Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    VETA

 Course #:    123

 Credits:    10

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    11.5

 CIP:    510808

 EPC:    115

 REV:    2024

 Course Description  

Continuation of veterinary clinical procedures related to parasitology, hematology, urinalysis, and diagnostic imaging. Includes the study of animal anatomy and physiology as it relates to selected species as well as diseases that affect the integument and muscular systems, the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, the hemolymphatic, gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, urinary and nervous systems. Learn the business aspects of the veterinary practice as it relates to the role of Veterinary Assistants in the clinic environment. Focus on medical records management, scheduling clients, pet insurance, taking inventory and the basics of financial accounting as it relates to client billing. Develop skills in job search techniques such as identifying common job information sources, conducting effective interviews for information and for hire, completing applications and developing resumes.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: VETA 122 with a "C" or higher.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 77

Lab: 66

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for certificate  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Define hematology and explain its importance in veterinary diagnostics:
   • Define terminology related to veterinary hematology and describe the major functions of blood and list its components; and
   • Explain the function of red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, platelet counts and differential counts, and
   • Identify normal red blood cell and white blood cell morphology; and
   • List and describe the components of a complete blood count; and
   • Determine the packed cell volume and total protein of a blood sample; and
   • Develop an understanding of common veterinary blood chemistry tests.
2. Define urinalysis and explain its importance in veterinary diagnostics:
   • Define terminology associated with urine testing; and
   • Describe the purpose of urine testing in veterinary medicine and methods of urine collection for veterinary patients; and
   • Demonstrate urine collection methods commonly used by veterinary assistants and the proper handling/storage of urine samples; and
   • Describe the components of a complete urinalysis; and
   • Perform a dip stick test on a urine sample; and determine specific gravity of a urine sample.
3. Develop an understanding of diagnostic imaging procedures used in veterinary hospitals:
   • Define terminology associated with radiology and other diagnostic imaging techniques; and
   • Describe the basic principles of X-ray production; and
   • List and understand radiation safety precautions, rules and regulations; and
   • Identify protective garments worn to reduce exposure to X-radiation, and describe other diagnostic imaging techniques.
4. Understand and define terms of anatomical topography and cellular biology; and describe and identify body organization and skeletal anatomy and physiology.
5. Describe the structure and function of each major body system, i.e. integumentary and muscular systems, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, hemolymphatic system, gastrointestinal system, endocrine system, reproductive system, urinary system, and nervous system.
6. Outline a preventative healthcare plan for selected species; and learn methods of handling client communications and gain an understanding of the various roles animals play in the lives of their owners.
7. Discuss assisting the client with the impact of animal death and the grief process and learn personal stress management techniques and identify their personal leadership skills.
8. Learn business etiquette techniques, how to manage medical records, and how computers are used in veterinary medicine (inventory, accounting, scheduling, insurance claims, etc.)
9. Demonstrate safe handling of horses, select appropriate tack and equipment, and catch, halter, and lead a horse from a stall or paddock and demonstrate proper handling and restraint of horses, blanket a horse, groom horses, and clean hooves.
10. Apply bio-security principles to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in veterinary facilities and on farms; and select appropriate feed for horses, observe how to load and unload a horse from a trailer, and identify common equine breeds, colors, and markings.
11. Conduct a physical examination on a horse, measure temperature, pulse, and respiration rate on a horse and chart equine patient data on a medical record.
12. Observe dental procedures for horses, describe a preventative health care plan for horses, and develop an understanding of equine behavior.
13. Identify major skills, effectively complete a job application form and develop a targeted resume.
14. Understand what employers look for when they hire, demonstrate appropriate appearance for a job interview, and conduct effective interviews for information and for hire.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

1. Hematology and its importance in veterinary diagnostics.
2. Urinalysis and its importance in veterinary diagnostics.
3. Diagnostic imaging procedures used in veterinary hospitals.
4. Anatomical topography and cellular biology and body organization and skeletal anatomy and physiology.
5. Structure and function of each major body system, i.e. integumentary and muscular systems, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, hemolymphatic system, gastrointestinal system, endocrine system, reproductive system, urinary system, and nervous system.
6. Preventative healthcare plan for selected species, methods of handling client communications and various roles animals play in the lives of their owners.
7. The impact of animal death and the grief process along with personal stress management techniques and personal leadership skills.
8. Business etiquette techniques.
9. Safe handling of horses.
10. Bio-security principles to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in veterinary facilities and on farms; feed for horses, load and unload a horse from a trailer, and common equine breeds, colors, and markings.
11. Physical examination on a horse and chart equine patient data on a medical record.
12. Dental procedures for horses, a preventative health care plan for horses, an understanding of equine behavior.
13. Job application form, resume, what employers look for when they hire, appropriate appearance for a job interview, and effective interviews for information and for hire.