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 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 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 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. Integrated Lecture/Lab: 3 credits (75 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. Integrated Lecture/Lab: 2 credits (45 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. Integrated Lecture/Lab: 2 credits (45 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).
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. Integrated Lecture/Lab: 3 credits (75 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).
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. Integrated Lecture/Lab: 4 credits (120 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. Integrated Lecture/Lab: 3 credits (75 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. Integrated Lecture/Lab: 3 credits (60 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.