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Description

The Veterinary Technician Program provides an opportunity for students to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to be an integral member of a veterinary health care team. Students will explore the range of activities carried out in companion and/or large animal practices, animal shelters, biomedical facilities, zoos or wildlife facilities. Through in-class theory and simulations, combined with actual clinical experience in local facilities, students learn to care for and handle animals, understand the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and carry out routine laboratory and clinical procedures. Typical activities include obtaining and recording patient histories, collecting and/or processing specimens, preparing patients, instruments and equipment for surgery, assisting in medical and surgical procedures, providing specialized nursing care, taking and developing x-rays, and communicating with animal owners to provide education in nutrition, disease prevention, and thorough postoperative care instructions. Students are supported in their studies through practicum and cooperative learning experiences at animal facilities to reinforce skills and theory learned during academic semesters.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will find a range of occupations as a member of the Veterinary Health Care Team, including employment in veterinary hospitals, clinics, zoos, animal shelters, pharmaceutical sales, diagnostic labs, kennels, grooming facilities, racetracks, livestock health management or food animal inspections.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• provide humane, ethical medical care for a variety of animal species, within the scope of the regulations, laws and statutes governing animals and the profession;
• develop an awareness of the scope of legislation governing the humane and appropriate use of animals in hospitals, shelters, research facilities, food production, and responsible ownership;
• understand the role of professional associations and memberships, regarding the advancement of the Veterinary Technician both professionally and personally;
• practice correct methods of treatment when handling, medicating, or nursing an animal under care, or while influencing care;
• practice professional standards while conducting an array of veterinary procedures independently or under the supervision of a veterinarian in a variety of medical or laboratory settings;
• establish and achieve appropriate standards for meeting the housing and nutritional needs of animals under care;
• restrain and manage companion animals in clinical situations;
• perform basic patient examinations and accurately document data on vital signs;
• collect and process samples for diagnostic laboratory work;
• perform common veterinary diagnostic tests such as blood chemistries, differentials, sensitivities, parasite load assays and EKGs;
• prepare pharmaceuticals as prescribed by a veterinarian;
• administer medications or treatments by common drug routes or application techniques;
• maintain and prepare anesthetic delivery systems for various species and agents;
• induce anesthesia, monitor patients under anesthesia, and document observations;
• prepare and maintain the surgical area ensuring adequate cleanliness or asepsis is achieved;
• assist during surgical procedures, maintaining aseptic techniques;
• perform dental prophylactic procedures on dogs and cats;
• take and produce standard diagnostic radiographs;
• use computer assistance to document and detail client, inventory, procedure or historical information for future reference;
• function effectively as a member of the multi-disciplinary Veterinary Health Care Team, by understanding and respecting the duties, responsibilities, obligations and limitations of each position;
• work independently to support the clinic/facility while respecting the range and limitations of activities permitted under current legislation governing auxiliary workers;
• establish and supervise the duties and activities commonly carried out by the Clinic Assistant, Receptionist, volunteers and other auxiliary staff as required;
• communicate for the purpose of educating, directing, leading and supporting clients, peers, clinicians and the public regarding the veterinary profession and the role of the technician;
• practice consistently high standards of professionalism while advising, instructing or informing clients and co-workers;
• advocate for the Veterinary Technician as a professional within a health care setting according to Association standards and bylaws;
• participate in lifelong learning activities to ensure currency and credibility in the industry;
• use computer-mediated opportunities to promote the Veterinary Technician locally and internationally;
• communicate clearly and effectively orally, in writing, or through electronic means;
• practice competent, responsible problem solving, decision-making and self-management skills that will enhance the working environment of all members of the Veterinary Health Care Team;
• use systematic, logical problem solving approaches to create appropriate, supportable solutions in a Veterinary Health Care setting;
• design, implement and follow up on projects within acceptable time frames, by using foresight and initiative;
• seek and generate alternatives for more efficient work activities and routines;
• contribute effectively to the Health Care Team by demonstrating awareness of the major duties and responsibilities of the members in order to maximize benefits to clients and patients and the facility;
• practice professionalism by presenting positive attitudes and actions at all times.

Practical Experience

Co-operative Education is a mandatory component of all Co-op programs at Georgian College; it has been designed as a process by which students integrate their academic education with paid work experience related to their program of study. This integration affects much more than simply earning a salary, including the adjustment to the work environment and the development of professionalism. It also reinforces skills and theory learned during academic semesters, develops professional contacts, job knowledge and career path, improves human relations and communication skills and promotes personal maturity and financial independence.

