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    Mount Ida College
   
 
  Sep 02, 2010
 
 
    
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Veterinary Technology (B.S.)


The Bachelor of Science program in Veterinary Technology allows students to obtain a science degree that is supported by professional courses in veterinary medicine including 900 clinical rotation hours within the context of a liberal arts education. Veterinary Technologists are integral members of the health care team. They 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 technologists and supervisors in companion animal hospitals, farm and equine animal practices, biotechnology companies, diagnostic laboratories, zoos, aquaria, exotics and specialty practices. Students with a bachelor degree in veterinary technology can also pursue a graduate degree in a related field.

Learning Objectives

In addition to the All College Curriculum skills and perspective, students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate specific 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 advanced communication, writing, and decision-making skills;
  • Accept responsibility in a supervisory capacity;
  • Function as a liaison between the animal health community and the public;
  • Integrate knowledge learned to become a credentialed veterinary technologist.

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 clinical rotation sites subject to the approval of the Program Director only after all coursework has been successfully completed.

Students must apply for each clinical rotation assignment. As all rotation 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 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 Technology Program.

For all clinical courses, successful completion of the laboratory portion of the course, as defined by each course syllabus, will be required in order to earn a grade  of C- orhigher.

Additional Costs

  • Transportation fees to and from externship and clinical rotation 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 clinical rotations 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 and clinical rotation sites
  • Health/Accident insurance is required for all students in this program.

Health Provisions

Records and results must be on file in the student 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 rotation sites have individual health provision requirements.

Because the Veterinary Technology 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 the Health Services Office about pregnancy, any condition that renders them immuno-suppressed, 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

II. Other Required Courses: (44 credits)


  • History Elective (3 Credits)
    (Historical Understanding)
  • 300-level Humanities Elective (3 Credits)
    (Humanities)
  • Junior Year Interdisciplinary Seminar (3 Credits)
    (“W” Course)
  • Literature Elective (3 Credits)
    (Literature)

III. Open Elective: (1-3 credits)


Total Credits: (127-129)


Notes:


All College Curriculum
Students must satisfy Oral and Written Communication Requirements of the All College Curriculum. These are courses inside or outside the program/major that have been identified as meeting the requirements for writing-intensive (“W”) or oral communication (“O”) courses.
Students must include the following among their course selections:

 Written: Three (3) courses beyond EN 102 must be writing-intensive (“W”) courses (the Junior Year Interdisciplinary Seminar and two other “W” courses).
Oral: Two (2) courses must be oral communication (“O”) courses.

Satisfaction of college-wide computer proficiency standards will be demonstrated by examination, by documented work experience, by transfer credit, or by completion of a course to be specified.

Suggested Course Sequence:


(Prerequisites of program specific courses are listed in parentheses; prerequisites of all courses can be found in the Course Descriptions section of the Catalog.)

First Year: (31 credits)


Second Year: (35 credits)


Third Year: (32-34 credits)


  • JR 3xx
    (Prerequisites: EN 102 and junior standing)
  • Literature Elective
    (Prerequisite: EN 102)
  • Open Electives (1-3 credits)

Fourth Year: (29 credit hours)


  • History Elective
  • 300-level Humanities Elective
    (Prerequisites: EN 102 and junior standing)

Note:


*All clinical rotations are restricted to Veterinary Technology seniors. Rotations are four days a week, full-time. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all VT courses through the junior year.

Senior Clinical Rotations are as follows:


Note: The senior year consists of clinical rotations and academic courses. Rotations are 4 days per week off campus for the entire school year by arrangement with the clinical coordinators. Academic courses are scheduled on campus one day per week.

All seniors must complete a total of 18 credits of clinical rotation work. Each five-week rotation (four days per week) spent at any site equals three academic credits. The clinical coordinator schedules the sequence and duration of the rotations.

The Program Director reserves the right to exclude students from any rotation for violation of program regulations, academic deficiencies or breeches of conduct.