Veterinary Technician Bachelor’s Degree Courses

Program Goal and Outcomes

Program Goal

To prepare students for additional career pathway opportunities above and beyond the entry level general practice opportunities afforded by an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology. These would include both additional clinical opportunities as well as hospital management opportunities.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to...

Demonstrate effective written communication skills
Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills in a professional manner in all formats – written, oral, non-verbal, and electronic
Demonstrate a high level of analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
Demonstrate an understanding of and integrate all aspects of patient surgical management in a variety of animal species
Demonstrate an understanding of and integrate all aspects of patient preventative health care as well as medical management in a variety of animal species
Demonstrate an understanding of a Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) or of a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)
Demonstrate an understanding of leadership and management skills as a manager of a veterinary practice or a research/corporate institution
Demonstrate an understanding of additional skills applicable to a Veterinary Technician Specialist or a Veterinary Practice Manager

Semester 1

Career Readiness (1 Credit)

In this course, you'll learn the personal qualities that employers look for in their employees, such as integrity and dependability. You'll examine the interpersonal skills needed to ensure positive interactions with diverse populations through various channels of communication and gain strategies for overcoming communication barriers. You'll gain an understanding of critical workplace skills.

Objectives:

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Explain personal, interpersonal, and workplace qualities and skills that are essential to effective work environments

Understanding the Human-Animal Bond (3 credits)

This course focuses on the bond that is created between animals and their owners. The primary emphasis will be on pets but also include bonds with many types of animals. Essential components of the bond will be discussed and will include information on how veterinary technicians can work with pet owners to enhance the bond and promote a better quality of life together. Information on pet death, euthanasia, and the grieving process will also be covered.

Objectives:

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
Discuss the history of the development of the human-animal bond
Explain how the human-animal bond impacts physical, physiological, and emotional aspects of pet owners
Discuss pet loss, patient death, and euthanasia and the role of the Veterinary Health Care Team during each situation
Analyze negative and positive behaviors between the human-animal bond
Identify how validation instruments and qualitative research measures the human-animal bond

Advanced Composition (3 credits)

Improve your writing and researching skills.

Objectives:

Create and develop thesis statements.
Apply appropriate writing styles to particular audiences and purposes.
Analyze literary elements.
Properly paraphrase, summarize, and quote sources.
Compose effective paragraphs.

Additional Course Material:

Textbook: Successful College Writing

Math Elective (3 credits)

Choose one...

Intermediate Algebra

Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Explain basic algebraic concepts
Solve and graph linear equations and inequalities
Analyze relations, functionality, and systems of linear equations
Prepare algebraic operations on polynomial and rational expressions and equations
Solve problems involving radicals and complex numbers

Business Statistics

Show the methods of collecting data and visualizing of qualitative data in statistics
Analyze the methods of computing probability for discrete and random variables
Apply sampling distribution methods, estimation, and hypothesis testing in business applications
Point out the process of computing inferences, linear regression, and least square
Demonstrate effective written skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Advanced Veterinary Pharmacology (3 credits)

This course gives the veterinary technician a greater understanding of the science behind the therapeutics used in veterinary medicine today. Understandable explanations will be discussed of the “how” and “why” behind drugs, their actions, their mechanisms, and their problems. Included in the discussions will be clinical case studies of both proper and improper uses of drugs.

Objectives:

Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Identify various drug information and side effects, solid and liquid dosage calculations, legal criteria for dispensing and storing, and acceptable labels
Describe benefits and side effects of administering drugs that affect the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system
Describe benefits and side effects of administering drugs that affect the endocrine system and the nervous system
Explain the different types and functions of antimicrobials, anti-parasitics, disinfectants, and anti-inflammatory drugs

Principles of Management (3 credits)

This course is divided into five lessons that discuss foundations of principles of management, planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.

