Veterinary Technology students must complete and submit to the Program Director all required verification and release forms (refer to page 102 of this catalog) before they are permitted to take veterinary technology courses. These forms must be submitted to the Veterinary Technology Office before the commencement of classes.

Students are asked to wear their uniforms to all veterinary technologyclasses and laboratories.All laboratories that involve hands-on training with animals also include animal care duties outside of class time. Students are asked to anticipate and plan for completing these additional responsibilities.Off campus laboratories and externships are not easily accessible via public transportation and students are expected to provide their own transportation to these sites.

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 prior hands on experience in small animal clinical practice and green “Verification” form.

VT103 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 hours) Prerequisites: Successful completion of required developmental courses based on the placement test or approved by the Program Director.

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 recommended to be taken concurrently.

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 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, 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 cats. 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. Laboratory includes examination of gross tissues from various species including: cat, dog, sheep, pig, and ox. (3 hours lecture, 2.5 hours laboratory). Prerequisite: VT 110.

VT112 Breeds and Behavior 1 credit
This course offers an introduction to common domestic animal breeds and their 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 courses based on placement test or approval by Program Director.

VT113 Animal Nutrition 1 credit
This course examines the fundamental constituents of food and how diet relates to the health status of domestic animals. Topics include: 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.

VT208 Hematology 3 credits
Provides an overview of hemostasis. Topics include normal and abnormal hematopoiesis, anemias, leukemias, normal and abnormal platelet function, principles of coagulation and fi brinolysis. 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 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 Verifi cation 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 fl uid 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. 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 to: pain management, analgesia, drug action, side effects, and dosing; parts, care and use of anesthesia machine; pre-anesthetic patient assessment; patient monitoring.  (3 lecture hours) Prerequisites: CH 101, VT 217 (Must be taken concurrently with VT 226.)

VT 223 Clinical Chemistry and Urinalysis 2 Credits
Material covered in this course includes the study of serology and urinalysis and their applica­tion to veterinary medicine. Topics include the biochemistry of blood constituents such as glucose, BUN, protein, hormones, 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: additional clinical experience at any of the externship sites, 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 pain assessment and management. An accompanying laboratory will include hands-on practice of these skills. (2 lecture hours, 3 labora­tory hours) Prerequisites: VT 217, VT 110, VT 111, CH101,VT 218 must be 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 in-
Aidi iilfdi di i ld lTii clude: immune-mediate diseases; infectious diseases; dermatological diseases; toxicology; medical emergencies; zoonoses and diseases of large animal and exotic species. (2 lecture hours) Prerequisites: VT 104, VT 105, VT 110, VT 111, VT 113, CH101.
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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, renal, 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. Sites may not be easily accessible via public transportation and students will be expected to provide their own transportation to and from externship locations. 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