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Undergraduate Course Catalog 2015-2016

Thompson School of Applied Science

» http://www.thompsonschool.unh.edu/

Veterinary Technology (VTEC)

» http://www.thompsonschool.unh.edu/vet

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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 program has a number of animal-related educational partnerships, including those 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 is accredited by the AVMA. 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: $722*

*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:

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   421   Large Animal Behavior and Handling Techniques   2  
AAS   430   Small Animal Breeds and Behavior   4  
AAS   431   Introduction to Animal Science   4  
MTH   202   College Algebra   3  
VTEC   428   Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals for Vet Techs   4  


First Year, Spring Semester

Abbreviation Course Number Title Credits
AAS   439   Fundamentals of Animal Health   2  
AAS   439B   Fundamentals of Animal Health Lab for VTECs   2  
AAS   449   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   424   Veterinary Practice Management   2  


Second Year, Fall Semester

Abbreviation Course Number Title Credits
AAS   451   Human-Animal Bond   4  
AAS   527   Companion Animal Diseases   2  
AAS   550   Clinical Animal Nursing Techniques II   4  
AAS   579   Small Animal Care Practicum   2  
COM   210   Public Speaking   3  
VTEC   565   Pharmacology for Vet Techs (hybrid)   3  
VTEC   582   Pet Access to Wellness Services (PAWS)   1  


Second Year, Spring Semester

Abbreviation Course Number Title Credits
AAS     Electives from approved list (below)   2 - 4  
VTEC   575   Veterinary Anesthesia and Surgical Assisting   4  
VTEC   579   Small Animal Care Practicum for Vet Techs   2  
VTEC   582   Pet Access to Wellness Services (PAWS)   1  
VTEC   583   Large Animal Care Practicum   2  
VTEC   595   Veterinary Technology Internship   3  

Total:  72 credits

 



Approved Veterinary Technology Elective List (when offered)

Abbreviation Course Number Title Credits
AAS   422   Small Animal Grooming I   2  
AAS   425   Introduction to Dairy Herd Management   4  
AAS   426   Equine Conformation and Lameness   4  
AAS   525   Canine Learning Theory and Application   3  
AAS   535   Animal Nutrition   3  
AAS   540   Animal Breeding   3  
AAS   552   Equine Health Management   4  
AAS   558   Animal Population Medicine and Management   2  
AAS   574   Dairy Cattle Disease Seminar   2  


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