Technology Level Course Descriptions
VTEC 0034 Externship in Specialty Field
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This course is designed to encourage the student to pursue the practical application of special interests in Veterinary Technology that would not be addressed in the externships in general practice or at the Atlantic Veterinary College. The externship is customized to the venue and contracted in a manner similar to the general practice externship.
NOTES: Typical institutions that sponsor this optional externship are farm animal or equine veterinary practices, intensive care and emergency clinics, specialty veterinary clinics, zoos, humane societies, and research facilities.
VTEC 0111 Animal Medicine and Nursing I
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the first in a stream of medicine and nursing courses designed to enable the student to grasp cognitively the principles and practices of veterinary medical, surgical, and related topics. In conjunction with other courses in the Veterinary Technology Program and the related internship and externships, these courses equip the graduate to perform entry-level clinical tasks in the veterinary practice workplace. Topics include immunology; preventive health topics; vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccines and vaccination of companion animals, and diagnostic imaging.
FORMAT: Lecture
FORMAT COMMENTS: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
RESTRICTIONS: Only Veterinary Technology students may take this course.
VTEC 0112 Clinical Exercises I
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the first in a stream of clinical exercises courses designed to enable the student to practise medical, surgical, and related clinical skills. In conjunction with other courses in the Veterinary Technology Program and the related internship and externships, these courses equip the graduate to perform entry-level clinical tasks in the veterinary practice workplace. Animal care and maintenance duties are in addition to the scheduled hours in this course. Task areas included in this course are animal and facilities maintenance, medical record keeping, safe patient handling and physical assessments, drug administration, common clinical equipment, and operation of autoclave sterilizers.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 2
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
VTEC 0113 Veterinary Clinical Pathology I
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the first in a stream of theory and practical clinical pathology courses designed to enable the student to perform, and cognitively grasp the principles of, essential tasks in the in-house veterinary practice laboratory. In conjunction with other courses in the Clinical Pathology stream and the related internship and externships, these courses equip the graduate to perform entry-level laboratory diagnostic tasks in the veterinary practice workplace. Task areas and topics included in this course are microscopy, common endoparasites of cats and dogs, practical parasitology techniques, introduction to macroscopic and microscopic urinalysis, the microhematocrit, and initial blood film preparation and cell identification.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
VTEC 0114 Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology I
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the first in a stream of courses designed to address discrete topics in veterinary technology. These topics may not warrant full course status; they may require attention at specific times in the syllabus; they may need to be addressed at several levels. Topics in this first fundamentals course are: orientation to the profession and to the program; first-aid training; WHMIS; workplace safety; and an introduction to zoonotic disease, animal husbandry, cleaning and disinfection, nutrition, animal behaviour, records in veterinary medicine, and veterinary medical terminology.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 5
VTEC 0115 Anatomy–Physiology–Pathophysiology I
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the first of two courses designed to enable the student to apply the principles of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to animal nursing and medicine. Clinical applications are stressed, and progress through this course is coordinated with other courses in the semester. This course addresses the general topics of cell, tissue, organ, and system plus terms and processes in anatomy, physiology, and disease generally. It then deals with the anatomy, physiology, and typical disease processes in the major body systems. Systems in this course include musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary/excretory.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
VTEC 0121 Animal Medicine and Nursing II
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the second in a stream of medicine and nursing courses designed to enable the student to grasp cognitively the principles and practices of veterinary medical, surgical, and related topics. In conjunction with other courses in the Veterinary Technology program and the related internships and externships, these courses equip the graduate to perform entry-level clinical tasks in the veterinary practice workplace. Topics included in this course are anesthesiology, surgical preparation and assisting, and zoonotic disease risk in veterinary medicine.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
VTEC 0111,
VTEC 0112
RESTRICTIONS: Only Veterinary Technology students may take this course
VTEC 0122 Clinical Exercises II
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the second in a stream of clinical exercises courses designed to enable the student to perform medical, surgical, and related clinical skills. In conjunction with other courses in the Veterinary Technology program and the related internship and externships, these courses equip the graduate to perform entry-level clinical tasks in the veterinary practice workplace. Animal care and maintenance duties are in addition to the scheduled hours in this course. Task areas included in this course are common injection techniques, bandaging, anesthesiology, surgical preparation, and dentistry.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 2