Objectives:

Summarize the functions of management and the basic steps in various planning processes
Explain how to make effective decisions as a manager and a leader
Describe the fundamental elements of an organization's structure and the components of an organization's competitive environment
Explain principles for setting goals that motivate employees, why companies develop control systems, and why teamwork is beneficial
Analyze why diversity is a critical organizational and managerial issue, and describe the criteria for technology decisions and managing change

Semester 2

Introduction to Research in Veterinary Technology (1 credit)

This course will prepare the student for finding accurate scientific data and will prepare them for writing their Capstone Project at the end of the program. Critical thinking and evidence-based research will be highlighted using current biological issues of importance to society as the vehicle through which learning will occur.

Objectives:

Demonstrate computer and information literacy
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Identify the key concepts for research planning and management
Identify how to search various databases and how to review various literature
Explain how to evaluate research
Analyze scholarly writing skills
Demonstrate the proper standards of scholarly writing

Essentials of Biochemistry (3 credits)

This course will introduce the student to biochemistry through the study of the essential elements found in living things. Students will examine the characteristics and properties of lipids, cell membranes, and carbohydrates. They’ll learn about the structure and functions of proteins, enzyme kinetics, and cell metabolism. Students will also examine metabolic systems and concepts related to DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.

Objectives:

Explain the main themes of biochemistry and aqueous chemistry
Summarize the synthesis and structure of proteins
Explain the functions of proteins and enzymes, including enzyme kinetics and inhibition
Summarize the characteristics and properties of lipids, cell membranes, and carbohydrates
Explain the structure, functions, and pathways involved in cell metabolism
Explain the structure and functions involved in metabolic systems
Explain DNA replication and repair, transcription and RNA processing
Analyze research articles about a medical disorder and its biochemical origins

Basic Accounting (3 credits)

This course meets the needs of students who need to understand accounting language but aren’t planning on becoming accountants. Students will learn what accounting information is, what it means, and how it’s used. The course also covers financial statements, return on investment, the bookkeeping process, cost accounting, and report systems.

Objectives:

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
Define accounting and identify and describe its different classifications
Analyze transactions that affect current assets, including applications of valuation and matching
Interpret financial statements and describe how listed factors impact net income and cash flow
Analyze cost-volume-profit relationships and apply cost accounting principles to financial decision-making

General Education Elective (3 credits)

Choose one...

Speech

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate computer and information literacy
Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
Analyze the different methods and principles required for effective public speaking
Point out the principles, methods, and skills required to rehearse and deliver effective public speaking
Prepare and record a narrative or speech on personal experience
Prepare and record an informative podcast for a website
Create and record an infomercial by using one of the mentioned methods
Prepare and present a motivational or reasoning speech to persuade your audience
Develop a speech by using key information delivery of a speech

Personal Financial Management

Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
Point out how money management skills are applied to personal financial goals and plans
Develop a plan for saving, protecting, and managing financial assets and debt
Prepare strategies for consumer and housing purchases
Analyze various types of investing
Categorize the different types of investments that suits your financial goals
Formulate a will, a trust, and an estate plan

Sociology of Diversity

Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social science
Demonstrate computer and information literacy
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Analyze the causes of inequality in a society and the methods of tackling them
Point out the social issues related to the social institutions and the methods of prevention
Categorize the problems associated with our social and physical worlds and the ways of improvement
Prepare an integrated paper on your findings on your own personal and cultural influences
Prepare a paper on your experience after attending one to two cultural events or activities
Prepare an integrated paper on the findings on recommended improvements facilitated in a cross-cultural community

Organizational Behavior

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Analyze the fundamentals of organizational behavior, culture, and individuality
Differentiate between the stages of perception, attribution, stress management, motivation, and engagement
Point out the methods of fostering creativity, innovation, and decision making
Distinguish between the concepts of effective communication, group making, and team development
Categorize the elements of conflict, negotiation, and leadership
Analyze the structure of organizational working and its associated elements
Prepare a report on emotional labor perspectives at various workplaces by utilizing your findings

