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VET 140 Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians

This course explores veterinary pharmacology, covering drug classifications, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacy maintenance, including record keeping and compliance with drug dispensing laws. Students will learn to calculate dosages, administer medications, and monitor therapeutic responses safely and effectively. Emphasis is placed on controlled substance regulations, client education, and federal and state guidelines for drug handling. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on practice with drug preparation, dispensing, and understanding vaccine administration and related side effects.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: VET100 and VET110 and VET150

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

VET 140 Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians

Campus Location

  • Georgetown
  • Stanton

Effective Date

202651

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: VET100 and VET110 and VET150

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

2 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course explores veterinary pharmacology, covering drug classifications, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacy maintenance, including record keeping and compliance with drug dispensing laws. Students will learn to calculate dosages, administer medications, and monitor therapeutic responses safely and effectively. Emphasis is placed on controlled substance regulations, client education, and federal and state guidelines for drug handling. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on practice with drug preparation, dispensing, and understanding vaccine administration and related side effects.

Additional Materials

Calculator, Lab Coat

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Use written, oral, non-verbal, and electronic methods to communicate in a professional and effective manner. (CCC 4; PGC 3)
  2. Explain the appropriate administration of prescribed drugs to patients safely and effectively. (CCC1,2,3,4; PGC 1,2,3)
  3. Dispense and explain prescribed drugs accurately to clients. (CCC 1,2,3,4,5; PGC 1,2)
  4. Describe nutrition and therapeutic techniques appropriate to various animal species. (CCC 1,2,5; PGC 1)
  5. Describe the appropriate administration of prescribed drugs to patients safely and effectively. (CCC 1,2,5; PGC 1)

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:

  1. Use written, oral, non-verbal, and electronic methods to communicate in a professional and effective manner.
    1. Use appropriate interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate within a team-based healthcare team.
    2. Recognize the legality of the veterinary-client-patient relationship.
    3. Produce and deliver client education in a clear and accurate manner at a level the client understands.
  2. Explain the appropriate administration of prescribed drugs to patients safely and effectively.
    1. Follow veterinarian’s pharmacy orders.
    2. Identify groups of drugs, their mechanisms, and clinically relevant side effects.
    3. Perform appropriate calculations using weights and measures.
    4. Explain appropriate drug administration route methods and appropriate usage.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to monitor therapeutic responses after drug administration.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to accurately record medical information.
    7. Describe controlled substance regulations.
  3. Dispense and explain prescribed drugs accurately to clients.
    1. Calculate and prepare medications for dispensing.
    2. Demonstrate compliance with regulations governing prescription drugs versus over-the-counter drugs.
    3. Demonstrate compliance with all federal and state regulatory guidelines for drug purchase, storage, administration, withdrawal, dispensing, disposal, and inventory control (e.g., biologics and therapeutic agents, pesticides, and hazardous wastes).
    4. Explain drug information to clients (e.g., handling, storage, administration, side-effects, drug interactions, safety, reasons for use of drug).
  4. Describe nutrition and therapeutic techniques appropriate to various animal species.
    1. Describe current developments, including benefits and potential toxicities, in nutritional supplements and additives.
  5. Describe the appropriate administration of prescribed drugs to patients safely and effectively.
    1. Explain the safe and effective manner in which vaccines must be administered.
    2. Explain common side effects of vaccines.

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)

40%

Quizzes (Formative)

10%

Lab Assignments (Formative)

15%

Lab Practicals (Summative)

20%

Presentation (Summative)

10%

Professional Lab Assessment (Summative)

5%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Interpret theoretical veterinary technology knowledge and concepts to provide competent veterinary nursing procedures.

  2. Demonstrate competence in essential veterinary technology skills by performing a full range of veterinary nursing procedures used in small and large animal medicine.

  3. 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)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. 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.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/current/catalog/academics/attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal