Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology I covers the normal anatomy and physiology of domestic mammals with emphasis on the dog and cat. Major differences with respect to the larger domestic species are also covered. This is the first semester of a two-semester course and covers basic organization, cells, tissues, the integument, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. 

Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology II covers the normal anatomy and physiology of domestic mammals with emphasis on the dog and cat. Major differences with respect to the larger domestic species are also covered. This is the second semester of a two-semester course and covers the endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems.

Introduction to Veterinary Technology introduces students to the field of Veterinary Technology. Some of the topics covered in the course are medical terminology, animal behavior, and species and breed identification. In addition, the course provides students with an overview of the way technicians manage multiple areas of a veterinary hospital, including the reception area, exam rooms, the treatment area, the surgical suite, and radiology room. Lectures and discussions include the way technicians interact with clients and patients when they are in veterinary care, as well as safety in the veterinary hospital setting, including the safe handling and dispensing of prescription and controlled medications. Students become aware of the legal and ethical issues in veterinary medicine. Modes of learning include lecture material, class discussions, and student presentations, the latter focusing on zoonotic diseases.

Veterinary Assistant Clinical allows students to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to their educational program. Students work at a veterinary hospital under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel and with direct guidance from the instructor. This clinical experience provides students with practical day-to-day experience in handling and restraining animals, assisting with office procedures, performing clinical laboratory techniques, and undertaking surgical preparation.

Veterinary Pharmacology covers basic pharmacology for the veterinary technician, focusing on private practices. It identifies basic classes of drugs, emphasizing pharmacodynamics, client education, side effects, and dosage calculations.

Veterinary Parasitology is the study of common parasites found in both companion and food animals. Students learn about these parasites’ life cycles. They learn how to identify and prevent endoparasites, ectoparasites, and blood parasites, and they learn how treat animals afflicted with these parasites. Further, they become acquainted with diagnostic testing for these parasites.

Introduction to Veterinary Surgical Assisting introduces students to surgical assistance of the veterinarian and/or the veterinary technician, providing them with basic knowledge of surgical instruments, surgery-room hygiene, care of surgical equipment, preparation of surgical patients, anesthesia, and monitoring of post-surgical patients. The course emphasizes assisting the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician with these procedures.

Veterinary Clinical Methods I provides the foundation by which students progress to their first clinical affiliation, preparing them for hands-on experience in the clinical setting. This course covers diseases, toxicities, emergencies, nutrition, nursing care, diagnostic sampling, the history and physical exam, companion animal handling and restraint, administration of medications and treatments, and the basics of preventative health care. The lab provides hands-on practice using models and the animal patient. 

In Small Animal Behavior, students become familiar with normal animal behavior. This course helps them understand and manage patients in the clinical setting. Through learning theory, along with scientific and humane training, restraint, and behavior modification techniques, students enhance their interactions with animals.