Undergraduate Course Catalog 2014-2015

Thompson School of Applied Science

» http://www.thompsonschool.unh.edu/

Veterinary Technology (VTEC)

Lecturer: Sarah Proctor DVM

Program Mission Statement:

The program strives to provide veterinary technology students with a broad understanding of veterinary medicine and the role of animals in society. Students are instructed in the methods and knowledge of veterinary technology such that they become veterinary technicians who are strong advocates for animals, capable of compassionate and accurate animal care; professional in their actions and judgments; and have a desire for lifelong learning and self-improvement.

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 both farm animal and companion animal veterinary practices. Courses in the program cover basic sciences, veterinary nursing, and veterinary practice management, with a strong focus on hands-on practical knowledge throughout the curriculum. Students gain basic knowledge and skills for the major domestic animal species (dog, cat, horse, and cow). Students have the opportunity to focus their studies on a given species through a variety of elective course offerings within the applied animal science program. Integration of knowledge in communication, veterinary ethical and legal issues, veterinary practice management, clinical reasoning skills, and hands-on technical skills allow students to become complete veterinary technicians, capable of providing high-quality, compassionate, and expert care to animals both small and large.

Practical learning experience is provided at the UNH equine facilities and the Thomas P. Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center and the UNH Organic Dairy Farm. The Thompson School also operates its own grooming shop. The curriculum has a number of animal-related educational partnerships, including one with the New Hampshire SPCA in Stratham, N.H., and the Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, N.H. The veterinary technology curriculum also includes a service learning course where students provide wellness services to local pets in need.

The program had its initial accreditation review by the AVMA and will learn their decision sometime in early May, 2014. Please check the website for updated information. 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 a minimum of two years of satisfactory work in college preparatory mathematics and both college preparatory biology and chemistry. (Biology and chemistry with labs are required.) Applicants are recommended to have some experience with animals in a professional setting, and applicants should include a statement in the student application listing their experience.

Curriculum Fee

Veterinary technology: $661*

*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 Requirements

The following courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C:

All AAS and VTEC courses
Chemistry (CAN 200) and Math (MTH 202)

Students with grades below C in these courses after two semesters (26 credits minimum) will be required to repeat those courses before taking additional major courses.

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).

All coursework in the veterinary technology curriculum should be completed within five years of matriculating into the program. If this cannot be accomplished, the student may be required to retake major courses where AVMA essential skills have changed significantly.

Students must show proof of pre-exposure rabies immunization or adequate rabies titer prior to enrollment in practicum and internship coursework. Transportation is provided to students for practicum coursework. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation during internship experiences.

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 for Vet Techs	4

First Year, Spring Semester

Abbreviation	Course Number	Title	Credits
AAS	224	Applications & Ethics in Veterinary/Animal Business	3
AAS	249	Clinical Animal Nursing Techniques I	3
CAN	200	Introductory Chemistry	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 for Vet Techs	3

Second Year, Fall Semester

Abbreviation	Course Number	Title	Credits
AAS	227	Small Animal Diseases	2
AAS	250	Clinical Animal Nursing Techniques II	4
AAS	251	Human-Animal Bond	4
AAS	279	Small Animal Practicum	2
COM	210	Public Speaking	2
VTEC	265	Pharmacology for Vet Techs (online)	3
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	3

Total: 71 credits

Approved Veterinary Technology Elective List (when offered)

Abbreviation	Course Number	Title	Credits
AAS	222	Small Animal Grooming I	2
AAS	225	Canine Learning Theory and Application	3
AAS	258	Animal Population Medicine and Management	2
AAS	425	Introduction to Dairy Herd Management	4
AAS	426	Equine Conformation and Lameness	4
AAS	435	Animal Nutrition	3
AAS	440	Animal Breeding	3
AAS	552	Equine Health Management	4
AAS	574	Dairy Cattle Disease Seminar	2

» Click to view course offerings

^ back to top