Revised 3/2018

VET 105 - Introduction to Veterinary Technology (3 CR.)

Course Description

Introduces the role of veterinary technicians in a veterinary practice. Includes medical terminology, ethics, professionalism, and basic concepts of patient care. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 5 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This introductory course familiarizes the student with the profession and career opportunities available in veterinary technology. Medical terminology, basics of animal patient care including handling/restraint and feeding practices will be covered.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Enrollment is limited to those students program-placed in the veterinary technology curriculum or those students with special approval from the program head.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Describe the role a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) may play in various aspects of veterinary medicine
  • List career options and describe the process for further specialist credentialing
  • Describe and discuss basic concepts of ethics, professionalism and jurisprudence for veterinary technicians
  • Dissect, define and articulate veterinary medical terminology
  • Explain and compare basic concepts of large and small animal patient care
  • Describe basic concepts of large and small animal nutrition and feeding
  • Compare nutritional requirements and apply feeding practices for small and large animals
  • List equipment and describe various domestic animal restraint techniques for medical procedures
  • Demonstrate basic handling and restraint on dog, cats and horses
  • Perform basic small and large animal evaluation including body condition score, assess vital signs and recognize abnormal states
  • Demonstrate proper administration of oral, injectable, otic, ophthalmic and topical medications to small and large animals

Major Topics to Be Included

  • The role of any formally trained and credentialed veterinary technician in clinical practice as member of the veterinary healthcare team
  • The Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics
  • The state veterinary practice laws and regulation of LVTs and non-licensed veterinary assistants
  • Application of medical terminology in veterinary medical recordkeeping
  • Basic nutritional requirements and common feeding practices for small and large animals