This course includes five to seven hours of classroom and laboratory instruction per week with additional practicum placements.
The major topics in this course include the following:
- Aseptic technique
- techniques to reduce rates of infection and contamination
- differentiation between disinfection and sterilization
- physical and chemical methods of sterilization - Surgical instrumentation and equipment
- general surgery instruments
- specialty surgery instruments including ophthalmic, orthopedic, and arthroscopic
- care and maintenance of instruments, surgical drapes and gowns
- preparing histological sections, including techniques for fixation and sample submission - Surgical assistance
- preparation of the surgical suite, personnel and the patient
- proper positioning of the patient
- maintenance of sterility in the operating room
- surgical assistance for specific surgical procedures
- prepare and submit tissue samples for histology - Suturing
- suture materials, needles and alternative closure techniques
- perform basic suturing techniques. - Wound healing and bandaging
- wound lavage, debridement and methods of closure
- wound management and bandaging in small animals
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Utilize aseptic technique for the preparation of surgical equipment including methods of sterilization.
- Perform proper pre-operative surgical suite, personnel and patient preparation.
- Recognize and describe the purpose of general surgery instruments, and some specialized equipment.
- Maintain and appropriately handle surgical instruments and equipment.
- Perform the duties of surgical assistant and circulating nurse.
- Describe proper patient positioning and tissue handling and care during surgery.
- Describe suture materials, surgical needles and various suture patterns and their uses.
- Demonstrate simple suture patterns that can be used by the veterinary technologist.
- Take responsibility for patient recovery and care.
- Discuss the principles of wound healing, proper closure and methods of wound care.
- Perform proper wound care and bandaging in small animals.
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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