Yuba College Veterinary Technology Curriculum

VT 1 Introduction to Veterinary Technology (3 units) CSU
This course introduces the first year Veterinary Technology student to the diverse field of veterinary technology. Emphasis on careers and career paths, legal applications, ethical responsibilities, professional attitudes, animal breeds, physical restraint, medical terminology, and occupational safety issues. Prerequisite: Admission to the Veterinary Technology Program. (L)

VT 2 Veterinary Physiology and Anatomy (3 units) CSU
Gross anatomy and physiology of domestic animals. Includes the study of body systems such as skeletal, muscular, integumentary, special sense organs, circulatory and digestive. Also includes principles of certain pathological problems and surgical conditions. Prerequisite: VETT 1 or equivalent. (LM)

VT 2L Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory (2 units) CSU
Gross anatomy laboratory of domestic animals. Includes the study of body systems such as skeletal, muscular, integumentary, special sense organs, circulatory and digestive. The structure and function of the animal body with emphasis on the similarities and differences among domestic animals. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in VETT 2. (L)

VT 3 Veterinary Pharmacology (3 units) CSU
Concepts of veterinary pharmacology. Appropriate pharmacological agents are discussed including classification, dosage, method of action, method of administration, dispensing procedures, legal requirements and pharmacy management. Prerequisite: VETT 1 or equivalent. (LM)

VT 4 Veterinary Clinical Laboratory Techniques (3 units) CSU
Studies of the techniques and procedures employed in evaluating clinical diagnostic samples. Emphasis will be on procedures common to veterinary medicine including hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, cytology, immunology and microbiology. Topics include: the safe and proper collection of diverse samples, microbial culturing, methods of sample analysis, and the significance of normal and abnormal results. Prerequisite: VETT 1 or equivalent. (LM)

VT 5R Veterinary Technology Internship (2 units) CSU
Formal, structured off-campus clinical experience in a veterinary hospital, animal research facility, zoo, laboratory or other animal facility. The student works independently with a supervisor, while mastering the appropriate “essential” and “recommended” skills required by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Rotation through various facilities is required. (LM) Grades are CR/NC.

VT 6 Veterinary Workplace Safety (3 units) CSU
Introduces veterinary hospital staff to occupational health and safety unique to veterinary medicine. Topics include: risk assessment, protective safety measures, current OSHA standards, safe use of hazardous materials, and preventive medicine for personnel engaged in the care and use of animals.

VT 7 Veterinary Business Applications (3 units) CSU
Introduction for the first year Veterinary Technology student to veterinary practice management. Standard office procedures with an emphasis in client relations, education, practice management and computer skills. Ethics in veterinary medicine as well as state and federal regulations governing veterinary practice. (LM)

VT 8 Large Animal Medicine and Nursing (3 units) CSU
Emphasis on the physical exam, restraint, sample collection, bandaging, emergency treatment, surgical and obstetrical procedures and instruments, herd health, and lameness topics for farm animals.

VT 9 Laboratory Animal Medicine (2 units) CSU
Introduction to laboratory animal medicine. Appropriate methods of animal handling, restraint, management practices, husbandry, nursing, care and observation of laboratory species will be emphasized. This course will provide information and handling skills which will help the student prepare for AALAS certification.

VT 10 Exotic and Wildlife Medicine (3 units) CSU
An overview of fundamentals of avian, exotic and wildlife husbandry,
physiology, management, and medicine; includes appropriate methods of animal handling, restraint, husbandry, care and observation of exotic and wild species.

VT 11 Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (3 units) CSU
This lecture course emphasizes the theoretical and practical aspects of
assisting the veterinarian in the management of medical and traumatic
emergencies. Recognition and assessment of cardiovascular shock,
respiratory crisis, gastrointestinal emergency and musculoskeletal trauma. (LM)

VT 12 Introduction to Veterinary Medical Math (1 unit) CSU
Essential mathematical concepts and calculations, conversions, and proper articulation of fractions/decimals in healthcare applications, measurements, drug orders, and dose calculations. (LM)

VT 14 Veterinary Management of Equine Reproduction (3 units) CSU
Veterinary medical management of equine reproduction. Includes anatomy and physiology of the mare and stallion, control of the estrous cycle, gestation and foaling, feeding the broodmare and young horse and estrous cycle manipulation of the mare.

