Undergraduate Veterinary Technology Courses

VETE 3112. Strengths Based Leadership. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on the theories, concepts and principles of leadership. Emphasis will be on the development of leadership skills through the four domains of leadership strength: Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, and Stategic Thinking. Prerequisites: Enrollment in Veterinary Technology program or permission of program Department Head.

VETE 3313. Radiology & Clinical Imaging. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course teaches veterinary technician students beyond the fundamentals of taking and developing radiographs. Topics include descriptive positioning, digital radiographic techniques and quality calculations, and radiation safety procedures. Other imaging technologies include ultrasound, fluoroscopy, MRI, CT scan, and nuclear scintigraphy. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 3316. Clinical Cardiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The concepts of cardiology are designed to give veterinary professionals the solid foundation on cardiovascular disorders that represent a substantial portion of diseases seen in veterinary practice. The course will explore the most common cardiology diseases, the diagnostics, and therapeutic principles of veterinary cardiology allowing students to see cardiac disorders in a step-by-step fashion including pathophysiology, history, physical exam, electrocardiography, thoracic radiography, special diagnostic techniques, differential diagnosis, and the therapeutic approach. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the BAS Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 3317. Veterinary Microbiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Animal disease etiologies occurring in North America and global trans-boundary diseases. A systematic approach of describing infection and disease states to compare differences and similarities across affected species. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program; or Biology 1407 and upper division standing; or BIOL 1407 and ANSC 2350; or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4086. Veterinary Technology Special Problems. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-3 Hours). [WI]

This is an advanced course in veterinary technology. Problems assigned according to experience, interest, and needs of individual students. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4111. Safety & Regulatory Compliance. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will introduce and heighten awareness of veterinary specific safety hazards and regulatory compliance issues. The course is designed to acquaint veterinary technician learners to the following: (1) personal safety hazards, (2) patient safety hazards, (3) Human Resource issues related to safety, (4) licenses, permits, and registrations, (5) Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA), and (6) reproductive and gender issues. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head .

VETE 4181. Veterinary Practice: Law & Ethics I. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

This first course in veterinary law & ethics is designed to provide students with an understanding of the legal principles required by State and National licensing boards within the scope of veterinary practices. Emphasis is placed on the principles and policies which veterinarians and technicians receive through continuing education in order to maintain license. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4182. Veterinary Practice: Law & Ethics II. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

This second in a series course in veterinary law & ethics is designed to provide students with a continuing understanding of the legal principles required by State and National licensing boards within the scope of veterinary practices. Emphasis is placed on the principles and policies which veterinarians and technicians receive through continuing education in order to maintain licensure. Prerequisite: VETE 4181.

VETE 4208. Veterinary Research. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course is collectively designed to provide veterinary technology students an introduction to biomedical research and career opportunities in veterinary medicine. It is centered on supporting veterinarian technicians who are seeking to develop their scientific knowledge and research skills. Unmet needs for veterinary technician expertise exist in sectors of veterinary medicine, such as Biomedical Genomics, Genetics and Bioinformatics, Physiology, Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Biodefense and Immunology, Neuroscience, Anatomy and Functional Imaging, Reproductive Biology, Development and Epigenetics, Toxicology, Environmental Health Science, and Food Safety. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the BAS Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4209. Veterinary Technology: Capstone. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

The capstone course is an opportunity for students to demonstrate achievement of the goals for learning established by the Veterinary Technology Program . The course is designed to assess cognitive, affective and psychomotor learning and to do so in a student-centered and student-directed manner which requires the command, analysis and synthesis of knowledge and writing skills. The capstone course integrates learning from the courses within the major and the academic experience. This course is highly recommended to be taken in the last semester. Prerequisites: VETE 4208, enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program, upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4251. Veterinary Practice: Administrative Tools for Success. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course outlines time tested tools and systems for improving a veterinary practice manager's administrative skills and performance standards. The mind-set need to achieve an important goal is studied through discussions that mark and define progress and setting achievable goals; success mapping! Prerequisite: Enrollment in the BAS Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Director.

VETE 4252. Veterinary Practice: Teaching Techniques. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course explores the development and delivery of front office skills, etiquette and medical practices required of veterinary technicians in carrying out their profession. A wide variety of models and exemplars focus on the integration of client, medical supplier, veterinary resources and supportive biomedical technologies that contribute to the veterinary practice and profession. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the BAS Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Director.

VETE 4253. Shelter Animal Medicine I. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Evaluate protocols to enhance physical health and well-being of shelter animals, recognition and response to common health threats and infectious disease outbreaks. Medical concepts related to population management, sanitation, facility design, and housing.

