The Veterinary Technician, AAS, degree will prepare graduates for entrance into the animal care field. The skills learned will prepare students to perform medical tests in a clinic or laboratory environment to use for treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals, including preparation of vaccines, serums, and tissue samples. Students will learn to take blood samples and execute laboratory tests. Protocols for cleaning and sterilizing instruments and materials as well as maintenance of equipment and machines is part of the curriculum. In some clinics, Veterinary Technicians may assist a veterinarian during surgery. Experience with large and small animals is provided. Training includes office procedures and software applications. Upon graduation, students will be fully capable of performing in a wide variety of professional roles within the veterinary field. Students will have entry-level skills needed to support companion animal, equine, and food animal practice, biomedical research, and other veterinary medical activities. Besides being credentialed, students will be inspired to continue life-long learning. Opportunities exist throughout the curriculum for students to gain an understanding of the important influences of diversity and inclusion in veterinary medicine. Graduates of this program will work in small or large clinics, rural or urban, and bring experience with large and small animals to that occupation. Related careers include shelters, rescues, zoos, livestock production facilities, and local and state agencies. Program Outcomes: Demonstrate effective office and hospital procedures, client relations, and communication. Administer and dispense prescribed drugs safely and accurately. Handle common laboratory animals safely and effectively. Demonstrate safe and effective care for avian, exotic, and small animals. Understand all and integrate select aspects of surgical procedures and care. Demonstrate proper lab procedures for specimen management and analysis. Produce radiographic and non-radiographic images. Perform patient assessment techniques and patient care to a variety of animals. Manage patients and equipment of anesthesia safely and effectively. *Adopted from AVMA CVTEA

Enrollment Date: Fall Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 62
Campus: Fort Dodge
Department: Science
CIP#: 01.8301200

Program Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate effective office and hospital procedures, client relations, and communication.
2. Administer and dispense prescribed drugs safely and accurately.
3. Handle common laboratory animals safely and effectively.
4. Demonstrate safe and effective care for avian, exotic, and small animals.
5. Understand all and integrate select aspects of surgical procedures and care.
6. Demonstrate proper lab procedures for specimen management and analysis.
7. Produce radiographic and non-radiographic images.
8. Perform patient assessment techniques and patient care to a variety of animals.
9. Manage patients and equipment of anesthesia safely and effectively.