Veterinary Medical Technology A.A.S.

This course provides a survey of basic facts and principles of general, organic, and biochemistry. Topics include measurement, molecular structure, nuclear chemistry, solutions, acid-base chemistry, gas laws, and the structure, properties, and reactions of major organic and biological groups. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental chemical concepts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement.

This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data.  Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems and to analyze and communicate results. 

This course covers the common internal and external parasites of companion animals, livestock, selected zoo animals, and wild animals. Emphasis is placed on laboratory diagnosis of the most common forms of the parasite through fecal, urine, skin and blood exams. Upon completion, students should be able to identify common parasites and discuss life-cycles, treatment and prevention strategies, and public health aspects of veterinary parasitology.

This course includes the fundamental study of hematology, hemostasis, and urinalysis. Emphasis is placed on basic hematology and urinalysis techniques, manual skill development, instrumentation, quality control, and applications to veterinary science. Upon completion, students should be able to perform manual and automated CBCs, hemostatic assays, and complete urinalyses and maintain laboratory equipment and quality control.

This course, the second in a series of two, is designed to teach professional communication skills. Emphasis is placed on research, listening, critical reading and thinking, analysis, interpretation, and design used in oral and written presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to work individually and collaboratively to produce well-designed business and professional written and oral presentations. Students entering this course should be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge in a technical field and should anticipate interdepartmental evaluation of course projects.

This course includes the study of basic disease processes, fundamentals of pathology and other selected topics of veterinary medicine. Topics include histopathology, pathologic changes associated with common diseases of animals, necropsy procedures, specimen handling, and other selected material. Upon completion, students should be able to describe basic pathological changes associated with disease, recognize histopathologic changes, and properly perform collection and submission of necropsy specimens.

This course covers basic radiography, anesthesia techniques, dentistry, sample collection and handling, surgical assistance and instrumentation, sterile techniques, and patient record keeping. Topics include basic radiology, injectable and gas anesthesia, dentistry, instrument identification and care, sterile surgical technique, specimen collection and processing, and maintenance of patient records. Upon completion, students should be able to take and process radiographs, administer and monitor anesthesia, assist in surgical procedures, collect specimens, and maintain surgical records.

This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences.

The course covers advanced anesthetic techniques, special radiographic techniques, advanced dentistry, sample collection and processing, bandaging, and emergency and critical care procedures. Topics include induction and maintenance of anesthesia, radiographic contrast studies, advanced dentistry, external coaptation, intensive care procedures, and advanced sample collection techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in sample collection, radiology, anesthesia, critical care and emergency procedures, and dentistry.

This course covers the principles of nutrition and their application to feeding practices of domestic, farm, and companion animals. Topics include basic nutrients and nutritional needs of individual species, proximate analysis, interpretation of food and feed labels, types of animal foods, and ration formulation. Upon completion, students should be able to select appropriate diets for animals in various stages of health and disease, analyze nutrition labels, and identify foods.

This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.