PURSUE A CAREER IN ANIMAL HEALTH

Placement Rate
2009	91%
2008	91%
2007	N/A
Hourly Rate $12.50 - $15.00
Average Starting Salary $25,000 - $30,000

The Veterinary Technician program at Oulton College is currently the only CVMA (Canadian Veterinary Medical Association) accredited program in New Brunswick.

The Canadian employment market for Veterinary Technicians has never been better, especially in the Western provinces where demand far outstrips supply. If you have a genuine interest in animals and enjoy working with people, then this program may be for you. As a Veterinary Technician, you will become a valuable member of an animal health care team. You will be fully trained and qualified to work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian in large animal, companion animal, specialty and equine practices. Graduates will also find employment in zoos, research laboratories, livestock operations, sales, wildlife rehabilitation centers, animal hospitals and animal shelters. The Veterinary Technician Program conforms to the accreditation standards of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) thus allowing the graduates to write the VTNE credentialing examination.

Course Content

VT – 101 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I

The student will learn anatomical planes of reference, directional terms, and biochemistry. Also to identify the components of the skeletal and nervous systems, and to describe their functions in selected species.

VT-151 AND VT-251 TERMINOLOGY

This course will familiarize students with medical terminology. The students will learn how to use word construction and word analysis to assemble medical terms from lay terms and vice versa.

VT – 121 SURGERY I (THEORY)

This course serves as an introduction to surgical instrumentation, preparation of surgical packs and sterilization techniques. Students will learn pre-anesthetic and pre-surgical patient preparation, sterile techniques including standard operating room conduct, opening surgical packs, as well as aseptically gowning and gloving.

VT- 110 LAB PROCEDURES I

The student will learn and be able to identify the various internal and external parasites encountered in veterinary medicine, as well as components of urine, and the importance of testing. The student will also perform urinalysis and parasite testing.

VT – 141 ANIMAL NURSING I

This course will provide the student with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop various small animal nursing skills. The student will learn how to restrain and safely examine animals as will as administer medications, collect diagnostic samples for interpretation, and provide minor procedures including pedicure, ear cleanings, and urinary catheterizations.

VT – 141B SPCA

This course includes field trips to the local SPCA to help facilitate the practical skills acquired within the Animal Nursing I and II courses. While here the student gains "hands-on" experience with basic husbandry, restraint, medication administration, as well as wound care.

VT – 150 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

Basic animal behaviors such as how sick and healthy animals communicate as well as inappropriate behaviors are covered in this course. Housetraining and interacting with animals in a clinic situation will be emphasized. Understanding normal behavior of domestic animals and recognize signs of pain, aggression, fear as encountered in veterinary practices and interacting with these animals appropriately.

VT – 160 NUTRITION

After learning the basic principals of nutrition, students will then be shown how to apply this knowledge when reading labels, or advising clients on what diets are available for different life stages and disease processes. Topics discussed will include: nutritional goals, nutrients vs. ingredients, pet food production, forage recognition, equine diets, special diets, and client counseling.

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VT – 201 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

The student will learn to identify the components of the integument, cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular systems, and describe their functions in selected species.

VT – 221 SURGERY II (THEORY)

This course will provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively monitor the anesthetized patient as well as upon surgical recovery. Learners will develop skills in the function and the use of anesthetic equipment, care, induction, and maintenance of anesthetic patients, selecting anesthetic drug protocols and trouble shooting.

VT- 210 LAB PROCEDURES II

The student will learn the basic components of blood. Emphasis will be placed on the erythron and clotting functions. The student will learn to perform basic hematology testing involved in a Complete Blood Count.

VT – 211 and VT-311 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

This course will deal with client relations, scheduling appointments, telephone techniques, client education, record keeping and effective communication. There will be a strong focus on veterinary medical terminology. The student will also receive an introduction to Veterinary Practice Management Software. There will be discussion on euthanasia, grief and the human-animal bond. Upon completion of this course, students will be effective veterinary receptionists and demonstrate excellent customer service techniques.