VETE 4254. Shelter Animal Medicine II. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Address animal cruelty in multiple species; investigate critical shelter animal behavior and welfare concepts including behavioral assessments, behavioral modification protocols, diagnosis of common behavioral problems, and medical treatments of selected behavioral disorders; address spay/neuter protocols in shelters. Prerequisite: VETE 4253.

VETE 4255. Shelter Animal Medicine III. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Study of shelter animal medicine and its role in disaster management. Special considerations for animal shelter management and for animal care and evaluation resulting from natural disasters. FEMA procedures for animal shelters. Prerequisite: VETE 4254.

VETE 4256. Veterinary Forensics I. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Procedures and protocols used when processing an animal crime scene; the role and responsibility of the veterinarian and veterinary professionals within the legal system; special considerations for animal cruelty.

VETE 4257. Veterinary Forensics II. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Examination of the animal with special considerations for animal cruelty, postmortem changes, and forensic entomology. Explore areas of trauma and injury of common interest to forensics, such as: blunt force trauma, sharp force injury, burn-, electrical-, and fire-related injuries, and firearm injuries. Prerequisite: VETE 4256.

VETE 4259. Companion Animal Dermatology. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will cover the presentation, recognition and diagnostics necessary to identify skin diseases and provide clinical guidelines for the successful management of skin diseases commonly seen in veterinary practice. Consideration of the diagnostic approach toward the dermatology patient, precancerous conditions, zoonoses, and breed predispositions are examined along with dermatologic drugs and toxicities. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Director.

VETE 4260. Companion Animal Ophthalmology. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines clinical canine/feline ophthalmology. Coverage of the most commonly diagnosed and treated neuro-ophthalmology and systemic diseases afflicting the eye are considered. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the BAS Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Director.

VETE 4262. Dental Procedures & Techniques. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course covers the 12-step dental cleaning procedure, oral pathology, instrumentation used in cleaning, equipment, dental radiology, interpretation of dental radiographs. digital dental radiography systems, utilization of digital systems to promote client acceptance of treatment plans, dental charting, and implementing a higher level of dental care in a general practice. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4270. Integrative Medicine. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Holistic approach to animal examination, diagnosis and treatment modalities considering all aspects of the animal's life and focusing on culturally-alternative aspects of treatment such as: acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractics, tui na, and therapeutic nutrition. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program; or Biology 1407 and upper division standing; or BIOL 1407 and ANSC 2350; or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4271. Equine Lameness & Treatment Modalities. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course analyzes the causes, diagnoses, and management of the myriad causes of lameness such as: defining and identifying the lame leg; spotting gait abnormalities and non-muscular causes; physical examinations and evaluations; diagnostic tools and other tests; the role of the veterinarian and farrier in pre-purchase examinations. Physical therapies along with treatment of specific conditions to the foot, pastern and fetlock, cannon and splint bones, knee, upper foreleg, hock, upper hind leg, and back are studied. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4273. Emergency & Critical Care of Horses. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course addresses the role of veterinary technicians in equine emergency and critical care. It covers and describes dozens of common, life-saving protocols and procedures. Patient assessment, equipment, therapies and techniques are discussed along with important drug information. Specific systemic problems such as hematologic, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal emergencies, shock and trauma are covered. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4274. Equine Dermatology & Ophthalmology. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course describes the structure and function of the skin, and discusses disorders including bacterial, fungal, parasitic, viral, protozoal, allergic, immune-mediated, endocrine, metabolic, and nutritional diseases. It also covers congenital and hereditary defects, pigmentation abnormalities, keratinization defects, environmental skin diseases, and skin tumors. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Director.

VETE 4275. Equine Learning & Behavior. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course explains learning theory, and offers practical advice on reward systems, positive and negative reinforcement, and overcoming fears and phobias. and how to apply it in a way that is both efficient and holds the horse’s welfare paramount. It also a range of practical tools to employ in solving equine behavior problems, and training tasks and case studies demonstrate these tools in use. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4283. Veterinary Practice Management Internship. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The Technician Manager Internship is designed to expose students to the daily practice-management activities that may be encountered in a veterinary practice, an animal research facility, or other allied animal-health facility. A minimum of 480 hours of participation in a veterinary manager internship position in a faculty-approved facility is required. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Director.

VETE 4305. Pharmacology & Pharmacy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course deals with pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical/therapeutic uses and toxicology of drugs. Emphasis is given on how a drug works to anticipate outcomes. Nursing responsibilities include administering drugs, calculating medication dosages based on given setting, assessing drug effects, intervening to make a drug more tolerable, and providing teaching about drugs and the drug regimen. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Director.

