Veterinary Technology students must complete the “Green Verification Form,” which documents health insurance coverage and receipt of immunizations against rabies and tetanus. This docu­ment should be presented to the Program Director prior to the beginning of classes. Students who do not present this document will not be permitted to enroll in any course that includes hands-on training with animals. Students should allow at least six weeks for completion of the rabies immunization series. All laboratories that involve hands-on training with animals also include animal care duties outside of class time.

VT 102 Laboratory Animal Management 3 Credits
This is an introduction (ALAT level) to the care and use of laboratory animals in a research environment. Topics include animal welfare regulation, animal care and management, species and strain identification, nutrition, reproduction, gnotobiology, disease recognition and control, and euthanasia methods. A supplemental laboratory will cover the clinical management of rats, mice, and rabbits. In addition to lecture and laboratory, the course includes a field trip to a laboratory animal facility, and ward duty. Students should expect to spend time outside of class completing animal-care duties.(2 lecture hours, 1.5 laboratory hours) Prerequisites: VT217 or VT210 or prior hands on experience in small animal clinical practice and “Green Verification Form.”

VT 103 Intro. to Veterinary Technology & Practice Management 2 Credits
This course includes an overview of the profession of veterinary technology. Areas of discussion include the role of the veterinary technician in veterinary medicine, research, regulatory agencies, industry and private practice. Topics in professional development include law, ethics, resume writ­ing, professional conduct and grief management. An overview of office procedures and business practices relevant to private veterinary hospitals will also be covered. (2 lectures hours)

VT 104 Animal Parasitology 2 Credits
A survey of clinically significant parasites of domestic animals. Parasites discussed include: fleas, ticks, mange mites, lice, roundworms, heartworms, hookworms, tapeworms, coccidia, and more. Information is provided on: host(s); life cycles; pathogenesis; means of diagnosis; prevention; and treatment. A supplementary laboratory will cover preparation of fecal samples and identification of the above-mentioned parasites. (1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory) Prerequisites: VT 110, VT 111, CH 101.

VT 105 Large Animal Clinical and Emergency Procedures 3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to the medical management of domestic farm animal species. Emphasis in the laboratory is placed on handling, restraint, and basic nursing skills, such as venipuncture, IV catherization, and the administration of medication and fluid therapy. Rou­tine and emergency clinical procedures are discussed. Laboratories are held at the Motherhouse Barn and Fox Chase Farm. (2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours) Prerequisites: Completion of the “Green Verification Form” proof of maintaining health insurance and immunization against
rabies and tetanus. Students must provide their own transportation to the Fox Chase Farm. Suc­cessful completion of required developmental courses based on the placement test.

VT 108 Small Animal Nutrition (Elective course) 2 Credits
An introductory course for students accepted in the Veterinary Technology program providing identification and function of nutrients, understanding pet food, labels, and applications for well­ness, life stage, and therapeutic nutrition (prescription foods) for dogs and cats. The course will be an interactive Internet course with contemporary audio in the classroom. Student earns Hill’s Nutrition Consultant certification at completion of the course. (2 hours lecture)

VT 110 Animal Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Credits
This course offers a comparative study of the anatomy and physiology of domestic animals. Cell biology, including a discussion of basic organic molecules, anabolism, catabolism, and cellular reproduction is covered in the early part of the course. Tissues, integument, skeletal and muscular systems are subsequently covered. Laboratories include microscopic examination of cells and tis­sues, gross examination of mammalian skeletons and dissection of preserved rats. Radiographs are employed to further illustrate anatomical parts. (3 hours lecture, 2.5 hours laboratory) Prerequisite: Successful completion of required developmental courses based on the placement test.

VT 111 Animal Anatomy and Physiology II 4 Credits
A continuation of Animal Anatomy and Physiology I. This course examines the remainder of the anatomical systems in the mammal and discusses comparative anatomical and physiological differences in exotic species. Laboratory includes examination of gross tissues from various species including: cat, dog, sheep, pig, ox and bird. (3 hours lecture, 2.5 hours laboratory). Prerequisite: VT 110.