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
VTEC 0111,
VTEC 0112
VTEC 0123 Veterinary Clinical Pathology II
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the second in a stream of theory and practical clinical pathology courses designed to enable the student to perform, and cognitively grasp the principles of, essential tasks in the in-house veterinary practice laboratory. In conjunction with other courses in the Clinical Pathology stream and the related internship and externships, these courses equip the graduate to perform entry-level laboratory diagnostic tasks in the veterinary practice workplace. Task areas and topics within this course include development and function of blood cells, total manual cell counts, WBC differentials, morphology assessment of blood cells, hemostatic process, macroscopic and microscopic urine evaluation, blood parasite tests, canine heartworms, common ectoparasites of cats and dogs and ear cytology evaluation.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
VTEC 0113
VTEC 0124 Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology II
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the second in a stream of courses designed to address discrete topics in veterinary technology that do not warrant full-course status or that require attention during the semester to support other courses. Topics included in this course are: communications in the veterinary practice, veterinary medical records, credentialing and legislation in the veterinary professions, veterinary medical terminology, pharmacology, parasitology, computer applications in veterinary practice, and the economics of veterinary practice.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 5
PREREQUISITES:
VTEC 0114
VTEC 0125 Anatomy–Physiology–Pathophysiology II
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the second of two courses designed to enable the student to apply the principles of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to animal nursing and medicine. Clinical applications are stressed, and progress through this course is co-ordinated with other courses in the semester. This course addresses the anatomy, physiology, and typical disease processes in the remainder of the major body systems. Systems and topics in this course include: digestive, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems; organs of special sense; and skin. The principles of inheritance and genetics and embryology are dealt with using examples of common congenital diseases.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
VTEC 0115
VTEC 0131 Internship in Veterinary Technology
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is a capstone course. In this course the learning objectives of all courses in the first two semesters are consolidated and re-tested. Students rotate through clinical, laboratory, and off-campus cooperating hospital experiences, with daily classroom sessions for discussion and testing. In clinical and diagnostic laboratory sessions, students hone skills learned in the first two semesters and acquire some new ones. Completion of this course is a prerequisite for registration in
VTEC 0133 and for registration in all second-year courses (Semesters 4 and 5). The approximate division of elements of this course is: Clinical 64 hours ( 2 x 8 hr per week); Clinical Pathology 36 hours ( 3 x 3 hr per week); Cooperating Hospital 16 hours ( 1 x 4 hr per week); and Cognitive Classroom Sessions 16 hours ( 4 x 1 hr per week). Animal care and maintenance duties are in addition to scheduled hours in this course. Task areas included in this course are animal and facilities maintenance, drug administration, anaesthesiology, surgical preparation and assisting, radiography, clinical calculations, fluid therapy, blood sampling, feeding, and introduction to dental disease and treatment.
VTEC 0132 Externship at the Atlantic Veterinary College
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This course is an off-campus externship delivered by the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC). During these 3 weeks (or minimum 100 clinical hours) students are on duty with technical staff for approximately one-half of their time at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH). Evening and night shifts are a large part of the AVC Externship. Day shifts allow some opportunity for the student to choose specific areas of interest. In addition, there are structured learning exercises. There is a significant livestock and equine component to the AVC Externship. Students attend this externship in two or more sections. Attendance is required at all scheduled duty shifts and exercises.
NOTES: Winter semester, 2nd Year. Note: Cost of transportation to AVC and room and board in Charlottetown are the responsibility of the student. Staff of the Veterinary Technology Program will assist the student where possible, but the responsibility for living arrangements is the student’s.
FORMAT: Other (explain in comments)
FORMAT COMMENTS: Externship Practicum, 40+ hours per week on rotation
VTEC 0133 Externship in General Veterinary Practice
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This course is an off-campus learning experience in a general veterinary practice. Students locate these externship practices from a list provided by the VT Program staff, but an unlisted practice contacted by a student may be approved. To be approved the practice must have a significant companion-animal (small-animal) clientele and employ at least one graduate AHT/VT. Students may apply to complete this externship in practices outside of the Atlantic Region. A contract between the student, the practice, and the University must be completed before this externship can begin. Weekly report forms and a final report are completed by practice personnel. Student assignments must be completed before a credit can be entered for this course.
