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Veterinary Technology

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

The Cosumnes River College Veterinary Technology program does not provide veterinary medical services to the public.

The Veterinary Technology program is designed to provide the student with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician. The program offers a rigorous and rewarding academic curriculum while simultaneously providing ample hands-on experience. The student will gain a working knowledge of animal behavior, restraint, nutrition and nursing. The curriculum will include, but not be restricted to, the performance of veterinary emergency care, anesthesia, dental care, surgical assistance and laboratory procedures.

Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) are trained professionals who work as highly skilled assistants to veterinarians and researchers. RVTs are integral members of the veterinary health care team and are valuable employees in a variety of related fields.

Most states require official licensing of Veterinary Technicians. In California, licensure is accomplished by:

Graduation from an AVMA Accredited/California Veterinary Medical Board Approved RVT program (or equivalent)
Achievement of a passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
Application for a Registered Veterinary Technician license from the California Veterinary Medical Board. (Please visit the California VMB website for details about the licensure process.)

The Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

AVMA
1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360
(800) 248-2862
AVMA Accredited Programs

Degrees and Certificates Offered

A.S. in Veterinary Technology
Veterinary Technology Certificate

Dean Kris Hubbard (Interim)
Department Liasons Dave Andrews, Department Chair
Andrea Atkins, Program Director
Phone (916) 691-7236
Email atkinsa@crc.losrios.edu

Associate Degree

A.S. in Veterinary Technology

CRC's Veterinary Technology program is designed to provide the student with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician. The program offers a rigorous yet rewarding academic curriculum while simultaneously providing ample hands-on experience. The student will gain a working knowledge of animal behavior, restraint, nutrition and nursing. The curriculum will include, but not be restricted to, the performance of emergency care, anesthesia, dental care, surgical assistance and laboratory procedures.

Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) (previously known as Animal Health Technicians) are trained professionals who work as highly skilled assistants to veterinarians and researchers. Their knowledge and skills have led to their being desirable employees in a variety of related fields.

Most states (including California) require official licensing or certification of RVTs. In California, certification is accomplished by:
• completion of an educational curriculum, and
• achievement of a passing score on a state board exam

Highlights include:
* One of only six programs in California that has earned accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association
* Acceptance of degree by examining boards in states other than California
* High-quality training recognized by local employers
* Excellent record of students passing state board exams
* On-the-job training and future job placement opportunities

Requirements for Pre-enrollment to the Program
A grade of "C" or better in the following courses is required:
BIOL 400
CHEM 400 or CHEM 305
BIOL 440
Forms are available from the Careers and Technology Division office or apply on-line at http://crc.losrios.edu/~vettech/app.htm. Only completed application packets will be considered. Completed applications must include all official college transcripts. Transcripts must be submitted as soon as they are available. For the latest admission requirements refer to: http://crc.losrios.edu/Areas_of_Study/Careers_and_Technology/Veterinary_Technology.htm
Note: The AVMA requires that all applicants for enrollment must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Only students who meet the pre-enrollment requirements and follow the pre-enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Applications must be received for the following fall semester by April 1st.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO STUDENTS
In order to ensure that prerequisites for subsequent courses are met and to allow completion of course work in four semesters, the student must adhere to the following schedule. NOTE: Each VT course is offered only once per year in either the spring or fall semester, as shown in the Required Program section.

* SEMESTER 1 (Fall): VT 100, VT 111
* SEMESTER 2 (Spring): VT 110, VT 113, VT 152, VT 298**
* SEMESTER 3 (Fall): VT 120, VT 122, VT 126, VT 298
* SEMESTER 4 (Spring): VT123, VT 130, VT 131, VT 134, VT 298

With the exception of VT 110, all courses are pre- or co-requisites for the subsequent semester's courses. Failure to complete a course successfully will therefore delay progress through the program.

**VT 298, Work Experience, can only be taken after successful completion of VT 100 and VT 111. Per AVMA requirements, a minimum of 300 hours is required. At least one unit of VT 298 must be completed prior to beginning the third semester courses.

