Undergraduate Course Catalog 2013-2014
Thompson School of Applied Science
» http://www.thompsonschool.unh.edu/
Veterinary Technology (VTEC)
Lecturer: Sarah Proctor
The primary goal of the veterinary technology program is to provide students with exceptional technical and clinical reasoning skills and knowledge in veterinary technology such that graduates will be immediate and valuable members of a veterinary medical team. Additionally, the program aims to develop a firm foundation in farm animal veterinary practices.
Courses in the program will cover basic sciences, veterinary nursing, and veterinary practice management, with a strong focus on hands-on practical knowledge throughout the curriculum. Students will gain basic knowledge and skills for the major domestic animal species (dog, cat, horse, and cow). Students may focus their studies on a given species through a variety of elective course offerings. Integration of knowledge in communications, veterinary ethical and legal issues, veterinary practice management, clinical reasoning skills, and hands-on technical skills will allow students to become complete veterinary technicians, capable of providing high-quality, compassionate, and expert care to animals both small and large.
The program has applied for accreditation by the AVMA, and an initial evaluation is planned for the spring of 2014. Application for accreditation does not guarantee accreditation. Students who graduate from an accredited program are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and pursue credentialing.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to veterinary technology must present college preparatory English and at least two years of satisfactory work in both college preparatory mathematics and science (both biology and chemistry, with labs, are required).
Curriculum Fee
Veterinary technology: $XXX*
*This one-time curriculum fee is required to cover lab materials, specialized equipment maintenance, and transportation that are unique to the applied nature of the program. The curriculum fee covers the entire two-year course of study. There may be additional fees for uniforms, specific high-cost courses, and/or professional equipment. Any non-TSAS student may be assessed specific course fees, details of which are included in each semester's Time and Room Schedule. All fees are subject to change.
Veterinary Technology Curriculum Standards
Veterinary technology (VT) students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade-point average in applied animal science (AAS) and veterinary technology (VTEC) classes after two semesters (minimum 26 credits) to take additional AAS or VTEC classes. Students with AAS/VTEC averages less than 2.0 must repeat classes with lower grades and raise their average to the required 2.0 before taking additional AAS/VTEC classes. Students must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 grade-point average in AAS/VTEC classes to qualify for graduation from the program.
Students must successfully complete all required skills listed in the Veterinary Technology Essential and Recommended Skills List developed by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) (the accrediting body for this program).
Due to the demands of the profession, students are strongly urged to complete all course work in the veterinary technology curriculum within five years of matriculating into the program.
Career Opportunities
Credentialed veterinary technicians can work in private veterinary hospitals, biomedical research laboratories, humane societies, zoos, and wildlife centers, and can specialize in areas such as anesthesia and surgical assisting, behavior, and emergency medicine.
Veterinary Technology Program of Study
First Year, Fall Semester
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAS | 230 | Small Animal Breeds and Behavior | 4 |
| AAS | 231 | Introduction to Animal Science | 4 |
| AAS | 421 | Large Animal Behavior and Handling Techniques | 2 |
| MTH | 202 | College Algebra | 3 |
| VTEC | 228 | * Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals | 4 |
First Year, Spring Semester
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAS | 224 | * Small Animal Management | 3 |
| AAS | 249 | Clinical Animal Nursing Techniques I | 3 |
| COM | 209 | Expository Writing and Reading | 4 |
| SSCI | 201 | Human Relations OR SSCI 202, below | 4 |
| SSCI | 202 | Social Issues | 4 |
| VTEC | 439 | Fundamentals of Animal Health | 3 |
| VTEC | XXX | * Chemistry for Vet Techs | 3 |
Second Year, Fall Semester
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAS | 250 | * Clinical Animal Nursing Techniques II | 4 |
| AAS | 251 | * Human-Animal Bond | 4 |
| AAS | 279 | Small Animal Practicum | 2 |
| AAS | 435 | Animal Nutrition | 3 |
| COM | 210 | Public Speaking | 2 |
| VTEC | 265 | * Pharmacology for Vet Techs (online) | 2 |
| VTEC | 282 | * Pet Access to Wellness Services (PAWS) | 1 |
Second Year, Spring Semester
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAS | Electives from approved list (below) | 4 | |
| VTEC | 275 | * Veterinary Anesthesia and Surgical Assisting | 4 |
| VTEC | 279 | * Small Animal Care practicum for Vet Techs | 2 |
| VTEC | 282 | * Pet Access to Wellness Services (PAWS) | 1 |
| VTEC | 283 | * Large Animal Care Practicum | 2 |
| VTEC | 295 | * Veterinary Technology Internship | 4 |
Total: 73 credits
* Courses in development or under modification.
Recommended electives (when offered)
Approved Vet Tech Elective List (when offered)
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAS | 222 | Small Animal Grooming I | 2 |
| AAS | 225 | Canine lerning Theory and Application | 3 |
| AAS | 227 | Small Animal Diseases | 2 |
| AAS | 258 | Animal Population Medicine and Management | 2 |
| AAS | 425 | Introduction to Dairy Herd Management | 4 |
| AAS | 426 | Equine Conformation and Lameness | 4 |
| AAS | 440 | Animal Breeding | 3 |
| AAS | 552 | Equine Health Management | 4 |
| AAS | 574 | Dairy Cattle Disease Seminar | 2 |