VETE 4313. Animal Welfare & Ethics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Course content includes and focuses on the ethics of animal use, physiological and psychological aspects of adverse states, examination of animal environments, the role of the veterinarian and the profession in in animal welfare, knowledge and understanding of welfare issues, animal legislation and cruelty law, and further characterization and understanding of the human - animal bond. Course content is presented entirely online. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program; or BIOL 1407 and ANSC 2350; or approval of the department head.

VETE 4321. Companion Animal Diseases & Health Management. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will focus on the nursing care required by companion animals as the result of disease or neonatal, geriatric, and obstetrical needs. The course objectives are to assess a student's knowledge base and then help him or her gain the knowledge to maintain the health, well-being, and longevity of companion animals. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4323. Companion Animal Nutrition & Care. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The essentials of companion animal nutrition including pet food regulation ingredients, labels and guaranteed analysis. Life cycle feeding management of healthy pets and during disease and debilitating injury. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program; or BIOL 1407 and ANSC 2350; or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4325. Companion Animal Anesthesiology & Surgical Nursing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides detailed coverage of the physiological, pharmacological and physical aspects of anesthesia. Detailed case study is utilized to build knowledge and understanding of anesthetic principles. Nursing skills are given emphasis toward pre- and post operative procedures. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4326. Companion Animal Emergency-Critical Care & Pain Management. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will focus on learning and applying emergency care, critical care and pain management techniques appropriate for veterinary technicians. The student will acquire knowledge of the proper use of drugs, fluids, and equipment for emergency and critical care patients. Students will also learn to evaluate these patients through physiological monitoring and life support measures in the intensive care unit (ICU). Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4331. Equine Disease & Health Management. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is a comprehensive study of the essential elements necessary to promote goo health among horses. Living environments, fencing, pasture, grooming, vaccination protocols, de-worming protocols, hoof care, dental care, etc. are addressed and discussed through case scenarios and models. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4333. Equine Nutrition & Care. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides in-depth information on the function and peculiarities of equine gastrointestinal physiology and the importance of the nutrients that are essential for equine well-being. In addition to discussions of common feeds and supplement, topics will include how to read and interpret commercial feed labels, the balancing of rations, and the use of feed analyses and computer analysis programs. Course content is presented entirely online. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program; or BIOL 1407 and ANSC 2350; or approval of the instructor.

VETE 4335. Equine Anesthesiology & Surgical Nursing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides detailed coverage of the physiological, pharmacological and physical aspects of anesthesia. Detailed case study is utilized to build knowledge and understanding of anesthetic principles. Nursing skills are given emphasis toward pre- and post operative procedures. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4337. Equine Colic. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course explores the various etiologies and physiological responses of horse that are afflicted with gastrointestinal insufficiency. Each of the 5 main causative factors of equine colic are discussed and evaluated for health implications and measures necessary for a return to uncomplicated recovery. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Department Head.

VETE 4351. Veterinary Practice: Administration and Organization. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Designed for veterinary technicians, this course explores the decision making responsibility within a veterinary practice environment in which to improve its competitive advantage. This course examines how the long-term organizational success of veterinary services can be achieved through effective policies and operating procedures. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the BAS Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Director.

VETE 4352. Veterinary Practice: Fiscal Analysis and Planning. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines the specific financials of veterinary practice and statement analysis that are one of the most challenging areas for practice managers. Also covered are facility additions/improvements, equipment, vehicles, and other capital expenditures that requires the practice manager to proactively conduct a thorough analysis of projected client (statement) income and projections to facilitate sound decision making. Also, under consideration are the variable pricing models - veterinary hospitals have a number of potential pricing models to choose from when setting fees. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the BAS Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Director.

VETE 4354. Veterinary Practice: Client/Consumer Behavior and Practice Branding. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will explore the veterinary practice manager's role in facilitating client education directed at the health care needs of their animals' and insuring for health care needs while growing the practice through internal and external promotions and educational programs. This course also examines veterinary wellness and preventative health care plans as well as communicating the benefits of product, place, price, promotion and branding. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the BAS Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Director.

VETE 4355. Veterinary Practice: Supervision and Leadership. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to identify key interpersonal relationships in veterinary practice that leaders must foster and develop for long term success. Supervision in large and small practices; consisting of administrative, technical and support staff is also covered. A discussion planner (tool) for veterinary technicians/managers to develop interdependency, trust and effective communication will be utilized. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the BAS Veterinary Technology Program and upper division standing or approval of the Director.