Course Number and Title:
VET 100 Veterinary Nursing I
Prerequisites
CHM110 and BIO100 and (MAT152 or MAT 162)
Course Credits and Hours
4 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
6 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course introduces foundational theoretical knowledge and technical skills essential for companion animal medical nursing. Key topics include small animal breed identification, basic animal care, physical examinations, medication administration, nutrition, disinfection/cleaning protocols, and facility management. Clinical sessions provide hands-on practice with concepts learned in lecture, including patient assessment, therapeutic bathing, and basic grooming techniques.
Additional Materials
Stethoscope, pen light, scrubs, closed toe, non-skid shoes, digital thermometer, pocket notebook, watch with a second hand and pocket formulary (optional).
Disclaimer
The student must have completed required rabies pre-exposure vaccination series or document proof of protective titer before taking this course. The cost of the series is the responsibility of the student and may not be covered by insurance. Students will be working with live animals. Students are required to travel to the Georgetown and Stanton campuses and off-campus clinical facilities on a weekly basis.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Use traditional and electronic media and appropriate veterinary medical terminology and abbreviations to perform management tasks. (CCC 1,2,3,4; PGC 1,2,3)
- Use written, oral, non-verbal, and electronic methods to communicate in a professional and effective manner. (CCC 3,4; PGC 3)
- Demonstrate professionalism by adhering to the Veterinary Technology Code of Ethics and employer expectations, while maintaining a commitment to ethical veterinary procedures. (CCC 3,4; PGC 3)
- Perform patient assessment techniques in a variety of animal species. ( CCC 1,2,3,4,6; PGC 1,2,3)
- Demonstrate husbandry, therapeutic, and dentistry techniques appropriate to various animal species.( CCC 3,4; PGC1,2)
- Describe the handling process of rabies suspects. (CCC 1,2,3,4; PGC 1,2,3)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Use traditional and electronic media and appropriate veterinary medical terminology and abbreviations to perform management tasks.
- Use traditional and electronic media and appropriate veterinary medical terminology and abbreviations to effectively manage a veterinary facility.
- Document and maintain medical and facility records and logs in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
- Manage inventory controls.
- Recognize roles of appropriate regulatory agencies.
- Establish and maintain appropriate sanitation, infection control protocols and disposal of hazardous materials for a veterinary facility, including patient and laboratory area.
- Use written, oral, non-verbal, and electronic methods to communicate in a professional and effective manner.
- Use appropriate interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate within a team-based healthcare team.
- Recognize the legality of the veterinary-client-patient relationship.
- Produce and deliver client education in a clear and accurate manner at a level the client understands.
- Demonstrate professionalism by adhering to the Veterinary Technology Code of Ethics and employer expectations, while maintaining a commitment to ethical veterinary procedures.
- Recognize legal boundaries of veterinary healthcare.
- Use professional standards to interact with clients and fellow staff members respecting and protecting the confidentiality of client and patient information.
- Demonstrate a commitment to high quality patient care.
- Perform patient assessment techniques in a variety of animal species.
- Recognize common domestic species and breeds.
- Use common animal identification methods (ie. tattoos, ear tags, microchips, etc.) to identify an individual patient.
- Recognize and assess body language and behaviors (including pain assessment scales) for various animal species.
- Demonstrate effective and appropriate humane restraint techniques that include efforts to reduce stress during handling for various animal species.
- Demonstrate the ability to obtain patient data.
- Perform ocular diagnostic tests.
- Demonstrate husbandry, therapeutic, and dentistry techniques appropriate to various animal species.
- Explain therapeutic bathing, basic grooming and dipping techniques.
- Perform basic grooming (trim nails, express anal sacs, clean and medicate ears) techniques.
- Use appropriate sanitation procedures for animal holding and housing.
- Administer parenteral, enteral, and topical medications.
- Describe the handling process of rabies suspects.
- Explain how to handle rabies suspects and samples safely.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | % of final grade |
Exams (Summative) | 30% |
Assignments (Formative) | 20% |
Clinical Skills Assessments (Summative) | 30% |
Lab Quizzes (Formative) | 15% |
Professional Lab Assessment (Summative) | 5% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
Interpret theoretical veterinary technology knowledge and concepts to provide competent veterinary nursing procedures.
Demonstrate competence in essential veterinary technology skills by performing a full range of veterinary nursing procedures used in small and large animal medicine.
Exhibit professionalism by adhering to the Veterinary Technology Code of Ethics and employer expectations, while maintaining a commitment to ethical vet procedures.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.