Veterinary Technology (VET)

Introduces students to veterinary technology, hospital operations, professional standards and ethics, common domestic breeds, and the basic concepts of animal behavior. Emphasizes preventative health programs and nutrition of common domestic species. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours).

Introduces the hands-on skills of a veterinary technician. Emphasizes veterinary practice management software, restraint techniques and fear-free handling of common domestic species, obtaining a medical history, and physical examination of small and large animals. Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours)

Provides a functional integration of basic science and clinical information as it relates to animals in an integrated lecture and laboratory approach, employing the organ system approach, using domestic and laboratory animals as models to discuss anatomy and physiology. Utilizes prosected animal specimens, fresh and preserved, as well as skeletons and models in the laboratory, to reinforce course concepts. Lecture: 3 credit (45 contact hours). Laboratory: 1 credit (45 contact hours).

Provides practical experience in veterinary clinics and/or related facilities; students complete an average of approximately 12 hours of clinical practicum per week. Clinical: 2 credits (96 contact hours).

Introduces students to various veterinary nursing techniques as they apply to diagnostic sampling, rehabilitation and alternative medical nursing, veterinary oncology, and animal reproduction. Emphasizes the nursing care of common domestic species as they progress through diverse life stages. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours).

Builds upon the basic skills learned in VET 101. Introduces essential nursing skills of common small animal domestic species as they pertain to obtaining diagnostic samples, routes of medication administration, and physical therapy techniques. Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Introduces the major drug classifications, covers the use and control of drugs, measurements and conversion factors, and methods of drug action and interaction used in small and large animal practice. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces the student to theory and techniques in parasitology and hematology. Familiarizes students with laboratory techniques performed in veterinary hospitals and clinics. Develops skills necessary to maintain a safe laboratory working environment, institute quality control programs, and properly handle clinical biological specimens. Lecture: 1 credit (15 contact hours). Laboratory: 2 credits (60 contact hours).

Introduces students to various veterinary diagnostic imaging techniques covering radiology, ultrasonography, endoscopy, and contrast studies. Emphasizes the production of x-rays, radiation safety, and proper patient positioning. Lecture: 1 credit (15 contact hours). Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Introduces theoretical and practical aspects of supporting the veterinarian in the management of medical and traumatic emergencies. Includes maintenance of emergency medical equipment and supplies. Requires the student to utilize critical thinking skills with acquired concepts and knowledge. Lecture: 1 credit (15 contact hours). Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Develops comprehensive skills and considerations necessary for the routine nursing duties of the veterinary technician as they apply to small, large, and food animal medical nursing, toxicology, and necropsy. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Laboratory: 1 credit (45 contact hours).

Provides practical experience in veterinary hospitals, clinics, and/or related facilities; students complete an average of 16 hours per week. Clinical: 5 credits (240 contact hours).

Develops skills in managing the veterinary anesthetic and surgical patient. Emphasizes anesthetic and analgesic drugs, anesthetic delivery equipment, patient monitoring surgical equipment, surgical assisting, surgical complications, client education and patient recovery. Uses laboratory exercises to reinforce material taught in lecture. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Laboratory: 2 credits (90 contact hours).

Provides a basic background in veterinary pathology covering theory in microbiology, clinical chemistry, cytology, and urinalysis. Develops the knowledge and skills necessary to perform laboratory techniques, as well as quality assurance associated with the veterinary clinical laboratory. Continues the VET 165 Veterinary Clinical Laboratory I course. Lecture: 1 credit (15 contact hours). Laboratory: 2 credits (60 contact hours).

Presents a comprehensive study of dental prophylaxis, dental abnormalities, charting, and dental diseases in small and large animals including exotics. Applies concepts to the operation and maintenance of dental equipment, including dental radiography and small animal dental prophylaxis. Emphasizes the scope of services that may be provided by the veterinary technician, including client education. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Emphasizes feeding, common management practices, and care of exotic and laboratory animals. Develops skills in sanitation and disease prevention techniques. Implements knowledge of nutrition, medication procedures, reproduction, and behavior of exotic animals in a clinical setting. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Analyzes material previously studied in the program and prepares students for the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Addresses professional readiness. Lecture: 1 credit (15 contact hours).