NOTES: Spring semester
PREREQUISITES:
VTEC 0131
VTEC 0134 Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology IV
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the third in a stream of courses designed to address discrete topics in veterinary technology that do not warrant full course status. This course includes a continuation of clinical calculations from previous courses in the stream. There is section on veterinary communications which prepares graduates to communicate effectively with both clients and coworkers in the veterinary industry. Acknowledging the special risk factors in the veterinary industry, students will be equipped with skills to promote positive mental health and prevent compassion fatigue and burn out. The final topic is small animal nutrition, which focuses on tailored nutrition for various life stages and disease processes.
FORMAT:
FORMAT COMMENTS: Both online and in-person participation required.
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 20
TUTORIAL HOURS PER WEEK: 1
PREREQUISITES:
VTEC 0124 Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology II
RESTRICTIONS: Only Veterinary Technology students can take this course.
VTEC 0211 Animal Medicine and Nursing III
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the third in a stream of medicine and nursing courses designed to enable the student to grasp cognitively the principles and practices of veterinary medical, surgical, emergency & critical care principles. In conjunction with other courses in the Veterinary Technology Program and the related internship and externships, these courses equip the graduate to perform entry-level clinical tasks in the veterinary practice workplace. Topics included in this course are anesthesiology, pain management, small animal dental radiography, dental diseases, clinical calculations, shock, fluid therapy and common fluid types, common fluid additives, patient triage, emergency procedures, and non-infectious diseases of companion animals.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 4
PREREQUISITES:
VTEC 0131
RESTRICTIONS: Only Veterinary Technology students may take this course.
VTEC 0212 Clinical Exercises III
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the third in a stream of clinical exercises courses designed to enable the student to perform medical, surgical, and related clinical skills. In conjunction with other courses in the Veterinary Technology program and the related internship and externships, these courses equip the graduate to perform entry-level clinical tasks in the veterinary practice workplace. Task areas included in this course are animal and facilities maintenance, drug administration, general nursing, diagnostic imaging, CPR, bandaging, outpatient appointments, and dental procedures.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 1
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 4
PREREQUISITES:
VTEC 0131
RESTRICTIONS: Only Veterinary Technology students may take this course.
VTEC 0213 Veterinary Clinical Pathology III
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the third in a stream of theory and practical clinical pathology courses designed to enable the student to perform, and cognitively grasp the principles of, essential tasks in the in-house veterinary practice laboratory. In conjunction with other courses in the clinical pathology stream and the related internship and externships, these courses equip the graduate to perform entry-level laboratory diagnostic tasks in the veterinary practice workplace. Task areas and topics included in this course are all prior topics, plus abnormal blood cell morphology as it pertains to anemia and inflammation, blood chemistry and serology tests, coagulation assays, large animal hematology assessments, ruminant and equine common endoparasites, and introductory cytology including collection and preparation, cell types, inflammation, and malignancy criteria.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
VTEC 0131
RESTRICTIONS: Only Veterinary Technology students may take this course.
VTEC 0214 Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology III
CREDIT HOURS: 2
This is the third in a stream of courses designed to address discrete topics in veterinary technology that do not warrant full-course status or that require attention during the semester to support other courses. Case reports from externships are delivered and discussed. Topics included in this course are veterinary medical terminology, pharmacology and dispensing, parasitology, clinical calculations, computer applications in veterinary practice, bookkeeping in the veterinary practice, and presentations to small groups.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 5
PREREQUISITES:
VTEC 0131
VTEC 0215 Livestock and Equine Principles
CREDIT HOURS: 2
Through a mixture of classroom and lab exercises, this course enables the Veterinary Technology student to recognize common equine and livestock breeds; describe livestock production cycles and methods; and use appropriate terminology. Common diseases of large animals as they relate to the veterinary technician are dealt with. Urgent and emergency clinical signs in large-animal species are stressed. Common clinical procedures in large-animal practice are outlined.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
VTEC 0131
RESTRICTIONS: Only Veterinary Technology students may take this course.