Veterinary Technology

Program Competencies

Students receiving an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology should possess competencies in the following areas as defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association:

1. General Competencies:
   1. Written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
   2. Applied mathematical skills applicable to the field of veterinary technology.
   3. An awareness of the physical and biological concepts applicable to the field of veterinary technology.
   4. An appreciation of the liberal arts.
2. Specific Competencies:
   1. Anesthesia, including induction, monitoring and instrumentation.
   2. Animal husbandry, including restraint, behavior, species and breed identification, reproduction, sex determination and human-animal bonding.
   3. Diseases, preventive medicine (including dentistry), and nursing of companion animals, food-production animals, horses and laboratory animals.
   4. Economics of veterinary practice.
   5. Ethics, professionalism and legal applications in veterinary medicine.
   6. Humane animal care and management.
   7. Basic laboratory animal technology.
   8. Medical terminology.
   9. Necropsy techniques.
   10. Nutrition and principles of feeding.
   11. Orientation to the vocation of veterinary technology.
   12. Pharmacology for veterinary technicians.
   13. Principles of imaging, including radiography and ultrasonography.
   14. Professional organizations and continuing education for graduate technicians.
   15. Surgical nursing and assisting, including instrumentation.
   16. Technician utilization and team concepts of healthcare delivery.
   17. Veterinary anatomy and physiology.
   18. Veterinary clinical pathology and parasitology.
   19. Veterinary microbiology and immunology.
   20. Veterinary office management.
   21. Elementary computer skills pertaining to veterinary technology.
   22. Zoonoses, occupational health hazards and waste disposal.
3. In addition, students should have the skills necessary to assume responsibility for self-development and lifelong learning in the field of veterinary technology.

Assessment

1. Advisory Board consultation
2. Evaluation by accrediting organization (AVMA)
3. Exit examination
4. Survey of employers
5. Survey of graduates
6. Graduate performance on national board examinations