Veterinary Technician (A.A.)
|
|
The Associate of Science program in Veterinary Technology allows students to obtain a science degree that is supported by professional courses in veterinary medicine. Veterinary Technicians are entrusted with diverse medical responsibilities that include animal nursing in a wide variety of species, laboratory techniques, anesthesiology and surgical assisting, radiographic imaging and client education. Mount Ida College’s Veterinary Technology Program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.
Career and Graduate Study Options
Graduates of the Veterinary Technology Program can work as veterinary technicians in companion animal hospitals, farm and equine animal practices, biotechnology companies, diagnostic laboratories, zoos, aquaria, exotics and specialty practices.
Learning Objectives
Students who successfully complete this program will:
- Demonstrate specific basic veterinary skills and knowledge defined by the A.V.M.A.’s Essential Skills List;
- Effectively participate as a member of a veterinary team, utilizing communication, writing, and “decisionmaking” skills;
- Function as a liaison between the animal health community and the public;
- Integrate knowledge learned to become a credentialed veterinary technician.
Conditions, Policies, Fees and Provisions
The American Veterinary Medical Association accredits the Veterinary Technology Program. Graduates of the program are prepared for employment in veterinary practices; biomedical research and other animal facilities. This program does not fulfill requirements for the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine nor can it be considered a substitute for pre-veterinary training. Students who desire a pre-veterinary program should consult with the Director of the School of Animal Science.
Progression in Program
All course prerequisites must be met. Students will be placed at externship sites subject to the approval of the Program Director only after all coursework has been successfully completed.
Students must apply for an externship assignment. As all externship sites are commercial or non-profit businesses involved in care and use of animals, on-site supervisors are responsible for assignment of students to specific tasks, depending on the needs of the facility and the capabilities of the student.
The Program Director reserves the right to exclude any student from any externship for violation of program regulations, academic deficiencies or breeches of conduct.
The Program Director and the School Director, in consultation with the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, will review the standing of any student whose record and/or performance may indicate termination from the program. Review will take place at the end of every semester. A student may be dropped from the program whenever his/her academic performance warrants such action. A grade of C- or higher is required in all VT, SC, and BI courses for continuation and graduation from the Veterinary Technician Program.
For all clinical courses, successful completion in the laboratory portion of the course, as defined by each course syllabus, is defined as a C- or better.
Additional Costs
- Transportation fees to and from externship sites
- Professional school uniform (including green scrubs, white shoes, Mount Ida College lab jacket, and name pin) and coveralls
- Stethoscope and bandage scissors
- A wristwatch with a second hand
- Some externship sites may require protective shoes.
- Laboratory course fees and materials fees (see specific course descriptions in this catalog)
- Meals at off-campus facilities
- Any liability insurance required at externship sites
- Health/Accident insurance is required for all students in this program.
Health Provisions
Records and results must be on file in the College Health Center prior to participation in laboratory experiences.
Required:
- Tuberculosis test results
- Tetanus toxoid booster within five years preceding admission to program
- Measles vaccination
- Human diploid cell rabies vaccine and serum fill sample
Note: Some externship sites have individual health provision requirements.
Because the Veterinary Technician Program is physically strenuous and requires some heavy lifting (ca. 50 lbs.), students should be in good physical condition. Students unable to lift and physically exert themselves may be unable to satisfy program requirements.
Since students in animal science programs are exposed to the possibility of infection or injury and must handle x-ray equipment and anesthetics, they should alert the Program Director and Health Services about pregnancy, any condition that renders them immunosuppressed, and any other pertinent physical or medical condition. For disclosure of such information, a physician’s letter is required.
Precautionary Note: Due to the inherently unpredictable behavior of animals, there is an element of assumed risk in all animal studies. A waiver of liability is required.
Requirements |
Print-Friendly Page