VT 112 Breeds and Behavior 1 Credit
This course offers an introduction to common domesticated animal breeds and behavior. Identi­fication of common breeds and species, recognition of normal versus abnormal animal behavior and prevention of behavior problems are emphasized. Animal learning theories and behavior modification techniques are also covered. An introduction to career options in animal behavior and professional behavior organizations and publications is also included. (1 lecture hour) Prerequisite: Successful completion of required developmental reading and writing courses based on the placement test.

VT 113 Animal Nutrition 1 Credit
The fundamental constituents of the diet and how it relates to the nutritional status of an animal is studied. Topics include the basic nutrients, critical analysis of pet foods, nutritional assessments and pet food recommendations. An introduction to prescription diets and nutritional support of debilitated and neonatal animals is also included.(2 seminar hours) Prerequisite: Successful comple­tion of required developmental courses based on the placement test.

VT 204 Small Animal Dentistry 1 Credit
This course offers students a hands-on laboratory in small animal dentistry. Oral examination, dental charting, dental radiography and prophylactic care will be addressed. Prerequisite: VT 212, VT 217.

VT 208 Hematology 3 Credits
This course includes the study of the origin, development and characteristics of blood cells and provides an overview of hemostasis. Topics include normal and abnormal hematopoiesis, anemias, leukemias, normal and abnormal platelet function, principles of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Emphasis is placed on manual skill development, attention to basic laboratory techniques and applications to veterinary medicine. An introduction to veterinary cytology and immunology is also included. (2 lecture hours, 2 hours of lab). Prerequisite: VT 110, VT 111, and Chem 101.

VT 210 Freshman Clinical Externship 2 Credits
An off-campus opportunity for freshmen students to gain first hand experience in a veterinary hospital or laboratory animal facility. Students are required to complete 80 hours of work within a clinical setting. Off-campus sites are selected by the student and approved by the externship su­pervisor. Required hours may be completed on a part-time basis. Prerequisites: Completion of the “Green Verification Form” as evidence that the student carries health insurance and is immunized against rabies and tetanus. Externship sites must be approved by the course instructor before the student may register for the course. VT110, VT111, VT 112, VT 113, CH101, VT103.

VT 212 Animal Radiology 2 Credits
An overview of the basic principles of radiology. Topics include: theory of x-ray production; parts and use of radiographic equipment; radiation control and safety; restraint and positioning of animals; radiographic quality; film development. (1 lecture hour, 2 laboratory hours) Prerequisites: VT 110, VT 111, and CH101. Completed Green Verification Form.

VT 217 Small Animal Clinical and Emergency Procedures 4 Credits
This course provides an introduction to the medical management of domestic small animal and exotic species. Emphasis in the laboratory is placed on handling, restraint, and basic nursing skills, such as venipuncture, IV catheterization, and the administration of medication and fluid therapy. Routine and emergency clinical procedures are also discussed. (3 lecture hours, 2.5 laboratory hours) Prerequisites: CH101, VT103, VT 105, VT 110, VT 111, VT 112, VT 113, VT 210. Completion of the “Green Verification Form” as evidence that the student carries health insurance and is immunized against rabies and tetanus. Students should expect to spend time outside of class completing animal care duties.

VT 218 Pharmacology and Anesthesiology 3 Credits
An introduction to theory and application of pharmacology and anesthesiology. Topics include: drug administration, distribution, and excretion; drug classification, with specific information given on action, side effects, and dosing; parts, care and use of anesthesia machine; pre-anesthetic patient assess­ment; patient monitoring. A supplementary laboratory will provide hands-on experience in preparing solutions, reading prescriptions, dispensing medications, operation of the anesthesia machine, ECG operation, CPR and other emergency procedures. (3 lecture hours, 1 laboratory hour) Prerequisites: CH 101, VT 217 (Must be taken concurrently with VT 226.) Students should expect to spend time outside of class completing animal care duties.

