VET 250 Vet Tech Internship

This course requires 240 hours of hands-on experience under the direction of a licensed veterinary technician at a departmentally approved veterinary hospital. Learning experiences include medical and surgical nursing, clinical pathology, pharmacology, and diagnostic imaging. Focus is on the student assuming an independent role as a veterinary technician to facilitate transition from student to graduate.

Credits

5

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: VET 222 and VET 235 and VET 240

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

VET 250 Vet Tech Internship

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Effective Date

2022-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: VET 222 and VET 235 and VET 240

Course Credits and Hours

5 credit(s)

0 lecture hours/week

16 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course requires 240 hours of hands-on experience under the direction of a licensed veterinary technician at a departmentally approved veterinary hospital. Learning experiences include medical and surgical nursing, clinical pathology, pharmacology, and diagnostic imaging. Focus is on the student assuming an independent role as a veterinary technician to facilitate transition from student to graduate.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

Student must have completed required rabies pre-exposure vaccination series or document proof of protective titer before taking this course. The cost of the series is the responsibility of the student and may not be covered by insurance.  Students will be working with live animals.  Students are required to travel to off-campus clinical facilities to complete the required 240 hours.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Perform the duties of the veterinary technician in anesthesia and surgical nursing. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2)
  2. Perform the duties of the veterinary technician in medical nursing. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2)
  3. Demonstrate the proper use of a variety of diagnostic tools and equipment, including radiology, while adhering to safety protocols. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2)
  4. Work effectively as a professional member in the veterinary team environment. (CCC 1, 3, 4; PGC 1)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Perform the duties of the veterinary technician in anesthesia and surgical nursing.
    1. Maintain basic cleanliness and orderliness of surgery suite in a veterinary facility.
    2. Perform post-surgical clean up, including equipment, surgical room, instruments, patient, and personnel.
    3. Dispose of hazardous medical waste.
    4. Sterilize instruments and supplies using appropriate methods.
    5. Operate and maintain autoclaves.
    6. Maintain surgery and anesthesia records.
    7. Identify common surgical procedures, and select equipment used in each procedure.
    8. Perform surgical preparations.
    9. Properly pass instruments and supplies.
    10. Maintain proper operating room conduct and asepsis.
    11. Assist with the care of exposed tissues and organs.
    12. Maintain surgery and anesthesia records.
    13. Calculate and administer pre-operative medications.
    14. Induce and maintain general anesthesia using IV anesthetics and inhalation anesthetics.
    15. Calculate and administer injectable analgesics/sedatives/anesthetics.
    16. Monitor the anesthetized patient.
    17. Recognize abnormal ECG and audible sounds.
    18. Care for anesthetic machine.
    19. Scavenge waste anesthetic gas to protect staff.
    20. Perform venipuncture for blood sampling.
    21. Administer parenteral injections.
    22. Place and secure intravenous catheters.
    23. Calculate and maintain fluid therapy.
    24. Monitor anesthetic recovery, and provide intensive post-operative care and pain management.
    25. Perform dental prophy, including dental radiographs.
  2. Perform the duties of the veterinary technician in medical nursing.
    1. Administer subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.
    2. Medicate orally by hand pilling and dose syringe.
    3. Apply topical medication to the eye.
    4. Examine, clean, and medicate ears.
    5. Perform venipuncture for blood sampling.
    6. Perform therapeutic bathing, basic grooming, and dipping.
    7. Provide care and observation of hospitalized/boarded patients/animals.
    8. Prepare feed and prescription diets.
    9. Trim nails.
    10. Express anal glands of dogs.
    11. Provide routine record-keeping.
    12. List and determine normal values of temperature, pulse, and respiration.
    13. Auscultate heart and lungs using a stethoscope.
    14. Perform bandaging and casting techniques for a variety of situations.
  3. Demonstrate the proper use of a variety of diagnostic tools and equipment, including radiology, while adhering to safety protocols.
    1. Identify diagnostic instruments/tools and their uses.
    2. Perform a variety of diagnostic techniques using blood, urine, feces, and other body fluids.
    3. Perform diagnostic radiographs on a variety of species.
    4. Care for and maintain equipment.
    5. Select correct equipment and supplies needed for procedures.
    6. Use supplies in a cost-effective manner.
    7. Adhere to safety guidelines to minimize exposure risk by wearing a lead apron, gloves, and a thyroid shield at all times.
  4. Work effectively as a professional member in the veterinary team environment
    1. Apply principles of written and oral communication in the veterinary setting.
    2. Apply concepts of the veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR).
    3. Develop an increased sensitivity to the influence of ethics in the veterinary profession.
    4. Treat all clients in a nondiscriminatory manner.
    5. Determine principles of client confidentiality.
    6. Act with moral integrity and professional honesty.
    7. Assume accountability for actions and decisions.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

        Summative: Technical Skills Evaluation

60%

        Summative: Professional Behavior Evaluation

25%

        Summative: Case Study Presentation

10%

        Summative: Daily Log

5%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Apply theoretical information that leads to appropriate action in the application or delivery of veterinary nursing procedures.
  2. Competently perform a full range of veterinary nursing procedures used in small and large animal medicine.
  3. Practice behaviors that are consistent with the Veterinary Technology Code of Ethics and employer expectations/requirements.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.