Veterinary Assistant (VETA)

VETA 1101 - Intro to Veterinary Technology (1 Credit Hour)

This course will give the student information on the history of veterinary medicine and various employment opportunities available in the animal health care field, with emphasis on the duties and responsibilities of veterinary technicians. Additional topics include human-animal bond, occupational safety/zoonoses, licensing, registration, and professional organizations.

Prerequisite(s): None

(1/0/1)

VETA 1102 - Vet Office&Hospital Procedures (2 Credit Hours)

This course teaches clinical and hospital operations including office and managerial duties, such as client/team communication, veterinary economics, admitting and discharging patients, scheduling, general cleaning, maintenance protocols, security, and inventory control. This course will also focus on teamwork dynamics and compassion fatigue regarding the veterinary profession.

Prerequisite(s): None

(2/0/2)

VETA 1103 - Animal Care & Handling (2 Credit Hours)

This course introduces the basic care and husbandry of common companion and farm animals. This course will cover basic animal behavior as well as restraint and handling of domestic and exotic animals. Students will learn how to take a history and perform a physical examination. Species, breed, and sex determination of domestic animals will be covered.

Prerequisite(s): None

(2/0/2)

VETA 1104 - Veterinary Medical Terminology (2 Credit Hours)

This course introduces students to the professional language of the veterinary profession. History and word components will be used to emphasize proper veterinary terminology.

Prerequisite(s): None

(2/0/2)

VETA 1108 - Equine Behavior/Handling/Care (3 Credit Hours)

This course gives the student a foundation of practical knowledge about the nature of horses and how to properly and safely handle and care for this species. The course will also provide an overview of basic husbandry and nursing skills for horses.

Prerequisite(s): None

(3/0/3)

VETA 1109 - Animal Anatomy & Physiology (3 Credit Hours)

This course includes physiological and anatomical systems of domestic animals. It includes discussions on the chemical basis for life, the cells, tissues, and the integument, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems of domestic animals.

Co-requisite(s): VETA 1110

(0/0/3)

VETA 1110 - Animal Anatomy Physiology Lab (1 Credit Hour)

This lab is designed to reinforce lecture material and allow students to practice bone/joint identification and dissection of preserved specimens in order to identify major muscles and organs.

Co-requisite(s): VETA 1109

(0/1/1)

VETA 1203 - Avian & Exotic Medicine (2 Credit Hours)

This course covers the anatomy, husbandry, preventative health, handling, nursing, and diseases of avian and exotic pets.

Prerequisite(s): VETA 1101 and VETA 1103 and VETA 1104 and VETA 1109 and VETA 1110

(2/0/2)

VETA 1204 - Animal Nursing I (3 Credit Hours)

This course covers humane animal care and nursing, with emphasis on technical skills such as: physical examinations, sample collection, medicating animals, IV catheterization/venipuncture, and bandaging. This course will also cover animal nutrition and the principles of feeding.

Prerequisite(s): VETA 1101 and VETA 1103 and VETA 1104 and VETA 1109 and VETA 1110

(3/0/3)

VETA 1207 - Parasitology for Vet Techs (2 Credit Hours)

This course is the study of common internal and external parasites found in domestic animals. The characteristics, methods of transmission, life cycle, and clinical signs commonly seen in animals will be studied including a review of safety concerns when dealing with these samples.

Prerequisite(s): VETA 1101 and VETA 1103 and VETA 1104 and VETA 1109 and VETA 1110

Co-requisite(s): VETA 1209

(2/0/2)

VETA 1209 - Parasitology Lab for Vet Techs (1 Credit Hour)

This lab is designed to enhance VETA 1207 by allowing students to practice sample collection, preparation, and evaluation of samples for parasitological examination. Laboratory sessions will include techniques for identifying internal and external parasites.

Prerequisite(s): VETA 1101 and VETA 1103 and VETA 1104 and VETA 1109 and VETA 1110

Co-requisite(s): VETA 1207

(0/1/1)

VETA 1302 - Lab Animal Medicine (2 Credit Hours)

This course covers basic principles of animal research, utilization of laboratory animals and non-human primates in a research setting, as well as knowledge of animal welfare regulations. There is focus on safe handling/restraint of laboratory animals.

Prerequisite(s): VETA 1102 and VETA 1203 and VETA 1204 and VETA 1207 and VETA 1209

(2/0/2)

VETA 1311 - Externship I (2 Credit Hours)

This clinical experience is designed to expound upon the student’s knowledge, skill, and attitude. The tasks and duties to be performed in the externship will parallel the courses completed in the first year with a requirement of 150 hours of supervised clinical experience at an approved veterinary facility.

Prerequisite(s): VETA 1102 and VETA 1203 and VETA 1204 and VETA 1207 and VETA 1209

(0/0/2)