VT – 241 ANIMAL NURSING II

This course is a continuation of VT 141. The student will continue to develop knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform small animal nursing tasks including fluid therapy, blood transfusions, wound care and bandaging, as well as the basics of alternative medicine.

VT-270 and VT-370 CALCULATIONS

Students will learn how to problem solve, to understand drug labels & calculate drug dosages and to calculate IV fluid rates, become familiar with various units of measure and conversion between units.

VT – 246 IMMUNOLOGY and DISEASES

An introduction to the immune system including the structure and function of lymph nodes, bone marrow and leukocytes. Topics include the immune response, active and passive immunity, hypersensitivities, and auto immunity. Emphasis is placed on why we vaccinate, what we vaccinate for, vaccine protocols and why vaccines sometimes fail.

VT – 301 ANATOMY and PHYSIOLOGY

The student will learn to identify the components of the urinary, reproductive, digestive and lymphatic systems and describe their functions is selected species.

VT 323; VT 423 and VT 523 SURGERY PREP

The student will be given this time to prepare his/her assigned patient for surgery. A complete physical exam and pre-surgical bloodwork will be completed in this time.

VT – 322 ; VT 422 and VT 522 SURGERY (CLINIC)

Students participate in actual surgeries acting as Prep nurse, OR nurse, Surgical assistant, & Anesthetist. These are real surgeries being done on site in our NBVMA accredited clinic thus allowing students to practice their skills through real hands on experience

VT – 324; VT – 424 and VT- 524 POST OP

Through a combination of photos and notes taken by instructors, all surgeries are discussed and examined as a group to allow students to learn from each other’s experiences.

VT- 310 LAB PROCEDURES III

The student will further study the components of blood. Emphasis will be placed on the leukogram and clinical chemistries. Care and use of various laboratory instruments will also be covered. The student will learn to perform a complete hematology panel, as well as using the various in-house blood analyzers.

VT – 341 LARGE ANIMAL NURSING

Through a combination of lectures and field trips, students will learn how to safely handle and work around cattle, horses, sheep and pigs. As well, methods for blood collection, parental injections, catheter placement and administering oral medications will be taught.

VT – 315 THERIOGENEOLOGY and GENETICS

Students will learn the relationship between our animal’s environment, brain, and reproductive organs.  The different hormones responsible for initiating as well as controlling the reproductive cycle will be explained.  Expected behavior during the estrus cycle, appropriate timing and techniques for breeding and parturition will be discussed.  Basic genetics will be covered to give the student an understanding of the definitions associated with inheritance, monohybrid and dihybrid cross and how to use the Punnett square.  Outbreeding, backbreeding, inbreeding, line breeding, X-linked genes and chromosomal abnormalities will be taught.

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VT – 401 ANATOMY and PHYSIOLOGY

The student will dissect preserved/fresh specimens and identify various organs and structures.

VT- 410 LAB PROCEDURES IV

The student will learn the principles and procedures behind basic cytology and microbiology. Emphasis will be placed on proper collection and preparation methods for sample evaluation.

VT – 417 DENTISTRY

Detailed dental anatomy, charting of the mouth, understanding the cause and importance of periodontal disease, as well as treatment options and home care are all discussed. Also, during the surgery lab, students will perform actual dental cleanings on anesthetized animals.

VT - 409 EMERGENCY & CRITICAL CARE

This course will educate students about the various emergencies that may be encountered in clinic and the technician’s role in these situations, including anesthetic emergencies, toxicological emergencies and cardiac arrest. We will also cover dealing with the critically ill patient, including anesthesia, medications and nutrition.

