Veterinary Medical Technology

Course Requirements

MCM 110: Effective Speaking

Students develop and practice public speaking skills that will be useful in a broad range of careers. The focus will be on informative and persuasive speaking skills, with an emphasis on speech research, organization and delivery. In the supportive climate of the classroom, students will grow in their understanding of speaking principles and their ability to use public speaking skills.

or

MCM 120: Interpersonal Communications

Survey of psychological, environmental, cultural and socioeconomic variables that influence communication. Definition of competent communicators in a variety of situations. Exploration of appropriate tools to alter communication behavior.

VMT 115: Introduction to Animal Management

Overview of the field of veterinary medicine, including ethical jurisprudence and medical terminology. Topics include: breeds, reproduction, genetics, nutrition and management of dogs, cats, horses and livestock species. Kennel assignments and animal care outside of class are mandatory. Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory.

VMT 210: Parasitology

Study of various life cycles of animal parasites as they apply to an understanding of parasitic control clinically. Prerequisite: BIO 101 or 110.

VMT 213: Clinical Practices I

Designed to acquaint the student with the essential clinical tasks related to handling, care and treatment of small animals and laboratory animals. Kennel assignments and animal care outside of class are mandatory. Prerequisite: 115. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.

VMT 216: Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals

Study of the normal structures and functions of the animal body. Species studied will include the dog, cat, horse, cow, sheep, goat and pig. Prerequisites: BIO 101 or 110 and CHM 101 or 103. Four hours lecture; two hours laboratory.

VMT 218: Animal Diseases and Nutrition

Study of animal diseases with emphasis on disease control, zoonoses, client education and nutritional support of diseased animals. Prerequisite: 216.

VMT 220: Clinical Practices II

The essential clinical tasks related to handling, care and treatment of large animals and radiographic examination of both large and small animals, with emphasis on radiation safety and methods of obtaining high-quality diagnostic radiographs. Barn assignments and animal care outside of class is mandatory. Prerequisites: 213 and 216. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.

VMT 312: Laboratory Techniques

Study of principles and practices of clinical pathology as they relate to responsibilities of veterinary medical technicians. Includes hematological techniques, fecal and urine examination, blood chemistries, serologic testing, vaginal smears and semen evaluation. Prerequisite: 213. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.

VMT 318: Pharmacology

Study of drugs and their effects on animals, including principles of drug action, drug forms, usage, dosage and solution problems, toxicity, dispensing procedures and legal considerations. Anesthetic drugs and principles of anesthesiology will be emphasized in the laboratory. Animal care outside of class is mandatory. Prerequisites: VMT 213, 216, 312; BIO 101 or 110; MAT 103; CHM 101 or 103. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.

VMT 320: Laboratory Animal Science

Introduction to laboratory animals most commonly used in research labs and drug companies, including laboratory animal care, identification procedures, housing, sanitation, diseases and parasites of laboratory animals. Laboratory animal care outside of class is mandatory. Prerequisites: 216, 213, 312. Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory.

VMT 415: Clinical Experience

Planned clinical experience to help upgrade technical competence. Emphasis placed on surgical nursing and anesthesia skills. Surgical assignments and nursing care outside of class are mandatory. Prerequisites: 210, 213, 216, 220, 312, and 318. One four-hour session per week.

VMT 355: Veterinary Internship

In addition to the required courses listed above, choose one of the following concentrations:

Veterinary Biology

BIO 101: General Biology I

Introduction to cell anatomy and organismal biology. The five kingdoms of life are surveyed, emphasizing distinguishing features and lifestyles. In-depth study of major organ systems of multicellular animals. Emphasis on principles underlying living organisms, problems they face and solutions that have evolved. Designed as first of two semesters of a general survey. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

BIO 102: General Biology II

Introduction to biochemistry, molecular cell biology and cell energetics. Genetics covered in relation to molecular mechanisms, population biology and evolutionary theory. Survey of botany, including anatomy and physiology of plants. Introduction to ecological principles, including ecosystem organization; interaction of biotic and abiotic factors; and the biosphere. Prerequisite: 101. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

BIO 111: Microbiology

A general overview of microbiology with emphasis on pathological mechanisms of infectious disease and precautions necessary for the prevention and treatment of infectious disease in clinical settings. Students will be exposed to the fundamental principles of microbial structure, growth and metabolism. An emphasis will be placed on localization and identification of pathological microorganisms. Topics of disinfection, sterilization and immunity with respect to clinical settings, are emphasized. Prerequisite: 102 or 110. Three hours lecture; three hours lab. NSL