Additional Program Notes:
All students enrolled in any of the following courses will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays and semester break: VT 100; VT 111; VT 113; VT 120; VT 126; VT 130; VT 131; VT 152

Failure to complete all required courses for the A.S. degree will make you ineligible to sit for the State Board examination under the AVMA accredited program eligibility guidelines.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2023

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
VT 100	Introduction to Veterinary Technology	3¹
VT 111	Anatomy-Physiology of Animals	4²
First Year (Spring):
VT 152	Introduction to Laboratory Animals and Caged Birds	2³
VT 110	Veterinary Office Practice	3
VT 113	Clinical Laboratory Techniques for Veterinary Technicians	4⁴
Second Year (Fall):
VT 120	Pharmacology and Anesthesiology for the Veterinary Technician	4⁵
VT 122	Animal Disease: Pathology	3
VT 126	Dentistry for the Veterinary Technician	1.5⁶
Second Year (Spring):
VT 123	Large Animal Disease: Pathology	3
VT 130	Advanced Veterinary Technology	4⁷
VT 131	Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging	3⁸
VT 134	Large Animal Nursing	1.5
VT 298	Work Experience in Veterinary Technology	0.5 -4⁹
Total Units:		36.5 - 40

¹Students enrolled in VT 100 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

²Students enrolled in VT 111 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

³Students enrolled in VT 152 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

⁴Students enrolled in VT 113 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

⁵Students enrolled in VT 120 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

⁶Students enrolled in VT 126 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

⁷Students enrolled in VT 130 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

⁸Students enrolled in VT 131 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

⁹Beginning with the entering class of 2010-11, students must complete a minimum of 300 hours of internship/work experience. Students in a paid work experience earn one unit for a minimum of 75 hours. Students in an unpaid work experience earn one unit for a minimum of 60 hours. Work Experience is repeatable when there is new or expanded learning on the job.

The Veterinary Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

Completion of BIOL 400 with a grade of "C" or better.*
Completion of CHEM 400 or CHEM 305 with a grade of "C" or better.
Completion of BIOL 440 with a grade of "C" or better.
Completion of a pre-enrollment form including official copies of all college transcripts.
AVMA requires that all applicants for enrollment must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
*Students are advised to check prerequisites for courses when registering.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

Admission to the program is based on a random lottery process from among the qualified applicants. Only students who meet the educational and pre-veterinary technology requirements, and follow the pre-enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Meeting all the requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

SLO 1: Apply the principles of pharmacology to the practice of veterinary medicine
Interpret written orders, calculate doses, and correctly fill prescriptions in a veterinary pharmacy.
Identify the indications and contraindications to the utilization of pharmaceuticals in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.
Administer medications including but not limited to anesthetics, tranquilizers, pain medications, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, hormones, chemotherapy agents, and other specialty medications to animals using appropriate techniques.
SLO 2: Assist the veterinarian in the performance of veterinary medicine and surgery.
List and identify instrumentation used in a veterinary hospital
Demonstrate the ability to sterilize instrumentation and maintain equipment in a veterinary hospital.
Demonstrate correct tissue handling and suturing techniques in a surgical setting.
Correctly restrain animals for treatment including companion, non-domestic, and large animals.
Perform nursing functions to include, but not limited to: physical examination, intravenous catheter care, basic life support (BLS), Urinary catheter care, bandaging, and homeostatic maintenance for animals within a veterinary hospital.
SLO 3: Apply the principles of radiography to the practice of veterinary medicine.
Take radiographs of small and large animals using correct radiographic technique.
Demonstrate the ability to develop, critique, radiographs, and correct errors in the performance of veterinary radiography.
Compare and contrast imaging modalities such as CAT, MRI, and ultrasound with respect to indications and applications of these techniques.
SLO 4: Perform clinical laboratory duties within a veterinary hospital
Identify common parasite ova and larvae of domestic animals in fecal and blood samples.
Perform common laboratory tests utilized to formulate a minimum data base for an animal including, but not limited to the performance of clinical hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, and fecal analysis tests.
Formulate a quality control and maintenance program schedule for a clinical in house veterinary laboratory.
SLO 5: Utilize the principles of dentistry in the practice of veterinary medicine.
Demonstrate proper technique in the utilization of dental instruments.
Perform non-surgical dental extractions in animals.
Communicate to clients techniques utilized in home dental care.
Perform a dental prophylaxis procedure in small animals.
SLO 6: Perform clerical hospital/office duties within a veterinary hospital.
Maintain financial and patient records.
Operate a veterinary office computer system.
Maintain logs required by law including radiographic, laboratory, surgical, anesthesia, and controlled substance logs.
Organize and maintain an appointment schedule.
Perform an inventory of hospital supplies and medications.
Demonstrate telephone answering skills such as greeting clients, answering questions and proper telephone etiquette.
SLO 7: Provide safe, humane, and effective care for common laboratory animals used in animal research.
Administer medications by oral or injectable methods to laboratory animals.
Identify common laboratory animal species.
Collect laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces.
Determine the sex of common laboratory species.
Perform and/or supervise basic husbandry practices for common laboratory animal species.
SLO 8: Provide safe, humane, and effective care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, and ferrets.
Demonstrate restraint techniques.
Administer medications by oral and injectable methods.
Perform and/or supervise basic husbandry practices.
Collect laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces.

