Veterinary Technology (VTE)

VTE 102. Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals I. 4 Credits.

Participants learn the inner workings of the domesticated animal’s body and how organs develop, their functions, and the reason they are present in the body. Students will use preserved animals, teaching mannequins and anatomical models of a variety of species to study both gross and microscopic anatomy of the integumentary, skeletal and muscular systems. A final grade of C+ or better is needed to progress in the program. Prerequisites: MAT 142 (or corequisite); BIO 109, BIO 113 or BIO 118; VTE 210 (or corequisite). Fall.

VTE 103. Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals II. 4 Credits.

VTE 103 is a continuation of VTE 102. This course will more comprehensively explore the inner workings of the body. Students will learn about the circulatory, immune, cardiovascular, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Students must achieve a C+ or higher to progress in the program. Prerequisites: VTE 102 with a C+ or higher. Spring.

VTE 110. Farm Animal Medicine. 4 Credits.

This course will discuss breed identification, restraint and handling techniques, husbandry, behavior, anatomy, nutrition, common diseases and medical practices in large animal species. Laboratories will meet off-site at large animal facilities. Students must achieve a C+ or higher to progress in the program. Prerequisites: VTE 211, VTE 103 with a C+ or higher. Fall.

VTE 205. Veterinary Pharmacology. 2 Credits.

Students will explore the principles of pharmacology including drugs commonly used in veterinary medicine; various administration methods; types of drugs; indications and contraindications of drug use; and mechanism of action; as well as drug labeling, dispensing and packaging. Each student will also understand the legalities and ethics of using controlled substances. Medical calculations, prescription notation and proper record keeping will also be reviewed. Student must achieve a C+ or better to progress in the program. Prerequisites: VTE 210 and MAT 142 with a C+ or higher and CHE 107. Spring.

VTE 208. Veterinary Radiology. 3 Credits.

This course will cover general veterinary radiology safety, x-ray generation, digital radiology, positioning and restraint. Ultrasonography, CT and MRI will also be covered. Student must achieve a C+ or better to progress in the program. Prerequisites: VTE 103 and VTE 110 with a C+ or higher. Spring.

VTE 210. Veterinary Clinical Nursing Skills I. 4 Credits.

This course will introduce new Veterinary Technology students to the expectations of learning throughout the program, medical terminology, medical calculations, breed identification of companion animals, common regulatory agencies throughout the field, and credentialing of veterinary professionals. Students will explore the inner workings of veterinary hospitals, discover the medical ethics laws for veterinary health care professionals, partake in appropriate communication between veterinary professionals and clients, interpret medical records, introduced to a variety of veterinary professional software and discuss common laws relating to medical malpractice within the veterinary field. This course will also provide the student with the knowledge and the hands-on skills essential for the day-to-day veterinary technician role. This will include topics such as performing thorough physical exams; general health programs; restraint and handling; administering medications topically and orally; bandaging. Students must achieve a C+ or better to progress in the program. Fall.

VTE 211. Veterinary Clinical Nursing Skills II. 4 Credits.

This course is a continuation of VTE 210 Veterinary Clinical Skills I. Instructor will provide the student with knowledge and the hands on skills essential for the day-to-day veterinary technician role. This will include topics such as administering medications intramuscularly, subcutaneously, and intravenously; venipuncture intravenous catheter placement; urinary catheter placement; fluid therapy; emergency procedures; nursing care. Students must achieve a C+ or higher to progress in the program. Prerequisite: VTE 210, VTE 102, with a C+ or higher; corequisite VTE 103. Spring.

VTE 215. Veterinary Technician Internship I. 2 Credits.

Students are required to participate in an off-site externship for 120 total hours at a facility of their choosing. Each facility must be pre-approved by the Veterinary Technology Program Director prior to the student starting their externship. Students may select an externship in any type of facility they please (i.e. large animal, emergency medicine, specialty medicine, marine life, research and exotics), but must be under direct supervision of a certified veterinary technician (CVT) or a DVM, unless otherwise decided by the Program Director. Each rotation will require a journal submitted at the end of the rotation while at the externship. Prior to completing the course, students are required to present an interesting case study in which they were involved during their externships. Students must achieve a C+ or higher to progress in the program. Prerequisites: VTE 211, VTE 205, VTE 103 with a C+ or higher. Fall.

VTE 216. Veterinary Technician Internship II. 2 Credits.

Students are required to participate in an off-site externship for 120 total hours at a facility of their choosing. Each facility must be pre-approved by the Veterinary Technology Program Director prior to the student starting their externship. Students may select an externship in any type of facility they please (i.e. large animal, emergency medicine, specialty medicine, marine life, research and exotics), but must be under direct supervision of a certified veterinary technician (CVT) or a DVM, unless otherwise decided by the Program Director. Each rotation will require a journal submitted at the end of the rotation while at the externship. Prior to completing the course, students are required to present an interesting case study in which they were involved during their externship. Offered during Spring and Summer semesters. Students must achieve a C+ or higher to progress in the course. Prerequisites: VTE 215 with a C+ or higher. Spring.

VTE 218. Domestic Animal Behavior. 2 Credits.

This course will explore the different behaviors displayed by canines and felines. Body language, communication, social structure and life stage behavior will be discussed in detail. Strategies for preventing and correcting unwanted behaviors will also be discussed. Students must achieve a C+ or better in order to progress in the program. Prerequisites: VTE 210, VTE 102 all with a C+ or higher. Spring.

VTE 220. Veterinary Clinical Laboratory Procedures. 4 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge of how to properly collect and handle laboratory specimens, proper storage of each specimen, and general laboratory procedures. Each student will learn the skills used by most veterinary practices in the fields of blood chemistries, hematology, cytology and urine. Students must achieve a C+ or better to progress in the program. Prerequisites: VTE 211, VTE 103, VTE 115. Spring.

VTE 222. Medicine and Management of Exotics and Laboratory Animals. 3 Credits.

This course will provide the student with the information needed to safely handle small animals and exotics. The course will also cover the local, federal and state mandated laws and regulations regarding the care and use of laboratory animals. Students will explore proper husbandry, restraint and technical skills such as drawing blood and injecting medications into small animals and exotics which include rodents, rabbits, ferrets and other small mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. Student must achieve a C+ or higher to progress in the program. Prerequisites: VTE 103, VTE 211, VTE 205, with a C+ or higher. Fall.

VTE 225. Surgical Nursing and Dentistry. 4 Credits.

Students will explore the knowledge and experience that are essential in performing safe surgical procedures in veterinary practice. Students will learn how to anesthetize small animals; properly and effectively monitor patients under anesthesia; and use aseptic techniques required for surgical procedures. Students will be able to identify and explain proper use of surgical equipment and surgical instruments. Students are required to understand the methods and safety precautions for patients and veterinary professionals before, during, and after surgical procedures. Students will also develop the skills for performing thorough dental prophylaxis, diagnostic dental radiographs, and the ability to identify dental disease. Student must achieve a C+ or higher to progress in the program. Prerequisites: VTE 103, VTE 205, and VTE 211 with a C+ or higher. Spring.