CHM 101: General Chemistry I

The first semester of a two-semester sequence intended for students majoring in the sciences. The course focuses on the study of atomic structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry, energy, bonding and coordination chemistry. The laboratory work reinforces lecture topics. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in MAT 103 or placement above MAT 103. High school chemistry or an introductory chemistry course is strongly recommended. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

CHM 102: General Chemistry II

The continuation of General Chemistry I with emphasis on solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. The laboratory work reinforces lecture topics and includes qualitative analysis. Prerequisites: CHM 101 and MAT 103. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

CHM 201: Organic Chemistry I

The first course of a two-semester sequence that introduces structure, bonding and reactivity of organic (carbon-based) compounds. The lecture focuses on properties and reactivity of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, with an emphasis on reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry. The laboratory introduces basic purification and synthetic techniques, and analytical methods including polarimetry, IR and NMR spectroscopy. Prerequisite: 102. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

CHM 202: Organic Chemistry II

A continuation of CHM 201 with an added emphasis on molecules with biological importance. The lectures include a discussion of carboxylic acids and their derivatives, enolates, aromatics, amines, lipids, carbohydrates and amino acids. The laboratory work includes more advanced synthetic methods and an independent research project. Prerequisite: 201. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. NSL

MAT 103: College Algebra

Introduction to basic concepts of functions including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; matrices and linear systems; introduction to probability concepts. Prerequisite: 098/100 or Mathematics Placement Exam results. NS

Two of the following:

Any 200- or 300-level biology course

BIO 230: Conservation Biology

Conservation biology is the science of preserving biodiversity and sustaining the earth. It draws upon many disciplines and findings of theoretical biology in an attempt to develop strategies for preserving people, populations, species, biological communities and ecosystems. The course uses case studies to survey the possibilities and problems of applying conservation principles in the real world. Students will identify and find solutions to conservation problems in the local area. Prerequisite: 102 or 110. NSL, ESL

CHM 310: Biochemistry

Introduction to the major classes of biomolecules: proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. Study of select biochemical processes with a focus on enzyme-controlled reactions. Topics include: amino acid chemistry, protein structure and function, enzymatic mechanisms, kinetics and regulation, membrane structure and function, biochemical basis of transcription and translation, bioenergetics, glycolysis, citric acid cycle, electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation. Prerequisite: 202. Three hours lecture. NS

VMT 270, 370: Topics in VMT

Upper level courses offered on an occasional basis in areas of veterinary science, such as VMT 370: Clinical Animal Behavior.

Veterinary Business Management

ACC 105: Principles of Accounting I

The accounting cycle, from the analysis of business transactions through the preparation of the three basic financial statements: the income statement, balance sheet and the statement of cash flows; basic theory and practice with respect to accounting for assets, liabilities and equities; external uses of accounting information; interpretation of accounting data; analysis of financial statements; income and cash flow analysis. Prerequisite: MAT 096/099 or Mathematics Placement Exam Results.

ACC 106: Principles of Accounting II

Utilization of accounting information for purposes of managerial control and decision-making; cost concepts; cost behavior analysis; cost-volume profit analysis; budgetary controls; responsibility accounting; standard costing; internal use of operational and financial accounting information; terminology; tools for pricing, product and investment decisions,; and capital budgeting. Prerequisite: MAT 096/099 or Mathematics Placement Exam Results.

BIO 101, 102: General Biology I and II

Introduction to cell anatomy and organismal biology. The five kingdoms of life are surveyed, emphasizing distinguishing features and lifestyles. In-depth study of major organ systems of multicellular animals. Emphasis on principles underlying living organisms, problems they face and solutions that have evolved. Designed as first of two semesters of a general survey. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

Introduction to biochemistry, molecular cell biology and cell energetics. Genetics covered in relation to molecular mechanisms, population biology and evolutionary theory. Survey of botany, including anatomy and physiology of plants. Introduction to ecological principles, including ecosystem organization; interaction of biotic and abiotic factors; and the biosphere. Prerequisite: 101. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

or

BIO 110: Contemporary Biology

A survey of relevant biological principles and processes designed as an introduction to the life sciences for the non-science major. Topics include human biology (cellular and physiological processes), evolution of biodiversity and ecology. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

BIO 111: Clinical Aspects of Microbiology

A general overview of microbiology with emphasis on pathological mechanisms of infectious disease and precautions necessary for the prevention and treatment of infectious disease in clinical settings. Students will be exposed to the fundamental principles of microbial structure, growth and metabolism. An emphasis will be placed on localization and identification of pathological microorganisms. Topics of disinfection, sterilization and immunity with respect to clinical settings, are emphasized. Prerequisite: 102 or 110. Three hours lecture; three hours lab. NSL

BUS 124: Introduction to Management

Study of management from a general perspective. Major functional areas of internal and external activities of an organization, the decision-making process and the computer’s place in contemporary management. Emphasis on formulation and implementation of policy in keeping with an organization’s goals.