Career Information

Private Veterinary Practice; Zoos/Wild Animal Parks; Pharmaceutical Industry; Veterinary Supplies Sales; Diagnostic Laboratories; Military Service; Education; Biomedical Research; Humane Societies/Animal Control; Regulatory Veterinary Medicine; Livestock Health Management

Certificate of Achievement

Veterinary Technology Certificate

This certificate is designed for students with three years of verifiable full-time experience working as an unregistered veterinary assistant. Upon completion of this certificate program, and three years clinical experience, the student will be fully eligible to take the State Board examination to become registered as a Veterinary Technician.

CRC's Veterinary Technology program is designed to provide the student with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician. The program offers a rigorous yet rewarding academic curriculum while simultaneously providing ample hands-on experience. The student will gain a working knowledge of animal behavior, restraint, nutrition and nursing. The curriculum will include, but not be restricted to, the performance of emergency care, anesthesia, dental care, surgical assistance and laboratory procedures.

Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) (previously known as Animal Health Technicians) are trained professionals who work as highly skilled assistants to veterinarians and researchers. Their knowledge and skills have led to their being desirable employees in a variety of related fields.

Most states (including California) require official licensing or certification of RVTs. In California certification is accomplished by:
• completion of an educational curriculum
• achievement of a passing score on a state board exam

Highlights include:
* One of only six programs in California that has earned accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association
* Acceptance of degree by examining boards in states other than California
* High-quality training recognized by local employers
* Excellent record of students passing state board exams
* On-the-job training and future job placement opportunities

Requirements for Pre-enrollment to the Program
A grade of "C" or better in the following courses is required:
BIOL 400
CHEM 400 or CHEM 305
BIOL 440
Forms are available from the Careers and Technology Division office or apply on-line at http://crc.losrios.edu/~vettech/app.htm. Only completed application packets will be considered. Completed applications must include all official college transcripts. Transcripts must be submitted as soon as they are available. For the latest admission requirements refer to: http://crc.losrios.edu/Areas_of_Study/Careers_and_Technology/Veterinary_Technology.htm
Note: The AVMA requires that all applicants for enrollment must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Only students who meet the pre-enrollment requirements and follow the pre-enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Applications must be received for the following fall semester by April 1st. Selection will be based on a random selection process, should the number of qualified applicants exceed available spaces in the program.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO STUDENTS
In order to ensure that prerequisites for subsequent courses are met and to allow completion of course work in four semesters, the student must adhere to the following schedule. NOTE: VT courses are offered only once per year - spring or fall semester.

* SEMESTER 1 (Fall): VT 100, VT 111
* SEMESTER 2 (Spring): VT 110, VT 113, VT 152
* SEMESTER 3 (Fall): VT 120, VT 122, VT 126
* SEMESTER 4 (Spring): VT 123, VT 130, VT 131, VT134

With the exception of VT 110, all courses are pre- or co-requisites for the subsequent semester's courses. Failure to complete a course successfully will therefore delay progress through the program.

