During the past two decades, the advent of board certification of specialties in veterinary medicine has changed the nature and character of veterinary practice. There has been a proliferation of multiple-veterinarian private practices, often encompassing a variety of specialties. These large-group practices have provided a rich, challenging environment for well-trained and educated veterinary technicians. They have also created a demand for technicians who are not only knowledgeable about veterinary medicine, but who are also capable of managing the business aspects and personnel of a practice. With increasing economic pressure, even smaller, more routine veterinary practices recognize the benefits of having a competent veterinary technician who also has management capabilities. Such technicians free their employers from the day-to-day management of the practice, enabling the employers to function more fully as practicing veterinarians.

In addition, industrial veterinary medicine--the commercial pharmaceutical industry, private and academic biomedical research institutions, and purely academic facilities--also has great demand for well-trained veterinary technicians who can also function as animal-resource managers. Laboratory-animal resource managers face many challenges, including rapidly changing technology, regulations, and institutional policies. On-the-job training is not providing enough adequately trained managers to meet the needs of this aspect of veterinary medicine, so managers who can effectively address these challenges are in tremendous demand.

See the Required Clinical Program Core Curriculum page for Admissions and Advancement Requirements.

Business Advisement Option: 2+2 for SUNY Delhi B.B.A. Veterinary Technology Management Program    

SUNY Curriculum Code: 0521

SUNY General Education Requirements: Students who intend to receive A.A., A.S., or baccalaureate degrees must satisfy SUNY and campus General Education (GE) requirements to graduate. Students should be aware that GE requirements may vary by academic program. Consult with your academic advisor. For general information, see the "General Education" section of this catalog.

A.A.S. and A.O.S. degree students may not be required to fulfill General Education (GE) requirements; however, any student who may wish to transfer should complete as many GE courses as possible. Consult with your academic advisor.

Typical First Semester

Typical Second Semester

Summer Session: VETS 203 Veterinary Technology Preceptorship 1 cr. hr.

Typical Third Semester

Typical Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 73 credit hours

Note

* English is by placement according to competency.

Technical Standards: In addition to academic requirements, all applicants must also be able to meet the minimum Technical Standards for the program, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Student Learning Outcomes

A graduate of the Veterinary Science Technology A.A.S. program should be able to:

1. Successfully complete the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
2. Demonstrate skills and knowledge of domestic animals, including: normal values for temperature, pulse, and respiration; conduct a thorough and accurate physical examination, including the proper use of the stethoscope; restrain animals for physical examination and veterinary techniques.
3. Perform animal nursing and critical care for all common domestic animals, including: restraint, administering medications, diagnostic sampling for laboratory evaluation, maintaining fluid therapy, applying and removing bandages and splints, and applying established emergency protocols.
4. Assist with animal surgery, including: knowledge of routine procedures and operating-room equipment; prepare the patient, veterinary personnel, and equipment for sterile surgical procedures; function effectively as a surgical assistant to the veterinary surgeon during surgical procedures.
5. Induce, stabilize, monitor, and maintain anesthesia under supervision of the veterinarian; recognize and report anesthetic emergencies; apply resuscitation techniques and CPR.
6. Assist with diagnostic imaging, including: radiography and ultrasound; expose, develop, and evaluate radiographs to provide diagnostic images for veterinary interpretation and diagnosis; and properly clean and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment.
7. Perform common laboratory procedures: hematological examinations, blood chemistries, urinalysis, parasitic examinations, cytological procedures, microbiological procedures, and necropsy.
8. Provide competent assistance with office procedures: telephone contacts, making appointments, admitting and discharging patients, maintaining medical and financial records, and establishing and maintaining a clean and orderly veterinary facility.
9. Communicate with the public, clients, and colleagues through both verbal and written communication skills, including effective listening.
10. Design and deliver grief-management assistance to clients and colleagues.
11. Demonstrate knowledge of the common medicines used in veterinary medicine, including: types and groups of drugs; labeling and packaging of dispensed drugs; using weights and measures correctly; calculating dosages; safely storing, handling, and disposing of controlled substances, biologics, therapeutic agents, and hazardous wastes.
12. Differentiate between normal and abnormal patient responses to medication.
13. Understand basic knowledge of animal health, common diseases, and disease processes for all common domestic animals.
14. Demonstrate skills and knowledge associated with the use of common laboratory animals, including basic principles of animal research; local, state, and federal animal-welfare regulations.
15. Demonstrate skills and knowledge associated with cleaning, sanitizing, and sterilizing equipment and facilities, including knowledge of products, equipment, procedures, and techniques routinely used in reducing, eliminating, or preventing contamination of the animal-care institutions.