Advanced PC Applications

Explain the components of Microsoft Access 2016
Construct an inventory database using Microsoft Access
Add to PowerPoint using Word, Excel, and other data
Create a PowerPoint presentation including an outline, video file presentation, table of statistics, and spreadsheet
Combine Word, Access, and Excel to integrate documents and information
Develop a one-table database with client information, a letter that integrates an Excel spreadsheet and Access merge fields, and final merge documents
Produce a database, spreadsheet, mail merge letter, and presentation for a promotional event
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrative effective quantitative skills
Demonstrate computer and information literacy

Legal Environment of Business

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal skills
Demonstrate computer and information literacy
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
Analyze the sources and structure of the U.S. legal system, and the business laws and organizations
Point out the purpose, requirements, and criteria needed for contracts
Distinguish between real and personal property and the relationship between principal and agent
Analyze the principles of sales, goods, and services and laws by UCC that governs them
Distinguish between the role of insurance, transactions, and bankruptcy in business law
Create a case brief by following the instructions and procedure
Prepare a written memorandum by applying your knowledge and following the instructions

Preventative Healthcare and Integrative Medicine for Animals (3 credits)

This course provides a sound understanding of proper preventative health care and rehabilitation for animals. Emphasis will be on the dog and the cat. Concepts to be covered will include current preventative healthcare standards such as proper nutrition, parasite control, and vaccine protocols. Lifelong wellness will be discussed for all life stages during an animal’s life. Current and future integrative medicine procedures for animals will also be covered.

Objectives:

Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Explain the role of nutrition, preventative healthcare, and integrated medicine in veterinary practice
Explain animal food regulations, types of food and their contents, and food diets
Develop preventative healthcare and life stage guidelines for dogs and cats
Discuss integrative medicine fundamentals for animals
Discuss preventative and integrative medicine practices for birds, small mammals, and horses
Develop a preventative care plan

Veterinary Practice Management (3 credits)

In this course, you’ll learn the importance of understanding and implementing laws and requirements in a veterinary practice. You’ll also learn the benefits of developing a professional, efficient, and knowledgeable team that provides exceptional customer service to their clients. Additionally, the course will provide you with instructions and information on how to help your practice grow financially.

Objectives:

Analyze the importance of teambuilding, human resource, and ethical and legal considerations in veterinary practices
Point out the appropriate design, technology, diagnostic laboratory, and marketing strategies required in veterinary practices
Analyze the methods to ensure an efficient and compassionate communication process with clients
Categorize the various intricacies involved in managing appointments, records, inventory, logs, and controlled substances
Point out the importance of pet health insurance in veterinary practice and safety at workplace
Categorize the various clinical assistance procedures and the calculations and conversions related to veterinary practices
Prepare correct responses for each of the questions mentioned in your project

Semester 3

Advanced Animal Medicine and Domestic Animal Species Nursing (3 credits)

This course will take an in-depth look at many of the common diseases found in companion animal species. One of the major topics in this course is medical and surgical intervention when preventative health strategies didn't work to prevent an animal disease. Another major topic covered is the role of the veterinary technician in assisting the veterinarian in the medical and surgical management of disease. Discussion of diseases will focus on dogs and cats and be organized according to organ systems.

Objectives:

Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Describe veterinary evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment practices of endocrine, musculoskeletal, neurological, and circulatory systems' diseases
Analyze diagnostic procedures and treatment for respiratory, hematology, gastrointestinal, and liver diseases
Explain various diagnostic tests and treatment for urinary, renal, and infectious diseases
Explain best practices for pain management, diagnostic procedures, use of equipment, and the role of vaccines
Analyze various canine and feline diseases and how to communicate these conditions to clients

Safety and Regulatory Compliance in Veterinary Medicine (1 credit)

In this course students will learn about specific workplace safety and regulatory compliance topics applicable to veterinary technicians and related to the wider veterinary team. Topics include personal safety hazards, patient safety hazards, building or institutional safety hazards, and current Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Objectives:

Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Explain the role of OSHA regulations and other environmental safety issues in veterinary practice
Describe the regulations and protocols related to chemical safety in veterinary practice
Explain the regulations and protocols related to personal safety in veterinary practice
Develop a safety plan for a specific type of veterinary practice

Supervision and Leadership (3 credits)

This course will give you an understanding of relevant leadership issues, theories, and principles with real-life examples. This course will also provide you with the latest supervision and leadership research, in addition to illustrating the evolution and development of modern leadership principles.

