AGV 103 - Introduction to Veterinary Science

1. Demonstrate understanding of the role and responsibilities of the veterinary technician.
2. Perform basic handling, restraint, and basic health care procedures for small animals.
3. Apply concepts of safety, professionalism, and ethics in a veterinary environment.
4. Recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior.
5. Complete and interpret standard veterinary records and patient histories.
6. Complete large and small animal physical examinations.

Unit Outcomes:

Unit 1: The Veterinary Profession & Practice Management

Unit Objectives:

1. Define the roles of the veterinary healthcare team, with emphasis on the credentialed veterinary technician.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal responsibilities in practice.
3. Describe effective client communication techniques.
4. Understand the organization and management of a veterinary practice.
5. Identify and interpret consent forms and financial estimates.

Unit 2: Veterinary Records & Documentation

Unit Objectives:

1. Accurately complete a patient’s SOAP record and medical log.
2. Demonstrate understanding of medical terminology in veterinary documentation.
3. Identify legal considerations for record-keeping and confidentiality.
4. Evaluate and revise sample records for clarity and completeness.

Unit 3: Occupational Health and Safety in Veterinary Medicine

Unit Objectives:

1. Identify and prevent common occupational hazards in veterinary medicine.
2. Demonstrate correct use of PPE and biosecurity protocols.
3. Describe protocols for exposure to zoonoses and hazardous materials.
4. Understand the role of OSHA in the veterinary workplace.

Unit 4: Animal Behavior, Restraint, and Handling

Unit Objectives:

1. Recognize signs of fear, stress, and aggression in common companion animals.
2. Apply fear-free and low-stress restraint techniques safely.
3. Compare appropriate handling methods for different species and situations.
4. Demonstrate safe restraint techniques during common procedures.

Unit 5: Dog and Cat Breeds, Identification, and Terminology

Unit Objectives:

1. Identify major AKC-recognized dog breeds and feline breed categories.
2. Use correct veterinary terminology for anatomical directions and species identification.
3. Describe breed-related characteristics that affect care and restraint.

Unit 6: Physical Exams, History Taking, and Preventative Health

Unit Objectives:

1. Perform and document a complete physical examination.
2. Accurately take a patient history from a client.
3. Explain the importance of preventive care (vaccination, parasite control, etc.).
4. Identify normal and abnormal TPR values and basic physical findings.

Unit 7: Nutrition

Unit Objectives:

1. Explain nutritional needs for different species and life stages.
2. Interpret and compare commercial pet food labels.
3. Develop basic feeding guidelines based on signalment and lifestyle.
4. Recognize signs of malnutrition or improper feeding.

Unit 8: Fractures, Wound Care, and RECOVER CPR

Unit Objectives:

1. Classify and describe types of wounds and basic treatments.
2. Demonstrate basic bandaging and wound-cleaning procedures.
3. Identify the steps of the RECOVER CPR algorithm.
4. Recognize basic triage scenarios and how to respond.