VT 223 Clinical Chemistry and Urinalysis 2 Credits
Material covered in this course includes the study of body fluids such as whole blood, plasma, serum and urine. Emphasis is placed on the study of serology and urinalysis and their application to veterinary medicine. Topics include the biochemistry of blood constituents such as glucose, BUN, protein, liver and muscle enzymes, creatinine, electrolytes and the study of urine solutes and sediments. Laboratory emphasizes quality control, attention to laboratory technique and the development of manual skill. (1.5 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours) Prerequisites: CH 101; VT 208, VT 110, VT 111.

VT 224 Independent Study Variable Credits
A student who wishes to increase his/her scope of experiences within a particular area may elect to receive credit for that work by requesting independent study. Areas for independent work could include, but are not limited to, clinical pathology at Quakertown Veterinary Clinic; additional operating room experience at any of the externship sites; large animal field service through Quakertown Veterinary Clinic; additional laboratory animal medicine at research facilities; exotic or wildlife medicine; and emergency medicine. A student earns 1 credit for each 40 hours of clinical work or 1 credit per 1 hour of Lecture or 2 hours of Laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Director.

VT 226 Animal Surgery 3 Credits
An introduction to surgical principles and procedures. Topics include: asepsis operating room protocol, instrumentation, sterile technique, suture materials, suturing techniques, wound manage­ment, surgical assistance, pre and postoperative care of animals and techniques in prophylactic dentistry. An accompanying laboratory will include hands-on practice of these skills. (2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours) Prerequisites: VT 217, VT 110, VT 111, CH101,VT 218 must be 137
taken concurrently. Evidence of health insurance and immunization against rabies and tetanus as per completed Green Verification Form. Students should expect to spend time outside of class completing animal care duties.

VT 227 Animal Medicine I 2 Credits
An introduction to principles of disease, diagnostic tools and treatment protocols. Topics in­clude: immune-mediate diseases; infectious diseases; dermatological diseases; toxicology; medical emergencies; zoonoses and diseases of large animal and exotic species. (2 lecture hours) Prerequisites: VT 110, VT 111, CH101.

VT 228 Animal Medicine II 2 Credits
A continuation of the introduction to principles of disease, diagnostic tools and treatment protocols. Topics include disorders of the cardiovascular, urinary, hepatic, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems. (2 lecture hours) Prerequisites: VT227.

VT 229 Sophomore Clinical Externship 12 Credits
This one semester clinical experience provides the sophomore student with the opportunity to refine clinical skills in off-campus veterinary facilities. Students choose from a list of College-approved externship sites and are trained under the supervision of certified veterinary technicians or veterinarians. Approved sites include specialty, emergency and critical care animal hospitals, USDA registered research facilities, and veterinary practices that specialize in equine, feline and exotic animals. Excellent general small animal practices are also available. This course includes 12 weeks of full-time training and requires one semester of full-time tuition. Students are expected to provide their own transportation and housing.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all other degree requirements. Students may not be on academic probation and must have a GPA > 2.2 in all program, math and science courses. Comple­tion of the “Green Verification Form” as evidence that the student carries health insurance and is immunized against rabies and tetanus.

BI 206 Microbiology for Veterinary Technicians 3 Credits
This is an introductory course in applied microbiology with emphasis on organisms affecting animal species. General microbiological concepts and principles are covered in lecture and laboratory. Topics include: taxonomy, biology of micro-organisms, pathogenic organisms, mycology, virology, bacteriology, immunity, zoonosis, public health, antimocrobial sensitivity testing, sterilization, disinfectation, safety and the microbiology of milk. Laboratory exercises are used to supplement lecture material while stressing safety and procedural techniques using materials to culture and identify organisms. (2 hours of lecture, 3 hours of laboratory) Prerequisite: VT110, VT111.