Lab: 20 hours/semester
Laboratory skills will be taught and practiced in-person. Sample collection procedures may include use of canine and feline models (including cadavers) and live animals.
Parasitology and hematology:
- laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration and use
- parasitology: sample collection and preparation, identification and diagnostic testing
- hematology: sample collection and preparation, cell identification and diagnostic testing
- laboratory logs and forms
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- use common laboratory equipment, including a compound microscope, refractometer and centrifuge;
- maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment;
- collect and prepare samples for laboratory analysis;
- identify the common veterinary parasites of domestic animals;
- perform fecal tests for parasite identification such as fecal flotation, sedimentation, direct smears and Baermann test;
- perform microscopy to identify external parasites such as lice and mites;
- identify the different components of blood;
- perform common veterinary hematology diagnostic tests such as manual complete blood counts, packed cell volume, analysis of red and white blood cell morphology, platelet estimates and reticulocyte counts;
- complete laboratory logs and forms.
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester.
This course will use a Mastery-based assesment. Students will receive a Mastery ("MAS") grade based upon attendance at a minimum of 80% of the scheduled laboratory hours and successful completion of learning outcomes.
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
- Sirois, Margi. (Current Edition). Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Technicians. Elsevier.
Students in the Veterinary Technology program are required to maintain a minimum grade of (C) in all courses in order to progress in the program.