Veterinary Medical Technology

The following areas are included in this course: jurisprudence, regulatory agencies and governing bodies, job opportunities, veterinary health care team, operations in a clinical setting (scheduling, ordering, teamwork dynamics, compassion fatigue, inventory control, and communication skills), human animal bond, professionalism and ethics. Fall.

This course examines the structure, function, and interdependence of the animal body systems important in health and disease. Terminology and nomenclature of the veterinary field will be emphasized. This course includes a study of the anatomy and physiology of cells and tissues as well as the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune systems, urinary, gastrointestinal, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems, as well as the special sense organs. In conjunction with classroom instruction, the anatomy and physiology lab component for this course requires students to apply knowledge from the classroom to hands-on and critical-thinking application exercises.  Prerequisite: admission to the VMT Program. Corequisite: VMT 115L (2 cr hr)

This course for veterinary technicians is designed to explore how animals are put together and how their bodies work to maintain health. In conjunction with classroom instruction, the anatomy and physiology lab component for this course requires students to apply knowledge from the classroom to hands-on and critical-thinking application exercises.  Terminology of the field is emphasized.  Prerequisite: admission to the VMT Program. Corequisite: VMT 115 (3 cr hr)

This course introduces students to the basic care and management of common companion and farm animals. Various breeds of each species are highlighted as well as their behavior. Students will learn normal developmental stages of animals. Students will develop the skills to perform a physical exam and understand normal TPR parameters. Students will learn the SOAP format for completing medical records. Common toxins that are detrimental to the studied species are studied. Students will be required to participate in animal care activities to gain hands-on experience to enhance the course material, which may require the student to come in early, and attend late afternoon and weekend animal care activities. Prerequisite: admission to the VMT Program. Corequisite: VMT 120L (1 cr hr).

This course is the laboratory companion course to VMT 120. The laboratory will instruct students on the basic handling, restraint, care and management of common companion animals. Students will be required to participate in animal care activities to gain hands-on experience to enhance the course material, which may require the student to come in early, attend late afternoon and weekend animal care activities. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the A.S. VMT program; COREQUISITE: VMT 120 (3 cr hr).

Common internal and external parasites of domestic animals will be presented. An understanding of parasitic life cycles, pathology, and control measures will be presented. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the A.S. VMT program Co-requisite: VMT 125L (1 hr)

Common internal and external parasites of domestic animals will be presented. An understanding of parasitic life cycles, pathology, and control measures will be presented. Students will participate in lab activities to learn how to identify common internal and external parasites. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the A.S. VMT program Co-requisite: VMT 125 (1 hr)

This course provides information on clinical procedures and standard surgical procedures for technicians. The following areas of clinical procedures are included in this course: Medical and nursing care of small animals, medication administration, bandaging, intravenous catheterization, cystocentesis, sample collection, patient care and assessment. The following areas of surgical technicians are included in this course: medical records and logs, patient prep, scrubbing of patient and personnel, assisting in a sterile setting, understanding common surgical procedures, and post-operative procedures. In addition, students will understand client communication as it relates to medical exams This course focuses on clinical procedures and standard surgical procedures for veterinary technicians. Prerequisites: VMT 115, VMT 120. Corequisite: VMT 130 Lab (1hr)

This course provides information on clinical procedures and standard surgical procedures for technicians. The following areas of clinical procedures are included in this course: Medical and nursing care of small animals, medication administration, bandaging, intravenous catheterization, cystocentesis, sample collection, patient care and assessment. The following areas of surgical technicians are included in this course: medical records and logs, patient prep, scrubbing of patient and personnel, assisting in a sterile setting, understanding common surgical procedures, and post-operative procedures. Students will perform surgical scrub, learn how to gown and glove, perform basic suture patterns, and identify surgical instruments. This course focuses on clinical procedures and standard surgical procedures for veterinary technicians. Prerequisites: VMT 115L, VMT 120L. Corequisite: VMT 130 (3hrs)

An in-depth study of veterinary dentistry, prophylaxis techniques, and current dental trends & practices. The course will familiarize the student with proper care and treatment of dental disease and routine care & maintenance. This course will also include laboratory sessions, where students will gain hands-on experience by performing a COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) and dental radiographs. Prerequisites: VMT 120, VMT 120L, Corequisites: VMT 130, VMT 130L. Fall.

This course is the study of the theory and application of pharmacology. Classifications of drugs and their uses and contraindications, with specific information on mechanism of action, side effects, and dosing will be discussed. The student will learn to accurately perform appropriate calculations and dispense the correct form and dose of medication under the direction of a veterinarian. Prerequisites: Completion of MATH 105 with at least a C-. Fall.

This course includes the study of hematology, blood chemistry analysis, urinalysis, cytology, specimen submissions, necropsy procedures, microbiology, and quality control for veterinary labs. The student will become familiar with laboratory equipment in veterinary laboratories. Prerequisite: VMT 125, VMT 125L, Co-requisite: VMT 150L.