Additional Program Notes:
All students enrolled in any of the following courses will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays and semester break: VT 100; VT 111; VT 113; VT 120; VT 126; VT 130; VT 131; VT 152

Catalog Date: January 1, 2023

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
VT 100	Introduction to Veterinary Technology	3¹
VT 111	Anatomy-Physiology of Animals	4²
VT 110	Veterinary Office Practice	3
VT 113	Clinical Laboratory Techniques for Veterinary Technicians	4³
VT 152	Introduction to Laboratory Animals and Caged Birds	2⁴
VT 120	Pharmacology and Anesthesiology for the Veterinary Technician	4⁵
VT 122	Animal Disease: Pathology	3
VT 126	Dentistry for the Veterinary Technician	1.5⁶
VT 123	Large Animal Disease: Pathology	3
VT 130	Advanced Veterinary Technology	4⁷
VT 131	Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging	3⁸
VT 134	Large Animal Nursing	1.5
Total Units:		36

¹Students enrolled in VT 100 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

²Students enrolled in VT 111 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

³Students enrolled in VT 113 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

⁴Students enrolled in VT 152 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

⁵Students enrolled in VT 120 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

⁶Students enrolled in VT 126 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

⁷Students enrolled in VT 130 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

⁸Students enrolled in VT 131 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

Completion of BIOL 400 with a grade of "C" or better.*
Completion of CHEM 400 or CHEM 305 with a grade of "C" or better.
Completion of BIOL 440 with a grade of "C" or better.
Completion of a pre-enrollment form (includes official copies of all college transcripts) received by April 1st for the following Fall Semester.
AVMA requires that all applicants for enrollment must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
* Students are advised to check prerequisites for courses when registering.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

Only students who meet the pre-enrollment requirements will be considered for the program.
Selection will be based on a random selection process, should the number of qualified applicants exceed available spaces in the program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

SLO 1: Apply the principles of pharmacology to the practice of veterinary medicine
Interpret written orders, calculate doses, and correctly fill prescriptions in a veterinary pharmacy.
Identify the indications and contraindications to the utilization of pharmaceuticals in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.
Administer medications including but not limited to anesthetics, tranquilizers, pain medications, antibiotics, anti-inflammations, hormones, chemotherapy agents, and other specialty medications to animals using appropriate techniques.
SLO 2: Assist the veterinarian in the performance of veterinary medicine and surgery.
List and identify instrumentation used in a veterinary hospital
Demonstrate the ability to sterilize instrumentation and maintain equipment in a veterinary hospital.
Demonstrate correct tissue handling and suturing techniques in a surgical setting.
Correctly restrain animals for treatment including companion, non-domestic, and large animals.
Perform nursing functions to include, but not limited to: physical examination, intravenous catheter care, basic life support (BLS), Urinary catheter care, bandaging, and homeostatic maintenance for animals within a veterinary hospital.
SLO 3: Apply the principles of radiography to the practice of veterinary medicine.
Take radiographs of small and large animals using correct radiographic technique.
Demonstrate the ability to develop and critique radiographs, and correct errors in the performance of veterinary radiography.
Compare and contrast imaging modalities such as CAT, MRI, and ultrasound with respect to indications and applications of these techniques
SLO 4: Perform clinical laboratory duties within a veterinary hospital
Identify common parasite ova and larvae of domestic animals in fecal and blood samples.
Perform common laboratory tests utilized to formulate a minimum database for an animal including, but not limited to the performance of clinical hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, and fecal analysis tests.
Formulate a quality control and maintenance program schedule for a clinical in house veterinary laboratory.
SLO 5: Utilize the principles of dentistry in the practice of veterinary medicine.
Demonstrate proper technique in the utilization of dental instruments.
Perform non-surgical extractions in animals.
Communicate to clients home dental care techniques
Perform a dental prophylaxis procedure in small animals.
SLO 6: Perform clerical hospital/office duties within a veterinary hospital.
Maintain financial and patient records.
Operate a veterinary office computer system.
Maintain logs required by law including radiographic, laboratory, surgical, anesthesia, and controlled substance logs.
Organize and maintain an appointment schedule.
Perform an inventory of hospital supplies and medications.
Demonstrate telephone answering skills such as greeting clients, answering questions and proper telephone etiquette.
SLO 7: Provide safe, humane, and effective care for common laboratory animals used in animal research.
Administer medications by oral or injectable methods to laboratory animals.
Identify common laboratory animal species.
Collect laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces.
Determine the sex of common laboratory species.
Perform and/or supervise basic husbandry practices for common laboratory animal species.
SLO 8: Provide safe, humane, and effective care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, and ferrets.
Demonstrate restraint techniques.
Administer medications by oral and injectable methods.
Perform and/or supervise basic husbandry practices.
Collect laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces.