VT - 412 and VT - 512 SYSTEMIC DISEASES

The student will learn about common diseases (acquired and genetic) affecting small animals. Emphasis will be placed on client education and care of the ill patient

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VT – 508 RADIOLOGY

In this course students gain an understanding and will be able to demonstrate radiology safety measures, proper care and maintenance of radiographic equipment, patient positioning, and processing of radiographs. Students will be able to recognize common technical errors on processed radiographs and how to correct them. The student will gain experience and develop skills with both stationary small animal and mobile large animal x-ray equipment.

VT – 514 EXOTICS

The student will learn about the principles of animal research and the regulatory bodies that govern over research. The student will learn receiving, testing and quarantine procedures. As well, the student will learn how to perform physical examinations, basic care procedures, administer medications, and collect samples for testing on species such as rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters, avian species, non-human primates, reptiles and wildlife.

VT – 518 PHARMACOLOGY

This course will examine common medications used in veterinary medicine, prescription dispensing, handling, storing and documentation of controlled substances, routes and methods of drug administration. Students will develop a working knowledge of veterinary medications, terminology, proper handling, administration and possible side effects of drugs and prescription dispensing protocol.

VT – 519 VTNE REVIEW

This course is designed to prepare the student to write the Veterinary Technician National Exam (required for registration status). All courses will be condensed and reviewed to refresh the information in the student’s mind.

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VT – 632 ANIMAL INTERNSHIP (80 hours)

(optional) The student is placed on a 2-week on-the-job training session at the Atlantic Veterinary College on PEI.

VT – 633 FIELD PLACEMENT (240 hours): OJT

The student is placed on a 6-week On-the-Job training session.

Eastern Veterinary Technicians Association for the Atlantic Provinces
www.evta.ca

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DURATION

20 Months
September to June
Year 1: two semesters - September to June
Year 2: two semesters - September to June
(2460 hours based on 30 hours of instruction per week and 40 hours per week during OJT period)

ADMISSION REQUIRE-
MENTS

• Grade 12 or GED
• Courses: Biology 11 or 12 with a 60% average or better. (Regular or academic level only)
• Chemistry, Physics, and Math courses are considered an asset
• Successful completion of aptitude test
• Meeting with Admissions Officer
• Acceptance by Admissions Committee

Requirements before Program begins

• All students enrolled in the Vet Tech program are required to be immunized against Rabies and Tetanus.
• 40 hours of volunteer or paid work experience in a Canadian Veterinary Clinic completed within two years prior to the beginning of the program.
• Applicants are advised the Veterinary Technician Program is physically demanding. Students should be in good health and be physically able to performing the program requirements.
• Students are required to purchase a stethoscope, thermometer, penlight, scrubs and laboratory coat. These are available at Oulton College and costs are approximately $300.00. Students are required to supply their own coveralls and rubber boots.
• Second year students will be required to pay a refundable $100.00 deposit for the use of a required thermoluminescent dosimeter. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the program, upon the timely return of the undamaged dosimeter.
• Applicants should possess a basic level of computer skills as it is essential for success in the program.

Students may download immunization report and work term verification forms by clicking here.

TUITION/
COSTS

Canadian Student:
Tuition: $10,499 / year 1 and $10,499 / year 2 (No taxes are charged on tuition)
Books and Supplies: approx. $1,320 / year 1 and $0 / year 2 (includes taxes)
Student Protection Fee / Province of NB: $104.99(year 1), $104.99 (year 2)
Student Council fee: $50 / year
Non-Refundable Registration Deposit: $500 (deducted from tuition)

International Student:
Tuition: $11,499 / year 1 and $11,499 / year 2 (No taxes are charged on tuition)
Books and Supplies: approx. $1,320 / year 1 and $0 / year 2 (includes taxes)

START DATE/
END DATE

Year 1: September 8, 2010 to June 17, 2011
Year 2: September 7, 2011 to June 15, 2012

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
PERIOD

May 09, 2011 to
June 17, 2011

(Students may be expected to travel to clinical sites outside the Moncton area. Costs incurred for travel and accomodation are at the expense of the student.)