Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is an introductory course designed to explore the job of the veterinary technician.  It should provide sufficient insight into the job requirements that the student can determine if this is the appropriate profession.  Its purpose is also to promote enthusiasm with the student about the _____________________??
This is designed for first year veterinary technology students and is a graduation requirement for the Associates Degree in Applied Sciences in Veterinary Technology.  Credits in this course are not transferable to a four-year school towards a baccalaureate degree.

Upon successful completion of the course, the short term outcome will be that the student will have satisfactorily accomplished the goals and objectives of this course content guide and confirmed as provided in the assessment above.  The long term outcome desired is for the student to gain sufficient knowledge of certain important aspects of veterinary technology successfully pass the National Veterinary Technician Board Examination and effectively utilize the knowledge gained in their Cooperative Education Experience and as a practicing veterinary technician upon graduation.  The course content guides are developed by college-wide subject area faculty and approved by the administration.  
Items with an asterisk indicate tasks the student must be able to perform since they are listed as “essential tasks”.  Tasks with two asterisks (**) indicate tasks considered to be “recommended tasks” by the Accreditation Policies and Procedures of the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities of the American Veterinary Medical Association.  Tasks with no asterisks are considered neither “essential” nor “recommended”, but are taught based on instructor, SAC, and/or advisory committee recommendations.  This course content guide specifies which tasks students are required to perform (as indicated in the task description) and the tasks on which they have been educated and have observed but individual performance is not required. 
I.  Introduction
This course is an introductory course designed to explore the job of the veterinary technician.  This course should provide enough insight into the job requirements that the student can determine if this is the appropriate profession.  Its purpose is also to promote enthusiasm within the student. 
The student will be introduced to the historical aspects of veterinary medicine and the technician, including job opportunities and the duties of the technician, ethics, infectious diseases, vaccinations, breeds of animals, and first aid and nursing care. 
II.  Comments on course activities and design
This is a two-credit hour course consisting of two weekly one-hour lectures and discussion sessions.  It meets for one term. 
III.  Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Enrollment requirements for this course is admission to the Veterinary Technology Program first year class.  There is no other prerequisite knowledge or skills.
IV.  Evaluation
Grades will be based on the student’s understanding of the course content as demonstrated by periodic quizzes and one comprehensive final examination.   
V.  Instructional goals and objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have satisfactorily accomplished the goals and objectives listed in this Course Content Guide.  The Course Content Guides are developed by college-wide subject area faculty and approved by management. 
1.0  History of veterinary medicine and the technician
    Instructional goal:
    To gain insight and to understand the historical significance of the role of a veterinary technician.
2.0  The role of veterinary technician in animal health care
    Instructional goal:
    To gain insight into the various job opportunities for the veterinary technician, and the duties performed by a technician in a veterinary hospital. 
3.0  Hospital procedures
    Instructional goal:
    To instruct the student on commonly used procedures in all types of animal care facilities. 
4.0 Animals
    Instructional goal:
    To instruct the student about the common breeds in dogs and cats (horses, cattle, sheep, and swine breeds are studied in Animal Science), their values, and their routine care (on a daily basis). 
5.0  Safety
    Instructional goal:
    For the student to learn about safety, safe storage and utilization, and disposal of all chemicals and sharps used in the course of animal care, lectures, and laboratories at this collage.

This course is designed to be a lecture course.  It is a two-credit-hour course that meets for two-lecture hours per week.  
The student will be introduced to the historical aspects of veterinary medicine and the technician.  Other areas covered will be occupational safety, the duties of the technician, ethics, infectious diseases, commonly used vaccines, breeds of animals, first aid and nursing care, and job opportunities.

Grades will be based on the student’s understanding of the course content as demonstrated by periodic examinations, a comprehensive final exam, and by attendance.  To receive a passing grade, the student must have attended a minimum of 80 percent of the lecture classes.