Career Information

Veterinary Technology (VT) Courses

VT 100 Introduction to Veterinary Technology

Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in this course is limited to students admitted to the Veterinary Technology program via the pre-enrollment process. To be considered for admission, a student must be a high school graduate or equivalent, and have completed CHEM 400 or CHEM 305, BIOL 400, and BIOL 440 with grades of "C" or better. See the course catalog or a counselor for more information.
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

This orientation course reviews the history, training and career opportunities pertaining to Registered Veterinary Technicians. Animal behavior, handling, training and restraint will be presented and discussed in the lecture periods. Laboratories will provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with domestic, farm, laboratory and non-domestic animal species (when they are available). Students will be introduced to the medical terminology common to the animal health care field. Students will also be required to spend a minimum of 6 hours per week during assigned shifts to care for the colony animals. Shifts are scheduled outside of regular class time. Animal care shifts may be scheduled on weekends and holidays as well as semester breaks. Enrollment in this course is limited to students admitted to the Veterinary Technology program via the pre-enrollment process. See the course catalog or a counselor for more information.

VT 110 Veterinary Office Practice

Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Enrollment Limitation:Student must complete pre-enrollment process.
Advisory:Completion of or concurrent enrollment in CISC 302.
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

A practice-oriented course that includes hospital and clinic management procedures, business and professional aspects of practice, ethical and legal considerations for the Registered Veterinary Technician and his/her employer. Students will be introduced to OSHA requirements and regulations as they pertain to veterinary hospitals. Assignments in medical terminology will be given. Enrollment in this course limited to students admitted via the pre-enrollment process.

VT 111 Anatomy-Physiology of Animals

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:Concurrent enrollment in VT 100 (may be taken previously)
Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in this course is limited to students admitted to the Veterinary Technology program via the pre-enrollment process. To be considered for admission, a student must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have completed CHEM 400 or CHEM 305, BIOL 400, and BIOL 440 with grades of "C" or better. See the course catalog or a counselor for more information.
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

This course is a study of the basic anatomy and physiology of common domestic animals, including dogs, cats, horses, swine and ruminants. The information will be organized according to body systems. Within each system, the variation between species will be explored. Whenever possible, topics will be related to pertinent veterinary situations. Laboratory sessions will include dissection of animal cadavers.

Students will also be required to spend a minimum of 6 hours per week during assigned shifts in the care of the colony animals. Shifts are scheduled outside of regular class time. Animal care shifts may be scheduled on weekends and holidays as well as semester breaks.

Enrollment in this course is limited to students admitted to the Veterinary Technology program via the pre-enrollment process. See the course catalog or a counselor for more information.

VT 113 Clinical Laboratory Techniques for Veterinary Technicians

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
Prerequisite:VT 100 and 111 with grades of "C" or better
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

This course will cover the basic clinical laboratory skills needed by Registered Veterinary Technicians. Topics covered will include parasitology, cytology, urinalysis, microbiology, and hematology. Both normal and abnormal values for various species of animals will be covered. Students will gain additional hands-on experience as they learn to restrain animals for specimen collection procedures. Office procedures as they pertain to clinical laboratory work will be included: filing, recordkeeping, telephone reports, etc. Students will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week during assigned times in the care of the colony animals. Time may include weekends and holidays as well as semester break.

