The Veterinary Technology program is designed to give students the knowledge and skills needed to work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and animal shelters, performing basic nursing care for the animals, providing dental cleanings, assisting in surgery, producing x-rays, and assisting the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). The knowledge and skills competencies included in the curriculum allow the students to demonstrate basic restraint and treatment techniques for domestic animals, identify breeds of animals, and learn the responsibilities of a licensed veterinary technician in a veterinary practice including physical exams, basic care, feeding, sanitation, and public and/or client relations.
In addition, students will gain skills that are specific to the pharmacological and surgical areas. The competencies in the pharmacological area will allow the students to be able to successfully execute procedures such as the ability to identify, prepare, label, package, and dispense pharmaceuticals in an ethical/legal manner, calculate dosages using proper weights, units, and measures, and use appropriate routes and methods of drug administration; and differentiate between normal and abnormal animal patient responses to medication. In the surgical area, the competencies in the curriculum will help students be able to identify instruments used in veterinary surgery, demonstrate operating room etiquette and the use of sterile technique, perform pre-anesthesia evaluation, administer and monitor anesthesia, and provide post-anesthesia care, recognize and respond appropriately to animal patient emergencies, and assist with routine surgical and obstetrical procedures. Communication competencies have also been integrated into the curriculum so that the students can proficiently define and use veterinary terms and employ effective client and veterinary team communication. The combination of these competencies allows the student to graduate with the mastery needed to be successful in the veterinary technology field.
SELECTIVE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the Veterinary Technology Program is selective. Admission to Collin College does not guarantee admission to the Veterinary Technology Program. Registration and enrollment are by permission only. Information and applications may be obtained from the Veterinary Technology department or the Veterinary Technology website: http://www.collin.edu/department/vettech/.
- Applicant must have a high school diploma or its equivalent (i.e., GED).
- Applicants must be enrolled in Collin College. Admission to Collin College does not guarantee admissions to the Veterinary Technology Program.
- Applicants must meet, review, and sign the Technical Standards required by the program. All applicants must submit a signed “Technical Standards” form with their application.
- Complete prerequisite courses with a “C” or better. For a list of the prerequisite courses please visit the Veterinary Technology website.
- Applicants are required to complete at least 40 hours of clinical experience. Clinical Experience MUST be under the supervision of a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Clinical experience may be paid or volunteer (working, shadowing, or observation in a veterinary clinic or hospital). Once hours are completed, a Veterinary Technology Work Experience form will need to be filled out and signed by the supervising LVT or DVM. A form will be needed for each location used to complete the 40 hours. Completed forms must be submitted with the application form.
- Informed applicants make better candidates! Become informed about the Veterinary Technology program by attending one of the information sessions listed on the veterinary technology website. Following the information, session applicants must complete an information session verification post quiz. Applicants will be directed to a link for this quiz at the conclusion of each information session. A copy of the quiz will need to be printed and submitted with the student’s application form.
- Complete the Veterinary Technology Program Application Form.
- A mandatory criminal background check and drug screening will be required prior to enrollment of all selected applicants.
- Applicants will also have to produce proof of Tdap vaccination. Additional rabies vaccination documentation will also be required if the individual is accepted into the program.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS OF THE PROGRAM
To remain enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program, students must maintain a C or higher in each course listed as part of the degree plan. Any final course grade lower than a “C” will not be accepted. The final grade for lecture and laboratory classes will be determined by the method reflected on the instructor’s syllabus. The final grade for cooperative education courses will be determined by the method shown in the clinical syllabus. See individual course syllabi for a detailed grading scale.
FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES / CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS STATEMENT
After initial acceptance to this program, all students are required to meet specific functional abilities - with or without accommodations - for successful completion of the program and to function safely and effectively in the variety of the profession’s settings. The specific functional requirements are found in the technical standards documents provided in the program information on the Veterinary Technology website http://www.collin.edu/department/vettech/. Students who think they may not be able to meet the functional standards and need accommodation are encouraged to contact the college ACCESS department as soon as this program is of interest.
Health Insurance - All veterinary technology students are required to show proof of health insurance prior to starting course work each semester.
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