Veterinary Technology (VET)
Introduces students to veterinary medicine and technology through the lecture component; covering hospital operation, professional standards, and ethics. Introduces the study of breeds and strains of domestic animals, and the basic concepts of animal behavior. Emphasizes preventative health programs for common domestic species along with small animal nutrition and pet food marketing. Teaches and reinforces restraint techniques, medical history, physical exam, and practice management software in the laboratory component. Integrated Lecture/Lab: 4 credits (90 contact hours).
Examines the characteristics of microbes and their relationships to animal health and diseases. Introduces fundamental microbiological principles and laboratory techniques. Lecture/Lab: 4.0 credits (90 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. Integrated Lecture/Laboratory: 4 credits (90 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: 2.0 credits (96 contact hours).
Introduces essential nursing skills, surgical concepts, radiographic procedures, and neonatal care. Prepares the student to assist the veterinarian in performing surgery by introducing anesthesia, operation of the anesthesia machine, and surgical nursing procedures. Covers development, treatment, prevention, and control of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Lecture/Lab: 5.0 credits (135 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: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).
Covers the study of internal and external parasites of companion, exotic, and farm animals. Life cycles, diagnostic protocol, control, and treatment of the most common parasites will be discussed. Familiarizes students with laboratory techniques performed in veterinary hospitals and clinics. Examination and testing of blood, feces, urine, and exudates are performed for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Development of skills necessary to maintain a safe laboratory working environment, institute quality control programs, collect, process, store, and transport clinical biological specimens. Lecture/Lab: 5.0 credits (135 contact hours).
Continues small and large animal medical nursing, aseptic technique, and surgical instrumentation. Builds upon VET 135 skills in surgical nursing, anesthesia monitoring, critical care, emergency medicine, and radiographic techniques. Integrated Lecture/Lab: 4 credits (120 contact hours).
Emphasizes lab animal care, advanced radiographic techniques, ultrasound, and clinical pathology. Covers dental prophylaxis, recognition of dental abnormalities, and charting. Includes refinement of skills introduced in previous courses, and field trips to veterinary and research facilities when appropriate. Lecture/Lab: 5.0 credits (135 contact hours).
Provides practical experience in veterinary hospitals, clinics, and/or related facilities; students complete an average of 16 hours per week. Clinical: 5.0 credits (240 contact hours).