Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is an introductory course designed to explore the job of the Certified Veterinary Technician.  It should provide sufficient insight into the job requirements that the student can determine if this is the appropriate profession.  Its purpose is also to promote enthusiasm for the profession and provide a foundation for professional development.
This is designed for first year veterinary technology students and is a graduation requirement for the Associates Degree in Applied Sciences in Veterinary Technology. 

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Recognize the historical significance of the role of a Certified Veterinary Technician.
2. Identify and describe the various job opportunities of the Certified Veterinary Technician and the duties performed by a technician in a veterinary hospital.
3. Recognize and describe commonly used hospital procedures associated with various types of animal care facilities. 
4. Identify and describe the common breeds of dogs and cats, their unique differences, and their routine daily care.
5. Recognize and apply safe procedures for the storage, utilization and disposal of all chemicals and sharps (needles, scalpel blades, etc.) used in the care of college-owned animals while participating in VT program lectures and laboratories.
6. Recognize and apply the basic rules of word construction and vocabulary of the body systems, read and understand veterinary medical documentation in medical records and medical reports, and communicate with veterinary health care professionals utilizing proper medical terminology.

This course is designed to be a lecture course.  It is a three-credit-hour course that meets for three-lecture hours per week.  
The student will be introduced to the historical aspects of veterinary medicine and the technician.  Other areas covered will be occupational safety, the duties of the technician, ethics, infectious diseases, commonly used vaccines, breeds of animals, first aid and nursing care, job opportunities, and veterinary medical terminology.

Grades will be based on the student’s understanding of the course content as demonstrated by periodic examinations, a comprehensive final exam, and by attendance.  To receive a passing grade, the student must have attended a minimum of 80 percent of the lecture classes.