Students are requested to register, attend and participate in their scheduled co-operative education classes. These classes are scheduled for all first year students and are expected to be completed in order to proceed successfully to their first co-op work experience. Students who successfully complete these classes will receive a Recognition of Participation. To ensure students are eligible to proceed onto any co-op work experience students should refer to Promotional Status and Eligibility for Co-op as outlined in the College Calendar. Co-op policies and procedures can be located on our website: www.georgianc.on.ca/careers/for-students/

Georgian College follows the Co-operative Education guidelines set out by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE) and Education at Work Ontario (EWO) by supporting the learning outcomes designed for the program specific graduate profile and curriculum as set out by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Program Progression

Sem 1 - Fall 2011

Sem 2 - Winter 2012

Work Term 2 - Summer 2012

Sem 3 - Fall 2012

Sem 40 Winter 2013

Work Term 2 - Summer 2013

Articulation Agreements

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Information can be found on Georgian's website at www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/articulations/.

External Recognition

Georgian College is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians. Georgian College graduates are eligible to write the Veterinary Technician National Exam and apply for Registered Veterinary Technician status in Ontario. Georgian College is accredited by the Canadian Council on Animal Care as a "Good Animal Practice" facility. Georgian College is a charter member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technician Educators.

Admission Requirements

Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG 4C, ENG 4U), Grade 12 College Mathematics (MAP 4C or MCT 4C), or any Grade 12 University Math, Grade 11 College or Grade 11 or 12 University Biology (SBI 3C, SBI 3U, SBI 4U) and Grade 12 College Chemistry or Grade 11 or 12 University Chemistry (SCH 3U, SCH 4C, SCH 4U).

Proof of pre-exposure rabies vaccination in the form of a blood antibody titre is required at the student's expense before beginning the program. Consult your physician for details.

Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.

Selection Process

Applicants are required to complete the Health Occupations Aptitude Examination as part of the selection process. This test measures reading comprehension, spelling, natural sciences and verbal/non-verbal reasoning. Scores from this test as well as academic grades are used to determine acceptance. Applicants will be assessed and ranked based on the results of their testing and their academic background.

Graduation Requirements

21 Mandatory Courses

2 Communications Courses

2 Co-op Courses

3 General Education Courses

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.

Mandatory

VETC1002 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology 1

VETC1003 Introduction to Veterinary Technology

VETC1007 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology 2

VETC1009 Animal Husbandry and Handling

VETC1013 Animal Nursing 1

VETC1014 Radiography 1

VETC1016 Veterinary Pharmacology 1

VETC1017 Veterinary Lab Techniques 1

VETC1018 Veterinary Lab Techniques 2

VETC2002 Animal Diseases

VETC2003 Companion Animal Nutrition

VETC2011 Animal Nursing 2

VETC2012 Veterinary Anesthesia 1

VETC2014 Radiography 2

VETC2015 Veterinary Anesthesia 2

VETC2016 Vet Surgical Techniques 2

VETC2017 Veterinary Dentistry

VETC2018 Vet Surgical Techniques 1

VETC2019 Veterinary Office Practices

VETC2020 Veterinary Pharmacology 2

VETC2021 Alternatives to Companion Animal Species

The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.

Communications

COMM1001 Communications at Work

Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list

(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)

General Education Courses

To be selected from College list

Co-op

COOP1017 Veterinary Technician Work Term 1

COOP2014 Veterinary Technician Work Term 2

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours

Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.

COOP1017 Veterinary Technician Work Term 1 560.0 Hours

Co-operative Education is a mandatory component of all Co-op programs at Georgian College. Upon successful completion of all Semester 1, Semester 2 subjects, students must attend and participate in their scheduled semester co-op classes in order to proceed successfully to their first co-op work experience. The student should achieve as many student competency as demonstrated during co-op placement 1.

COOP2014 Veterinary Technician Work Term 2 560.0 Hours

Students are required to attend a scheduled debriefing session. Sessions will be scheduled in the first month (September) for all Work Term 1 returning co-op students entering Semester 3. The session is intended to allow the student to validate and submit supporting documentation for work term 1 credit. This must be achieved before proceeding to co-op work experience 2. This work term allows students the opportunity complete their student competency checklist and hours.