BUS 220: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

Consideration of the problems of start-up, survival, profit and growth of a new or ongoing venture. Examination of small-business operations including business plans, finance, legal aspects, government regulation, record-keeping, marketing and human resources issues. Prerequisite: 124.

CHM 103: Fundamentals of General Chemistry

This course is designed to meet a one-semester general chemistry requirement. An overview of the following topics is provided: atomic structure and bonding, stoichiometry, energy and acid-base chemistry, redox chemistry, equilibrium kinetics and hydrocarbons.

Laboratory work reinforces lecture topics. Prerequisite: MAT 098/100 or equivalent. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

CHM 104: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

This course is designed to meet a one-semester requirement in organic chemistry of biological systems. An overview of nomenclature, functional groups and reactions is provided, with an emphasis on structure and reactions in biological systems including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and enzymes. Prerequisite: 103. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

MAT 103: College Algebra

Introduction to basic concepts of functions including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; matrices and linear systems; introduction to probability concepts. Prerequisite: 098/100 or Mathematics Placement Exam results. NS

PS 120: American Government

Survey of United States national government, particularly Congress, Supreme Court and the presidency. Attention is also given to political parties, elections, interest groups and analysis of contemporary issues. CC

or

PS 202: State and Local Government

Organization, operation and interrelationship of state and local governments. Emphasizes comparative state practices and innovations in executive, legislative and judicial branches.

One of the following:

BUS 214: Principles of Sales Communications

BUS 223: Marketing Management*

Analytical systems approach to marketing decision-making. Consumer behavior, marketing research, pricing, product and promotion strategy, distribution channels. Why marketing activities develop in an industrial economy. Social and ethical issues are analyzed. Prerequisite: 124.

BUS 326: Personnel Management

System elements required to recruit, select, train and maintain a workforce in business. Emphasis on management development, wage and salary administration, and personnel planning. Prerequisite: 124.

Student Learning Goals

Departmental Goal #1:
To support the Institutional Learning Goal (ILG) W6, a and b
Students will achieve a depth of knowledge in all areas of veterinary medicine (anatomy, physiology, disease, nutrition, parasitology, clinical pathology, pharmacology, and the surgical and anesthetic arena) as it pertains to the veterinary medical technology field

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO):  Depth and breath of knowledge are evidenced by the student’s ability to:

• demonstrate proficiency in the Veterinary Medical Technology field through required coursework including her/his internship.
• adequately perform essential tasks and techniques as required by the American Veterinary Medical Association for a credentialed veterinary medical technologist.

Departmental Goal #2:
To support the ILG W7, a and b
Students will integrate learning in the major and across the Wilson College Liberal Arts curriculum to deepen engagement with big questions, both contemporary and enduring

SLO:  Integration of skills and knowledge is demonstrated by the student’s ability to:

• connect learning from multiple courses in the major and in other course pertinent to the major in order to provide complete veterinary and surgical nursing care to all patients
• connect learning inside and outside of the classroom to provide the best possible care to veterinary patients in all aspects of the veterinary medical field

Departmental Goal #3:
To support the ILG W4, c
Students will and analyze ethical issues in their own lives and as they pertain to question that arise with their major.

SLO:  Ethical awareness is demonstrated by the student’s ability to

• develop strong work ethics and professionalism
• work cooperatively and responsibly within a group by modeling appropriate behaviors in an occupational and laboratory setting

Departmental Goal #4:
To support ILG W2, c
Students will analyze, synthesize, and interpret texts, images, experiences, or other information.

SLO:  Critical  and/or creative thinking skills are evidenced by the student’s ability to gather and analyze data collected in a clinical setting for veterinary diagnostic purposes.

Departmental Goal #5:
Supports ILG W1, a, b, and c
Students will write and speak well in different contexts.

SLO:  Communication skills are demonstrated by the student’s ability to:

• utilize the writing process to deepen learning
• write effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences
• deliver effective oral presentations