Objectives:

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Analyze the fundamentals of four major approaches to leadership
Point out the intricacies of path-goal theory, leader-member theory, and transformational leadership theory
Categorize various principles of advanced leadership as well as the importance of moral and ethics in leadership and followership
Analyze the role of leadership involving with gender, culture, and globalization
Prepare responses to the essay questions about your results from the Leadership Behavior Questionnaire

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (3 credits)

In this course, students will take an in-depth look at emergency cases presented in both after-hours emergency practices as well as in daytime practices. Critical care fundamentals and techniques will be discussed. Specific types of animal emergencies will also be looked at in detail.

Objectives:

Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Discuss critical thinking skills, monitoring techniques, and types of intravenous catheters
Discuss assessment and treatments involving the basic elements of life
Discuss key aspects and techniques in wound management
Discuss how to assess and manage emergencies, traumas, and CPR best practices
Discuss care and nursing of hematologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and endocrine emergencies
Discuss care and nursing of urologic, reproductive, ocular, and neurologic emergencies
Discuss toxicological, exotic animal emergencies, and office management
Analyze case studies for developing diagnostic and treatment planning for an animal emergency

Human Resources Management (3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce you to the field. You’ll be introduced to basic concepts, theories, and perspectives related to effective human resource management.

Objectives:

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate computer and information literacy
Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
Describe the elements of human resource management, including labor considerations, regulation, and management of workflow
Explain how companies should prepare for and implement HRM to hire new employees and create training programs
Identify the aspects of employee, career, and turnover management
Summarize how employees are paid, including legal requirements, performance-based pay, commissions, salaries, and benefits
Describe other HRM functions including collective bargaining, labor relations, global HRM, and building a high-performance organization

General Education Elective (3 credits)

Choose one...

Speech

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate computer and information literacy
Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
Analyze the different methods and principles required for effective public speaking
Point out the principles, methods, and skills required to rehearse and deliver effective public speaking
Prepare and record a narrative or speech on personal experience
Prepare and record an informative podcast for a website
Create and record an infomercial by using one of the mentioned methods
Prepare and present a motivational or reasoning speech to persuade your audience
Develop a speech by using key information delivery of a speech

Personal Financial Management

Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
Point out how money management skills are applied to personal financial goals and plans
Develop a plan for saving, protecting, and managing financial assets and debt
Prepare strategies for consumer and housing purchases
Analyze various types of investing
Categorize the different types of investments that suits your financial goals
Formulate a will, a trust, and an estate plan

Sociology of Diversity

Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social science
Demonstrate computer and information literacy
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Analyze the causes of inequality in a society and the methods of tackling them
Point out the social issues related to the social institutions and the methods of prevention
Categorize the problems associated with our social and physical worlds and the ways of improvement
Prepare an integrated paper on your findings on your own personal and cultural influences
Prepare a paper on your experience after attending one to two cultural events or activities
Prepare an integrated paper on the findings on recommended improvements facilitated in a cross-cultural community

Organizational Behavior

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Analyze the fundamentals of organizational behavior, culture, and individuality
Differentiate between the stages of perception, attribution, stress management, motivation, and engagement
Point out the methods of fostering creativity, innovation, and decision making
Distinguish between the concepts of effective communication, group making, and team development
Categorize the elements of conflict, negotiation, and leadership
Analyze the structure of organizational working and its associated elements
Prepare a report on emotional labor perspectives at various workplaces by utilizing your findings

Advanced PC Applications

Explain the components of Microsoft Access 2016
Construct an inventory database using Microsoft Access
Add to PowerPoint using Word, Excel, and other data
Create a PowerPoint presentation including an outline, video file presentation, table of statistics, and spreadsheet
Combine Word, Access, and Excel to integrate documents and information
Develop a one-table database with client information, a letter that integrates an Excel spreadsheet and Access merge fields, and final merge documents
Produce a database, spreadsheet, mail merge letter, and presentation for a promotional event
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrative effective quantitative skills
Demonstrate computer and information literacy