VT 120 Pharmacology and Anesthesiology for the Veterinary Technician

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
Prerequisite:VT 110, 113, and 152 with grades of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in this course is limited to students admitted to the Veterinary Technology program via the pre-enrollment process. To be considered for admission, a student must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have completed CHEM 400 or CHEM 305, BIOL 400, and BIOL 440 with grades of "C" or better. See the course catalog or a counselor for more information.
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

In this course, students will develop knowledge and skills related to pharmacology, veterinary anesthesiology and surgical assisting. Veterinary pharmacology concepts including drug classification, mechanisms of action, methods of administration, prescribing and dispensing will be introduced. Prescription, over-the-counter and scheduled drugs will be discussed. Students will learn how to perform and monitor veterinary anesthesia and practice related skills in the laboratory setting. Students will learn about veterinary surgical instrumentation, aseptic technique, surgical assisting and patient care. Application of knowledge will take place in surgical assisting labs where students demonstrate hands-on skills under the direct supervision of a licensed program veterinarian and Registered Veterinary Technician. Laboratories will include using live animals and equipment for student learning and demonstration of hands-on skills.

Students will also be required to spend a minimum of 6 hours per week during assigned shifts in the care of the colony animals. Shifts are scheduled outside of regular class time. Animal care shifts may be scheduled on weekends and holidays as well as semester breaks.
Enrollment in this is course limited to students admitted to the Veterinary Technology program via the pre-enrollment process. See the course catalog or a counselor for more information.

VT 122 Animal Disease: Pathology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:VT 110, 113, 152, and 298 with grades of "C" or better; A minimum of 1 unit of VT 298 (Work Experience in Veterinary Technology) with a grade of "C" or better is required. Prior to taking VT 122, students should have experience in a clinical setting, animal handling, client communication, collecting samples and basic diagnostic modalities including auscultation, radiology, sample preparation, etc.
Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in this course is limited to students admitted to the Veterinary Technology program via the pre-enrollment process. To be considered for admission, a student must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have completed CHEM 400 or CHEM 305, BIOL 400, and BIOL 440 with grades of "C" or better. See the course catalog or a counselor for more information.
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

A course of study designed to acquaint students with common animal diseases of companion animals. Students will be introduced to body defense systems and how the body responds to disease. Each disease is presented according to the body system(s) affected and topics covered include clinical signs, diagnostic laboratory work-up, treatment options, and client information. This course focuses on diseases of dogs and cats but will include some discussion of diseases in rabbits, rodents, ferrets, birds and reptiles. Necropsy demonstrations may be provided as visual aids to the textbook study.

Students will also be required to spend a minimum of 6 hours per week during assigned shifts in the care of the colony animals. Shifts are scheduled outside of regular class time. Animal care shifts may be scheduled on weekends and holidays as well as semester breaks.
Enrollment in this course is limited to students admitted to the Veterinary Technology program via the pre-enrollment process. See the course catalog or a counselor for more information.

VT 123 Large Animal Disease: Pathology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:VT 113 with a grade of "C" or better
Corequisite:BIOL 440 (may have been taken previously)
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

A course of study designed to acquaint the Veterinary Technician trainee with the many varied large animal disease entities seen in the animal health field. While most of the diseases discussed will be those of the common large domestic animals, some emerging and foreign animal diseases will be investigated with an emphasis on public health concerns. There will be exposure to such areas of study as etiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology and control of disease. Course will cover mechanisms of protecting the nation's food supply through herd health disease prevention and control programs for zoonotic diseases.

VT 126 Dentistry for the Veterinary Technician

Units:1.5
Hours:18 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
Prerequisite:VT 110 and 113 with grades of "C" or better
Corequisite:VT 120; VT 120 (May have been taken previously)
Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in this course is limited to students admitted to the Veterinary Technology program via the pre-enrollment process. To be considered for admission, a student must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have completed CHEM 400 or CHEM 305, BIOL 400, and BIOL 440 with grades of "C" or better. See the course catalog or a counselor for more information.
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

This course will prepare the student for all aspects of veterinary dental care in dogs and cats appropriate to the veterinary technician. It will include instruction in oral examination, periodontal disease, dental radiology, dental scaling and polishing, and extractions techniques. Laboratories will include using live animals and equipment for student learning and demonstration of hands-on skills. Students will perform dental radiography and prophylaxis on anesthetized animals under the direct supervision of licensed program faculty and staff.