VETC1002 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology 1 42.0 Hours

This course is a study of basic anatomy and physiology of companion animals. The physiological functions associated with major body systems will be studied as it applies to the healthy animal and homeostasis. The cat and dog will be the main species used to learn about the integumentary, musculo-skeletal, digestive, cardiovascular and urinary systems.

VETC1003 Introduction to Veterinary Technology 42.0 Hours

This course is an overview of the role of the professional Veterinary Technician. Students are introduced to a range of subjects integral to the success of the technician as a member of the Veterinary Health Care team. The scope of legislation, influences of regulatory or professional bodies, and factors that influence the profession are studied at municipal, provincial and national levels. The essential skills of mathematics, communication, veterinary medical terminology and professional deportment are reinforced.

VETC1007 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology 2 42.0 Hours

This course is a continuation of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology 1 with emphasis on the respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, nervous and reticuloendothelial systems of cats and dogs. A more in-depth study of the function of mammalian systems is conducted, and immunology and disease processes are introduced.

VETC1009 Animal Husbandry and Handling 70.0 Hours

This course is a combination of theory and practice as it pertains to the common care and management of companion animals. Students focus on the normal behaviors, health status indicators and husbandry needs of healthy dogs and cats. Students will identify breeds and breed characteristics of common domestic animals. Students will learn appropriate handling and restraint techniques as related to the animal's life stage, behavior and health status. Restraint aids and species variation will be addressed.

VETC1013 Animal Nursing 1 84.0 Hours

Students learn and practice typical nursing duties carried out in a veterinary hospital. Emphasis is on monitoring and recognizing health status indicators of non-critical patients, sample collection, documentation of findings, interpretation and adherence to medical protocols in case management. Routine preventive health care procedures will be practiced, and correct bandaging techniques, administration of external medications, and client education are studied.

VETC1014 Radiography 1 56.0 Hours

Students learn the fundamentals of radiography and the use of imaging as a diagnostic tool, focusing on the safety of humans and animals. The skills necessary to produce quality radiographs are studied and practiced, including use of personal protective devices, machine safety, correct use and maintenance of machines, animal positioning, exposure and developing of standard radiographs. Safe use and disposal of developing reagents are practiced.

VETC1016 Veterinary Pharmacology 1 28.0 Hours

In this course students begin their study of drugs and other substances of veterinary importance. Pharmacy skills including safe handling, storage, and disposal of drug products and calculation of drugs doses are studied. The necessity for accurate record and log keeping as legal requirements are reinforced. Characteristics, usage, measurement, dosage, administration and effects on patients of selected medications will be discussed.

VETC1017 Veterinary Lab Techniques 1 70.0 Hours

This combination theory and laboratory course introduces students to standard veterinary laboratory procedures. Emphasis is on preparation and evaluation of microbiological, cytological, and fecal samples for in-house analysis or submission to an outside laboratory. Essentials of Microbiology and Parasitology will be discussed. Safe handling and disposal of hazardous and biological materials will be demonstrated and practiced, complying with regulations by local, provincial and federal authorities.

VETC1018 Veterinary Lab Techniques 2 84.0 Hours

The emphasis in this course is to build on lab skills acquired in Veterinary Lab Techniques 1. Students will acquire samples from healthy animals and develop proficiency in completing standard medical diagnostic tests on blood, urine, feces, skin and other samples. Through a problem solving approach, students will conduct tests on samples that may display indications of disease process. Students will evaluate tests with regard to sample quality, diagnostic implications, quality control, limitations and client education.

VETC2002 Animal Diseases 42.0 Hours

The emphasis of this course is the disease process and the implications of disease on companion animal care and treatment. Students will learn ways in which tissues, organs and organ systems respond to injury, processes of tissues healing, and effects of pathogens on tissues. Factors that predispose to disease, immune responses and disease transmission are studied. Overviews of common pathological condition in companion animals are discussed.

VETC2003 Companion Animal Nutrition 28.0 Hours

This course introduces students to basic and advance key nutritional concepts. Emphasis is on the individual nutritional requirements of common companion animal species in maintaining a healthy balanced diet for all life stages. Requisite nutrients and their subsequent composition in diets are studied in detail. Current pet food production and marketing techniques that may influence the choice of diet, and how this may affect the advisory role of the Veterinary Technician will be discussed. Specific diets intended for use in improving diagnosed pathologies will be introduced, and their mechanism of action and efficacy analyzed.

