Introduction to veterinary medicine, roles of the team members and professionalism. Topics focuses on an introduction to the various opportunities within the veterinary healthcare profession, as well as history and physical examination, communication, medical documentation, basic animal care, normal temperature, pulse and respiration values for various species, breeds of animals, sanitation, and veterinary ethics/professionalism. Laboratory required 30 hours.

This course will provide students with a foundation in pharmaceutical calculations specific to veterinary medicine. Emphasis will be place on proficiency in pharmaceutical units and conversions as well as performing dosage, dilution, and intravenous (IV) fluid calculations while maintaining proper safety techniques. Students will engage in practical case studies to reinforce the concepts learned throughout this course, enhance problem-solving abilities, and develop confidence in performing pharmaceutical calculations in a veterinary clinical setting.

This course will introduce students to veterinary medical terminology by building a solid foundation while expanding vocabulary and comprehension. Emphasis will be on the basics of word construction, usage of commonly used terms encountered in a veterinary practice, interpretation of diagnostic reports, as well as enhance professionalism and communication. Topics will include prefixes, suffixes, root words, common and specialty terms, medical records and diagnostic reports, and application through practical exercises and case studies.

This course will introduce students to veterinary medical terminology by building a solid foundation while expanding vocabulary and comprehension. Emphasis will be on the basics of word construction, usage of commonly used terms encountered in a veterinary practice, interpretation of diagnostic reports, as well as enhance professionalism and communication. Topics will include prefixes, suffixes, root words, common and specialty terms, medical records and diagnostic reports, and application through practical exercises and case studies.

This course introduces students to common laboratory techniques and diagnostic methods needed to function as a veterinary assistant. Topics include the basic laboratory, hematology, bone marrow and blood cytology, urinalysis, clinical chemistry, function tests of the liver, kidney, pancreas, and thyroid, diagnostic cytology, post mortem examinations and principles of asepsis and the practice of sterile technique.

A general survey of animal function and anatomy. The emphasis is on introductory topics of animal cell and tissue structure, function, nomenclature and identification. Topics explored include anatomical terminology and the physiology of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, respiratory, digestive, circulatory, urinary, endocrine, neurologic, immune and reproductive systems. Laboratory required 30 hours.

XXXXXIntroduction to veterinary nursing, animal husbandry and the natural behaviors of domestic animal species. Course emphasizes providing safe and effective patient assessment and care and in developing the observation, husbandry and management skills needed to safely and humanely restrain patients during clinical procedures. Topics include the assistant’s role in diagnostic procedures, treatments, patient assessment, preventative medicine, introduction to radiography, fundamental principles of hematology, introduction to nutritional principles and practices, and client and team communication. Laboratory required 30 hours.

A 135 contact hour work experience, under direct supervision of a veterinarian and/or a veterinary technician. The student will be required to perform and/or observe a list of essential skills during the course of the practicum.

A 135 contact hour work experience, under direct supervision of a veterinarian and/or a veterinary technician. The student will build upon required essential skills during the course of the practicum.