In-Person Class

Basic techniques of metal forming and fabrication using drill press, lathe, milling machine; soldering; brazing; oxyacetylene and electric arc welding.

An externship allowing students to observe companion, food and equine practices. Students will observe all aspects of a working clinic. Externships will allow valuable exposure to the reception area, treatment and surgical areas, radiology, laboratory, kennel and stables.

This course includes large animal husbandry, restraint techniques, diseases, nursing and herd health management. The student will acquire the knowledge and skills through lecture and laboratory. Special topics include anatomy, reproduction, and nutrition and will be discussed as they relate to each species.

This course consists of three sections: anesthesia, surgical nursing and dental procedures. The anesthesia section includes an overview of pharmacology, the use and application of anesthetic agents, the physiological effects of anesthetic agents, monitoring procedures, pain management, and basic anesthetic protocol. The surgical nursing section includes the understanding of sterile techniques including the methods by which sterilization is achieved, appropriate behavior in a surgical setting, care of equipment and instruments, and the roles of the operating room staff. The dental section includes a basic understanding of dental anatomy, instrument identification and function, dental exams and cleaning, personnel safety and client education.

This course is designed to instruct veterinary nursing students on the pharmacology and physiology of drugs, rules on filling prescriptions, and handling, storing, and documentation of controlled substances. Emphasis will be placed on classification of drugs, route and methods of administration of drugs, calculating dosages, and physiological action on the systems of the body.

A course in the normal and therapeutic nutritional needs of various species of animals. Topics include components of food, calculating energy requirements, digestion, and life stage needs.

This course includes the study of internal and external parasites of domestic animals. The student will learn identification, life cycles, routes of transmission, prevention and treatment protocols for the various parasites. Laboratory techniques used for identification will be covered in detail. The student will also learn the importance of public health safety, including procedures and protocols.

This course is designed to provide the student with the understanding of anatomy and physiology of domestic species that are most often encountered in food animal and companion animal practice. Topics include cell anatomy, cell metabolism and basic histology. Body systems include: integument, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and special senses. All information will be comparative with each species including canine, feline, equine, porcine, ruminants and avian.

An introductory course in veterinary nursing/veterinary technology. Including but not limited to the various roles of veterinary technicians in the veterinary profession. The laws and ethics of veterinary medicine. The behavior of various animal species with regard to humane restraint and handling. Breed classifications of common domestic animals. Proper cleaning techniques of a veterinary facility. Proper medical record keeping techniques. Principles of general animal care including but not limited to physical exams and basic sampling techniques.

Introduction to performance in television and film. Basic performance techniques will be explored, culminating in a final project.