Veterinary Technology

Pre-Health Resources The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology program prepares students for careers in veterinary technology which require knowledge and skills involving basic medical sciences, animal care and management, veterinary medical care, and client communications and service.

Veterinary technicians function as the paraprofessional assistants to veterinarians, biomedical researchers, other scientists, and animal control and humane organizations.

Instruction includes practical clinical internship experience in veterinary emergency, large animal, small animal, and specialty practices, as well as in zoos, laboratories, humane societies, and other facilities.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Participate in business and facility management by creating, maintaining, and filing appointment schedules, patient/client records, financial records, logs and inventory records, and by demonstrating effective client communication skills.
• Utilize computers and computer software programs to facilitate creation, storage, and retrieval of data files.
• Prepare and perform clinical laboratory specimen analysis, including hematology, urinalysis, blood chemistry, hemostasis, serology, cytology, parasitology, and necropsy.
• Compare and contrast the anatomy and physiology of common domestic animals, and apply that knowledge to performing common clinical procedures and treatments.
• Perform proper techniques of basic husbandry, restraint and handling, physical examination and assessment, medication administration, clinical specimen collection, and medical treatment in a variety of animal species.
• Assess the life-stage nutritional requirements for well animals, identify common feeds and feeding practices, and communicate the special nutritional requirements and feeding of diseases animals.
• Demonstrate proper use and maintenance of veterinary diagnostic, surgical, and therapeutic equipment.
• Identify therapeutic drugs, vaccines, and supplements used in veterinary medicine, and effectively communicate their mechanisms, common uses, side effects, and regulatory considerations.
• Perform pharmacologic calculations, interpret and follow pharmacy orders, prepare and dispense drug prescriptions, and communicate drug information the diverse client.
• Operate and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment, and safely produce a variety of diagnostic images of animals.
• Evaluate common veterinary anesthetic, surgical, and emergency procedures; perform surgical patient preparation, anesthetic monitoring, and surgical assistance.
• Differentiate common diseases of domestic animals, their agents, and principles of disease prevention and treatment.
• Utilize medical terminology in verbal and written communication and explain the principles of ethics and legal issues in veterinary technology.
• Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.