VT 16 Veterinary Professional Development Seminar (1 unit) CSU
Introduction to the various skills necessary for biomedical research and
veterinary practice. This seminar course combines independent study,
selected clinical experiences and seminar discussions to enhance critical thinking in the veterinary technology field. Prerequisite: VETT 1 or equivalent. (L)

VT 52 Human Animal Bond (3 units)
Special focus on human-companion animal interactions. Students will relate to animal-assisted therapy/activity, service animal and humane education programs. Students explore sociological, historical, economic, philosophical, and public policy issues regarding animals in world societies. (L)

VT 53A Veterinary Surgical Nursing and Anesthesiology (4 units)
Principles and techniques involving surgery and anesthesia. Includes
preparation and identification of surgical instruments and equipment, routine surgical procedures, anesthesia induction and monitoring, post surgical care, clean up and surgical record keeping. Prerequisite: VETT 1 or equivalent. (LM)

VT 53B Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (2 units)
Principles and techniques of radiographic imaging. Includes the production of X-rays, radiographic equipment, safety measurement, and radiographic quality. Also includes diagnostic radiographs, positioning of patients, darkroom techniques and X-ray processing. Prerequisite: VETT 1 or equivalent. (LM)

VT 53C Advanced Veterinary Nursing Techniques (4 units)
Principles and techniques involving veterinary nursing. Emphasis on
venipuncture, catheterization, fluid therapy preparation, nursing care and behavior of large and small animals, preventive medicine, nutrition, and medical procedures. Also includes mentoring techniques, teamwork, communications and health problem assessment involving kennel management. Prerequisite: VETT 1 or equivalent. (LM)

VT 53D Veterinary Dentistry Principles (2 units)
Principles and techniques involving veterinary dentistry. Includes preparation and identification of dental instruments and equipment, routine dental procedures, dental charting, the oral examination, oral radiography, orthodontics, pathophysiology and dental emergencies. Prerequisite: VETT 1 or equivalent. (LM)

VT 54 Diseases of Domestic Animals (3 units)
An introduction to infectious and non-infectious diseases and conditions of domestic animals. Material covered includes the etiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, zoonotic potential and clinical signs of animal disease. Mechanisms of disease as well as the host-parasite relationship and host response. Principles of vaccination, disease prevention, and zoonosis. (L)

VT 55 Veterinary Medical Terminology (3 units)
A guided self-study of veterinary medical terminology. Students will employ a systematic, word building approach to master the terminology of the veterinary medical field. (L)

VT 56 Shelter Medicine (3 units)
Overview of animal shelter medicine and issues. Includes: behavioral
assessment, infectious disease prevention and control, population
perspective on disease management, emergency care and triage. Pet and shelter population dynamics will be discussed.

VT 57R Veterinary Technology Special Projects (2 units)
Directed independent work in animal husbandry, veterinary practice, animal research or other special projects which will provide the student with individual experiences in animal care and management. Research paper or service project in the student's focus or career interest.

VT 59R Veterinary Technology Board Review (2 units)
Review of pertinent subject matter in preparation for the California State Veterinary Technician and National Board Examinations. Also includes test taking skills, test anxiety reduction techniques and practice board exams. Advisory: Pass/No Pass. (L)

VT 91 Veterinary Assisting (3 units)
Concepts of veterinary medicine needed to function effectively as a
veterinary assistant, veterinary receptionist, kennel staff or animal shelter worker. This course does not lead to the AS Degree in Veterinary Technology but can be used as a step towards entry into that program. VETT 91 partially fulfills the requirements of the Veterinary Receptionist/Assisting Certificate program. (L)