Veterinary Medical Technology A.A.S.

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 various animal species, as well as basic immunology, fundamentals of disease processes, and common infectious diseases of animals and their prevention. Emphasis is placed on selected laboratory diagnosis of the most common forms of the parasite through fecal, blood, urine, and skin examination.

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.

This course introduces basic practices and techniques of the veterinary clinic and biomedical research fields for laboratory species. Topics include physical exam, husbandry, housing, sanitation, restraint and handling, administration of medications, and grooming. Upon completion, students should be able to properly restrain, medicate, examine, groom, and maintain each of the species studied.

This course provides an overview of the basic concepts of communication and the skills necessary to communicate in various contexts. Emphasis is placed on communication theories and techniques used in interpersonal group, public, intercultural, and mass communication situations. Upon completion, students should be able to explain and illustrate the forms and purposes of human communication in a variety of contexts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Communication.

This course expands upon drugs used in veterinary medicine, focusing on advanced drug classification, methods of action, administration, effects, side effects, storage, and handling. Emphasis is placed on advanced medical math, pharmacokinetics, client communication, and drug interactions. Students will learn dosage calculations, routes of medication administration, recognition of adverse reactions, and how to maintain pharmaceutical records and inventory.

This course covers hematology, serology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, histology, and cytology, focusing on sample collection and preparation for histological and cytological analysis. Emphasis is placed on the study of disease processes, pathology fundamentals, and pathologic changes in common animal diseases. Upon completion, students will be able to collect, prepare, and analyze samples; follow quality control and safety procedures; perform microbiological tests; identify histopathologic changes; and properly collect and submit specimens.

This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts.

This course expands on topics relevant to the medical and surgical techniques for the common domestic large animal species. Topics include physical exam, restraint, sample collection, bandaging, emergency treatment, surgical and obstetrical procedures and instruments, herd health, and lameness. Upon completion, students should be able to safely perform restraint, examination, and sample collection; assist surgical, obstetrical, and emergency procedures; and discuss herd health.

This course is designed to integrate and reinforce knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Veterinary Medical Technology program in preparation for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Emphasis is placed on comprehensive review, case studies, and critical thinking in accordance with AVMA CVTEA essential competencies. Upon completion, students should be able to apply critical reasoning to clinical scenarios and exhibit readiness for the VTNE.