This course includes the study of hematology, blood chemistry analysis, urinalysis, cytology, specimen submissions, necropsy procedures, microbiology, and quality control for veterinary labs. The student will become familiar with laboratory equipment in veterinary laboratories. Prerequisite: VMT 125, VMT 125L, Co-requisite: VMT 150 (2 cr).

This course provides the basic terminology and nomenclature in the allied health and veterinary technology fields. On-line course. Fall VMT 180 - Laboratory and Zoo Animals (2 cr hrs) (1 cr hr lecture - 1 cr hr lab) An introduction to laboratory animals most commonly used in research. Course will include identification procedures, husbandry, housing, sanitation, diseases and parasites of laboratory animals. This course will also include laboratory sessions, where students will gain hands-on experience handling living animals and performing routine procedures with laboratory animals. Prerequisites: VMT 111, VMT 111L. Co-requisite: VMT 180L. Spring.

This course is a study of radiological procedures for domestic animals common to veterinary medicine. Prerequisite: VMT 115, VMT 115L. Corequisite: VMT 160L (1 cr hr). Fall.

This course is the laboratory for the course study of radiological procedures for domestic animals common to veterinary medicine. Prerequisite: VMT 115, VMT 115L. Co-requisite: VMT 160 (1 cr hr). Fall.

This course provides an introduction to current emergency & critical care procedures, techniques, and trends. The student will become familiar with patient evaluation, procedures involved in emergency/critical care and use of appropriate methods to assure maximum benefit to the patient in an emergency situation. Prerequisites: VMT 120, VMT 120L. Fall.

An introduction to laboratory animals most commonly used in research. Course will include identification procedures, husbandry, housing, sanitation, diseases and parasites of laboratory animals. This course will also include laboratory sessions, where students will gain hands-on experience handling living animals and performing routine procedures with laboratory animals. Prerequisites: VMT 111, VMT 111L. Co-requisite: VMT 180L. Spring.

This course provides information on clinical procedures and techniques in large animals. The following areas are included in this course: handling and restraint of large animals, safety in working with large animals, basic nursing care; medicating, physical exams, sample collection, various other routine procedures, and medical records. Student will familiarize themselves with the large animal setting (farms/barns) in addition to various tools, equipment, and techniques found in large animal medicine. Farm visits include instruction in safely handling of large domestic animals and client communication. Prerequisites: VMT 130, VMT 130L. Corequisite: VMT 220L (1 cr)

This lab provides information and hands-on clinical procedures and techniques in large animals. The following areas are included in this course: handling and restraint of large animals, safety in working with large animals, basic nursing care; medicating, physical exams, sample collection, various other routine procedures, and medical records. Student will familiarize themselves with the large animal setting (farms/barns) in addition to various tools, equipment, and techniques found in large animal medicine. Farm visits include instruction in safely handling of large domestic animals and client communication. Prerequisites: VMT 130, VMT 130L. Corequisite: VMT 220 (1 cr)

This course is the study of the theory and application of pharmacology. Classifications of drugs and their uses and contraindications, with specific information on mechanism of action, side effects, and dosing will be discussed. Clinical participation with live animals of the VMT programs) may be required in and out of class. Prerequisites: VMT 241, VMT 241L. Corequisite: VMT 242L. Spring.

Live animals are used in this course. This course focuses on anesthesia principles and practices and standard surgical procedures for technicians. Students will gain mastery of inducing, administering, monitoring, and recovering veterinary patients from anesthesia. Students will gain mastery of principles of emergency critical care and CPCR as it pertains to anesthesia. Students will gain mastery with the role of a surgical technician in regards to preoperative procedures, medical records and logs, patient prep, scrubbing of patient and personnel, assisting in a sterile setting, and post-operative procedures such as client communication/education. Students will be required to participate in animal care activities to gain hands-on experience that enhances the course material which may require the student to come in early, attend late afternoon and weekend animal care activities. Prerequisites: VMT 130, VMT 130L. Corequisite: VMT 250L (1 cr hr). Spring.

Live animals are used in this course. This course focuses on anesthesia principles and practices and standard surgical procedures for technicians. Students will gain mastery of inducing, administering, monitoring, and recovering veterinary patients from anesthesia. Students will gain mastery of principles of emergency critical care and CPCR as it pertains to anesthesia. Students will gain mastery with the role of a surgical technician in regards to preoperative procedures, medical records and logs, patient prep, scrubbing of patient and personnel, assisting in a sterile setting, and post-operative procedures such as client communication/education. Students will be required to participate in animal care activities to gain hands-on experience that enhances the course material which may require the student to come in early, attend late afternoon and weekend animal care activities. Prerequisites: VMT 130, VMT 130L. Corequisite: VMT 250L (1 cr). Spring.

