be on the laboratory setting, regulatory guidelines, and ethical considerations, as well as information on handling, behavior, nutrition, lab, and treatment procedures.

Diagnostic Imaging - This course is designed to familiarize the student with the x-ray machine, darkroom, techniques, and radiation safety. Areas of emphasis will include technique failures, positioning, and standard diagnostic procedures.  It will also introduce the student to digital radiography and ultrasound technologies.

Veterinary Work Experience - will consist of the student volunteering at a hospital/clinic in the area which will be coordinated by the instructor and the student.  The student will be required to log 66 hours in the 7 week session.  This part of the curriculum is a job shadow situation to familiarize the student with the inner workings of a veterinary hospital.

Semester 4

Veterinary Pharmacology - This course covers the study of drugs and other pharmaceuticals used in veterinary medicine.  Emphasis will be on drug usage, client education, calculations, measurement, administration, inventory, and storage.  This course will also outline the technician’s role and responsibility in the pharmacy.

Animal Anatomy & Physiology II - This course is a continuation of Animal Anatomy & Physiology I.  It will give the student a more detailed look at the gross anatomy and physiology of the various organ systems including the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems.  We will also explore a more detailed look at the sense organs, pregnancy, development, and lactation, as well as a small section on avian and exotic anatomy & physiology.

Clinical Pathology II - This course is designed to familiarize students with that part of the laboratory devoted to analyzing blood, urine, cytology smears, and cytology preparation.  It will acquaint the students with equipment, reagents, and techniques required to utilize blood and other bodily fluids as a diagnostic aid.

Clinical Technology III - This course is a continuation of Clinical Procedures I & II.  It will include information on preventative medicine, pathology and response to diseases, fluid therapy and blood transfusions, dentistry, and emergency and critical care.  In addition to new information the student will also be able to review any areas of concern or techniques in order to prepare for the upcoming national exam. 

Semester 5

Surgical Nursing - Introduces the student to the methods and mechanics of the sterilization process.  Course covers patient prep, sterile techniques, surgical instrument identification, pack preparation, and surgical nursing care.

Veterinary Anesthesiology - This course involves the study of pharmacology, application of anesthetic agents, the physiological effects and means of monitoring them, the principles and administration of inhalant anesthetics, and a broad overview of anesthetic protocol and care.  Emphasis will be on anesthetic practical skills and anesthesia equipment.     

Large Animal Nursing - More detailed information will be given regarding large animal diseases and the management of herd health.  Discussions will include restraint, diagnostic testing, bandaging, diagnostic imaging, surgery and anesthesia, fluid therapy, medical and surgical nursing by body system, and euthanasia and necropsy. 

Vet Tech Internship - This is the most critical component of the program.  The student will be required to volunteer at a hospital/clinic in the area.  The student will be required to log 246 hours in the 8 week session of their fifth semester.  The student needs to split up their time (as equally as possible) in the following areas:  surgery, treatment and emergency, exam room, radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, and reception.