VETC2011 Animal Nursing 2 70.0 Hours

The emphasis of this course is on the nursing functions associated with animals that are exhibiting signs of disease, distress, or injury. First Aid and emergency care are studied and compared with typical nursing techniques related to medical and surgical case management. Sampling techniques and treatments appropriate to managing disease and post-operative care are practiced in an applied setting.

VETC2012 Veterinary Anesthesia 1 56.0 Hours

This course will focus on the concept of anesthesia as an induced physiological state. Knowledge acquired from other courses is integrated to enable students to safely administer anesthetic agents and monitor veterinary patients under anesthesia. Patients will be evaluated from initial assessment through induction, monitoring and recovery. Accurate record keeping and documentation will be practiced. The safe use, care and maintenance of anesthetic induction equipment and ancillary monitoring equipment will be introduced.

VETC2014 Radiography 2 42.0 Hours

Veterinary radiography is a critical diagnostic tool in the animal health field. The trained veterinary technician is responsible for understanding and applying the principles and skills of producing a quality diagnostic radiograph. Radiography 2 builds on the foundational knowledge of Radiography 1, and introduces the concepts of advanced techniques such as contrast studies and positioning. Exotic, avian and large animal techniques will also be discussed and demonstrated when possible. Other common imaging techniques used in veterinary medicine will also be discussed.

VETC2015 Veterinary Anesthesia 2 84.0 Hours

Students develop proficiency in anaesthetic induction via injection, mask inhalation and intubation routes. Patient monitoring and documentation are critical. Consideration of species variations and life stages, use of anaesthesia in emergency situations, and the use of ancillary anaesthetic equipment will be studied. Students may induce and monitor anesthesia for a variety of other veterinary procedures such as dental prophylaxis, surgery and radiography.

VETC2016 Vet Surgical Techniques 2 84.0 Hours

Students assist in real and simulated surgeries, and emphasis is on the various roles of the technician in surgery. Anticipating the equipment and resources required, identifying breaks in sterility, maintaining anesthesia during procedures, monitoring vital signs and recovery are the critical skills learned and practiced. Knowledge of common surgeries and appropriate patient aftercare for client education are studied.

VETC2017 Veterinary Dentistry 70.0 Hours

Students will study the fundamentals of companion animal oral health, focusing on oral anatomy, normal life stage and species- specific dental formulas, the physiology of teeth and surrounding structures. Students learn and practice techniques of routine dental prophylaxis such as cleaning, hand scaling, ultrasonic polishing, and detailed charting, in preventing oral disease. Client education including dietary implications and preventive home care are discussed.

VETC2018 Vet Surgical Techniques 1 56.0 Hours

Students will learn the principles of asepsis, sterilization methods and practical applications of aseptic technique associated with typical companion animal surgery. Emphasis will be on routine maintenance of the surgical area, preparation of the surgical packs, instruments and equipment and physical preparation of the patient for surgery. Preparation of the operating room personnel including anticipating and identifying contamination of the sterile zone, animal positioning, surgical instrument and suture material preparation are studied. Pre and post-operative patient care and client education are practiced.

VETC2019 Veterinary Office Practices 28.0 Hours

This consolidation course focuses on the technician's role in a veterinary practice: to provide leadership, demonstrate professionalism, practice ethical behavior, and communicate with associates in the industry. Students provide client education on life stage behavior, nutrition, disease process, bereavement support and referral, seasonal health issues, disease prevention and pre and postoperative care. The professional technician understands billing procedures, uses industry standard computer applications and is able to explain charges and services to clients.

VETC2020 Veterinary Pharmacology 2 28.0 Hours

In this course students continue their study of drugs and other substances of veterinary importance. Characteristics, usage, measurement, dosage, administration and effects on patients of selected medications will be discussed.

VETC2021 Alternatives to Companion Animal Species 70.0 Hours

In this course, students explore aspects of veterinary technology associated with species not typically identified as companion animals. Concepts discussed include large animal or mixed practice responsibilities, specialty practices and research environments. Common handling and restraint techniques, sample collection, diseases and treatment of performance, exotic and laboratory animals will be studied.

How To Apply

Last Update: March 08, 2012.