Students will also be required to spend a minimum of 6 hours per week during assigned shifts in the care of the colony animals. Shifts are scheduled outside of regular class time. Animal care shifts may be scheduled on weekends and holidays as well as semester breaks.
Enrollment in this course is limited to students admitted to the Veterinary Technology program via the pre-enrollment process. See the course catalog or a counselor for more information.

VT 130 Advanced Veterinary Technology

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
Prerequisite:VT 120 with a grade of "C" or better
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

This course includes instruction in advanced veterinary technology practices which includes, but is not limited to abnormal hematology, cytology, an introduction to bone marrow aspiration and evaluation, veterinary nutrition, emergency patient care, and advanced life support. There will be an emphasis placed upon advanced nursing techniques for companion animals, laboratory animals and non domestic species. Students will be required to spend two to six hours per week during assigned times in the care of the colony animals. Time may include weekends and holidays as well as semester break. Students will also be assigned a dog and cat which will require an additional 140 minutes per week for obedience training, socialization and grooming.

VT 131 Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging

Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:VT 120 and 122 with grades of "C" or better
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

This course is designed to meet the needs of the veterinary technician who will be working for veterinarians in private practice, animal research laboratories, and/or private and state industrial or educational institutions. The course covers safety procedures, rules, regulations, x-ray production and theory as well as specific techniques associated with the use of radiographic equipment. It includes positioning techniques for various animal species as well as radiograph developing techniques and basic x-ray theory. Alternate imaging modalities are introduced and their use in veterinary medicine described. Emphasis is placed on the theory of diagnostic ultrasound and its use in veterinary medicine. A local field trip to a facility that offers the opportunity to perform large animal radiographic techniques may be required. Students will also be required to spend 2-6 hrs/week during assigned times in the care of the colony animals. Time may include weekends and holidays as well as semester break.

VT 134 Large Animal Nursing

Units:1.5
Hours:18 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
Prerequisite:VT 113 with a grade of "C" or better
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

A course in restraint, behavior, anesthesia and nursing care of domestic large animal species. Species covered will include horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and swine. Students will learn and have hands on practice in basic restraint, physical examination, oral and injectable medication administration, and blood and urine collection techniques. In this course students will receive instruction through in-person lectures and/or online modules and discussions followed by hands-on practice and demonstrations at off campus livestock facilities. Written Midterm and Final examinations will take place on campus. Students will also receive instruction in the use of restraint equipment and techniques for obstetrical examination and dystocia, administration of and complications associated with large animal anesthesia, tail and leg wrapping, intravenous catheterization, and common husbandry practices including disbudding, tail docking, and castration.

VT 152 Introduction to Laboratory Animals and Caged Birds

Units:2
Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
Prerequisite:VT 100 and 111 with grades of "C" or better
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

This course is designed to expand upon the brief introduction the veterinary technology student has had to caged birds and laboratory animals. The student will have more hands-on exposure to laboratory animals and caged birds (e.g. specimen collection, anesthesia, etc.) thereby increasing their understanding of laboratory animal care maintenance requirements. Greater emphasis will be placed on obtaining handling skills. This course will provide information and handling skills which will help the student prepare for the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification. A field trip to a research facility is required. Students will also be required to spend 2-6hrs/week during assigned times in the care of the colony animals. Time may include weekends and holidays as well as semester break.

VT 295 Independent Studies in Veterinary Technology

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.

VT 298 Work Experience in Veterinary Technology

Units:0.5 - 4
Hours:30 - 300 hours LAB
Prerequisite:VT 111 with a grade of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position or job related to career goals in Veterinary Technology.
General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment in their major field of study or advancement within their career. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in associate degree level or certificate occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce; completion of required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. Appropriate level learning objectives are established by the student and the employer. During the semester, the student is required to participate in a weekly orientation and 37.5 hours of related paid work experience, or 30 hours of unpaid work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 37.5 or 30 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

VT 299 Experimental Offering in Veterinary Technology

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:January 1, 2023

This is the experimental courses description.