Overview of common infectious and contagious diseases in domestic animals. Etiology, clinical signs, modes of transmission, diagnostics, treatment and vaccine schedules will be emphasized. Public Health issues and disease prevention and client education are also components of this course. Prerequisites: either BIO 230 & BIOL 230, or BIO 336 & BIO 336L. Spring.

Structured review of the nine sections of the Veterinary Technician Licensing exam: Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Surgical Nursing, Dentistry, Laboratory Procedures, Animal Care and Nursing, Diagnostic Imaging, Anesthesia, Emergency Medicine/Critical care, and Pain management/Analgesia. Preparation for licensure examination and professional practice includes passing score on mock VTNE exam (HESI). Students must achieve a minimum score on HESI examination in order to receive passing grade in course and be eligible for graduation. In addition, students will learn employment skills such as developing interview skills and writing a professional resume.

Clinical hands on experience and skill development. VTP consists of 300 hours of clinical experience. All clinical practicum sites must be approved by the program director.

This junior seminar course will cover select current topics in veterinary medicine.  Students will investigate a research question relevant to the field of veterinary medicine using primary literature sources (e.g. JAVMA, AJVR, etc).  The student will write a research paper exploring the research question they have chosen.  A faculty mentor with expertise in the field chosen will be assigned.  The critique will be summarized and presented to an audience of peers and faculty.  Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL 102 (with a minimum of a C-) Corequisite: VMT 320x

This junior seminar course will cover select current topics in veterinary medicine.  Students will investigate a research question relevant to the field of veterinary medicine using primary literature sources (e.g. JAVMA, AJVR, etc).  The student will write a research paper exploring the research question they have chosen.  A faculty mentor with expertise in the field chosen will be assigned.  The critique will be summarized and presented to an audience of peers and faculty. Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL 102 (with a minimum of a C-). Corequisite: VMT 320

The course will enhance the knowledge acquired in Surgical/Anesthesia Nursing core courses. The skills which the student should master are to deliver anesthesia and monitor patients classified as ASA Status 2+.

Students will be exposed to key areas of biochemistry and comparative physiology in commonly seen domestic animals. Integration of information and its application to clinical situations is emphasized. This course is intended primarily for veterinary technicians. This course will cover some of the physiological concepts/dynamics that are critical to maintaining homeostasis in domestic species.

This course focuses on small animal nursing knowledge, skills, and clinical experience. Focus will be on basic emergency and critical care veterinary nursing and concepts of patient assessment, fluid pathophysiology, critical patient monitoring, CPR, and disease pathophysiology. The course will emphasize emergency and critical concepts to apply practical application of knowledge and skills learned, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning. The course goal is to prepare students to respond to emergency and critical patient scenarios in all types of small animal practices. Prerequisite VMT 414.

This course is designed to re-enforce and expand on pharmacological knowledge learned in previous courses. Expanding into pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and bioavailability of major drug classes as well as receptor-drug interactions. Prerequisite: VMT 414

This course will expose students to pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for abnormal findings in hematologic, endocrine, urinalysis, and cytologic tests in health and disease of animals. Students will be exposed to a selection of diagnostic tests for various diseases/disorders, and interpretation of results. Prerequisite VMT 414.

This course will target the veterinary technician's role in effective communication and will focus on communication skills necessary to build solid relationships with clients, staff, and the external community. Verbal, non-verbal, and active listening skills will be covered including important variables such as generational, gender, and cultural differences. This course will also focus on the impact of communication on legal and ethical issues in veterinary practice. Prerequisite: COMM 200, junior standing

This course is designed to introduce students to the field of scientific research in veterinary medicine and provide a comprehensive introduction to research methodology and proposal writing. Students will be assisted in identifying a study topic, formulating research questions, developing a testable hypothesis, organizing a literature review, and selecting appropriate research designs and methodologies. The course is designed to develop students’ scientific curiosity, independent study skills and collaboration via a mentor-mentee relationship with a faculty advisor. By the end of the course, students will complete a written scientific research proposal that includes an abstract, introduction, problem statement, testable hypothesis, methods section, a project timeline and discussion, and appropriate references.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion (C- or better) of ENGL 102 or equivalent. Corequisite: VMT 497z. Spring.

This course is designed to introduce students to the field of scientific research in veterinary medicine and provide a comprehensive introduction to research methodology and proposal writing. Students will be assisted in identifying a study topic, formulating research questions, developing a testable hypothesis, organizing a literature review, and selecting appropriate research designs and methodologies. The course is designed to develop students’ scientific curiosity, independent study skills and collaboration via a mentor-mentee relationship with a faculty advisor. By the end of the course, students will complete a written scientific research proposal that includes an abstract, introduction, problem statement, testable hypothesis, methods section, a project timeline and discussion, and appropriate references.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion (C- or better) of ENGL 102 or equivalent. Corequisite: VMT 497. Spring.