Course Number and Title:
VET 101 Introduction to Veterinary Technology
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: (BIO 140 or BIO 150) and (CHM 100 or CHM 110) and BIO 100 and (MAT 162 or higher)
Course Credits and Hours
2 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
1 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course introduces the fundamentals of veterinary technology and its relationship to veterinary practice. Topics include career opportunities, professional ethics, veterinarian-client-patient-relationships (VCPR), client communication, practice management and economics, public health, the human-animal bond and regulatory agencies. Common breeds, development, and social behavior of dogs and cats will be introduced.
Additional Materials
Scrubs and closed toe, non-skid shoes
Disclaimer
Students are required to travel to off-campus sites for some classes.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Describe the role of the veterinary technician within the hierarchy of the veterinary healthcare team, including patient care, medical records, professional behavior, and ethics. (CCC 4; PGC 3)
- Identify the professional and regulatory agencies associated with the practice of veterinary medicine, including credentialing veterinary technicians. (CCC 4, 5; PGC 1)
- Discuss career, education, and specialty opportunities for the veterinary technician. (CCC 5; PGC 1)
- Describe the industry trends, economic aspects, and business of operating a successful veterinary practice. (CCC 5; PGC 1, 3)
- Identify common breeds and breed characteristics of companion animals such as dogs and cats. (CCC5; PGC 1)
- Describe normal development and social behavior in companion animals. (CCC 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:
- Describe the role of the veterinary technician within the hierarchy of the veterinary healthcare team, including patient care, client communication, public health, medical records, professional behavior, and ethics.
- Illustrate the hierarchy of the veterinary healthcare team and identify the roles of each position.
- Define the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) and the human-animal bond.
- Adhere to the professional behavior and ethical conduct as outlined in the Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics.
- List and describe each component of the problem-oriented veterinary medical record (POVMR).
- Explain each portion of the subjective, objective, assessment, and plan (SOAP) note, and identify the types of information included in each portion.
- Identify common practice management software systems.
- Discuss effective client communication strategies.
- Identify common zoonotic diseases (i.e., rabies) encountered in veterinary practice, and discuss ways to minimize the risk to staff and the public.
- Identify occupational hazards encountered in veterinary practice and discuss ways to minimize the risk to staff and clients.
- Identify the professional and regulatory agencies associated with the practice of veterinary medicine, including credentialing veterinary technicians.
- Research the Delaware Veterinary Practice Act and the associated rules and regulations governing the practice of veterinary medicine.
- Compare the level of supervision requirements in Delaware for the veterinary support staff and the licensed veterinary technician.
- Define the practice of veterinary medicine and identify skills/tasks that can be performed only by a Delaware licensed veterinarian.
- Describe how laws related to labor, medical waste, controlled substances, and animal welfare relate to the profession of veterinary medicine.
- Discuss career, education, and specialty opportunities for the veterinary technician.
- Describe the types of facilities employing veterinary technicians and discuss the various roles of the technician in each.
- Discuss advanced degrees, certificates, and specialties available to the graduate veterinary technician.
- Research salaries of the veterinary technician after he or she has completed advanced degrees, certificates, and specialties.
- Describe the industry trends, economic aspects, and business of operating a successful veterinary practice.
- Discuss current trends in veterinary practice and how these trends impact the profession.
- Describe practice management techniques/tools aimed at strengthening the VCPR and human-animal bond.
- List the revenue and expenses associated with operating a veterinary practice and identify the role of the veterinary technician in minimizing operating costs.
- Identify common breeds and breed characteristics of companion animals such as dogs and cats.
- Recognize American Kennel Club (AKC)-approved dog breeds and Cat Fancier Association (CFA)-approved cat breeds.
- Identify qualities of the AKC groups (e.g., herding and working) as they relate to pet selection, behavior, and training.
- Describe normal development and social behavior in companion animals.
- Describe the evolution and principles of learning in companion animals.
- Compare the social structure of the dog and cat.
- Differentiate between normal and abnormal behavior.
- Describe body language messages denoting friendliness, aggression, play, and other behaviors.
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
|
Percentage of final grade
|
|
Summative: Midterm Examination
|
24%
|
|
Summative: Final Examination
|
24%
|
|
Summative: Zoonotic Disease Research Written Paper
|
14%
|
|
Summative; Zoonotic Disease Research Oral Presentation
|
10%
|
|
Formative: Breed Identification Quizzes
|
28%
|
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Apply theoretical information that leads to appropriate action in the application or delivery of veterinary nursing procedures.
- Competently perform a full range of veterinary nursing procedures used in small and large animal medicine.
- Practice behaviors that are consistent with the Veterinary Technology Code of Ethics and employer expectations/requirements.
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.