Legal Environment of Business

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal skills
Demonstrate computer and information literacy
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
Analyze the sources and structure of the U.S. legal system, and the business laws and organizations
Point out the purpose, requirements, and criteria needed for contracts
Distinguish between real and personal property and the relationship between principal and agent
Analyze the principles of sales, goods, and services and laws by UCC that governs them
Distinguish between the role of insurance, transactions, and bankruptcy in business law
Create a case brief by following the instructions and procedure
Prepare a written memorandum by applying your knowledge and following the instructions

Semester 4

Marketing (3 credits)

This course covers the principles of marketing. Topics covered include assessing, analyzing, understanding, and targeting the marketplace, as well as the creation, capture, delivery, and communication of value. You’ll learn how to develop a marketing plan, use social and mobile marketing effectively, integrate ethics into marketing strategies, influence the consumer decision process, perform market research, perform SWOT and STP analyses, make decisions concerning branding, packaging, and developing new products, price products and services fairly, set advertising objectives, and more.

Objectives:

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate computer and information literacy
Analyze marketing plans, strategies and the aids needed to catalyze it
Analyze the foundation of the marketing model and its emergence
Point out the targeted strategies and plans in marketing and globalization
Formulate a plan of valuing production, innovation, and product marketing
Develop the valuing strategies for products and services in marketing
Categorize the strategies for supply chain management and retailing
Distinguish between the various domains under IMC strategies
Design a marketing plan for an existing business

Advanced Animal Anesthesia and Surgical Nursing (3 credits)

This course integrates surgical anesthesia fundamentals and techniques that allow for humane surgery to be performed on all animal species. A major topic to be discussed is the role of veterinary anesthesia and surgical nursing in working closely with a veterinary surgeon. Other topics to be covered include effective anesthesia protocols for a variety of cases, use of advanced medical and surgical nursing skills preoperatively as well as peri- and post- operatively, and advanced monitoring techniques.

Objectives:

Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Describe pre-anesthetic workup protocols, dosage calculations, record-keeping, anesthesia preparation, and equipment
Discuss monitoring anesthetic patients and various drugs related to anesthesia
Discuss anesthesia recovery and anesthesia for patients with various complications
Explain the use of anesthesia for sick, pediatric, and geriatric animals
Explain anesthesia for emergency care patients
Discuss pain management and anesthesia for equines and ruminants
Develop an anesthesia and perioperative surgical care plan for a dog diagnosed with GDV

Business Ethics (3 credits)

This course will introduce you to different schools of thought about how to determine the “right” course of action—philosophical approaches such as utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, and character-based philosophies. Second, in addition to these personal ethics perspectives, you’ll be introduced to various business-related approaches to ethical issues in a professional setting. Third, you’ll be introduced to a process for decision making to balance the personal, professional, and societal considerations to help you make good decisions in your business life. Finally, you’ll be given an overview of selected areas of business that may require particular attention to ethical and social responsibility issues.

Objectives:

Categorize ethics and perspectives pertaining to business and decision making
Distinguish between the norms of corporate culture and the corporate social responsibilities
Analyze the various employer and employee responsibilities, the issues of technological capabilities, and ethical marketing
Point out the impact of ethical corporate governance on corporate sustainability and conflicts of interest
Prepare a report on business ethical decision in veterinary practice by utilizing your findings

Veterinary Technology Capstone (4 credits)

This course gives the student the opportunity to explore a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) career pathway or a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager career after graduation from the Program. Information learned throughout this program will assist the student in developing this Capstone Project.

Objectives:

Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
Demonstrate the knowledge gained throughout your program for Veterinary Technician Specialist or Certified Practice Manager career

Veterinary Technology Bachelor's Degree Program Details

Program Goal and Outcomes

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Licensing Information for Vet Techs

Accreditation

Sample Veterinary Technology Bachelor's Degree Lesson