This course includes six hours of classroom and laboratory instruction per week with additional practicum placements.
The major topics in this course include the following:
- In-clinic laboratory:
- skills needed to set up and use an in-clinic laboratory
- use sample handling techniques to achieve optimal diagnostic results
- use and maintain advanced blood analysis equipment - Advanced nursing care and diagnostic techniques
- diagnostic procedures including thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis and bone marrow collection
- advanced monitoring and procedures such as ECG, jugular catherters, PICC lines, central blood pressure, blood transfusions
- medical record keeping in all aspects of practice - Emergency Medicine
- management of veterinary emergencies
- CPCR and other emergency techniques - Critical Care
- the transition of a patient from emergency care to critical care
- the role of the veterinary technologist in the care of the critical patient - Workplace communications
- build upon the skills learned in administrative procedures courses to improve client communication, problem solving, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills - Career opportunities for the veterinary technologist
- various career opportunities will be explored through visits to private and publically owned facilities
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Perform emergency and critical care nursing techniques for small animals.
- Discuss hospital design, work flow and principals affecting ward hygiene and infection control.
- Review and practice effective workplace communication.
- Maintain veterinary nursing records for small animal general nursing, emergency and critical care.
- Discuss the legal implications of the medical record.
- Design and implement quality control plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the veterinary hospital.
- Discuss the variety of potential career opportunities available to the veterinary technologist.
The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. A final minimum cumulative grade of “C” or 60% is required (in both lecture and lab components) in order to pass this course. Evaluation will be based on quizzes and assignments, practical evaluations including a final practical examination, at least one midterm and a final written examination.
A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.
Successful completion of Year 1 of the Veterinary/Animal Health Technology Program
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